Seedfork said: So it does not appear that the ease with which a plant contracts rust is the measure, but the degree to which it displays rust. ......do the rest of you agree with my interpretation of the rankings?
I agree but would use slightly different wording. It seems the response to rust varies. The most undesirable response is formation of spores over leaves, (sometimes even over front of them too) and scapes. The response of dark patches (maybe cells forming across the stomata like a thin scab) looks bad but at least doesn't spread spores.
Hi started growing daylilies in 2013. I live on the east cast of Australia where it is sub tropical. I bought from growers who did not have rust. Plants in the neighbourhood did not have it. I did not then research which cultivars would suffer badly from rust. Then I bought plants from a market. For a long time the seller denied they had rust. Should have known as she kept pulling leaves off plants. It soon spread. Two years ago I moved from right on the coast to 4 kms inland. Conditions are still extremely favourable to rust, ie. mild temperatures, frequent showers and wind. A couple of frosts each winter, and usually very hot long summers with mild nights.
Some of my plants appear more resistant than others but until I provide good conditions for my plants it is not fair to judge them. Some I bought last year and planted in a different part of the garden seem rust free. Others I have in pots out front where they get hot sun all day so i have to keep them watered and weeded. I think one is a disaster, then after lots of rain it seems vigorous and healthy.
