I remember when I had rust in 2001. No one knew much about it then. I was afraid all my plants would die.
But, they didn't.
And, rust has never come back.
I had at least 7,000 seedlings, and perhaps 1000 named cultivars. There were only a handful that showed zero symptoms.
It is a shame you got rid of the ones showing rust. Cutting affected foliage, spraying and cold winter would have probably solved it for you.
However, I don't thnk Strutters Ball, although a fine classic daylily will take the place of Mary's Baby. The newer purples are so nice and rich.
Bela Lugosi... I bought it the year after it came out, for $200, from the hybridizer. It remains one of my very favorite purples. I suggest that you get a piece from Curt, or check out ATP member "lilylady" to see if she has some for sale. The nursery trade has taken it to tissue culture, and it is being sold at big box stores all over. I have seen some of these TC plants growing in gardens, and they did NOT measure up to a field grown division that has not been TC. Lilylady has been collecting Hanson's for years, and is likely to have it if you don't want to order it from Curt. I also have had good luck with a lot of John Rice's purples.
