The rating for Night Beacon comes from the University of Georgia's two trials in 2002 (
http://hortsci.ashspublication...), but there is always the chance that cultivars will fare one way in one setting and not in another, or even with one strain of local rust versus another. And, it is important to try to include a bit of all cultivars in the garden and hybridizations - they each have their strengths and most all have some weaknesses. I know that is why I do include some Dormants, and Nocturnals along with some possible rust-susceptible cultivars, myself. Diversity is so important to plant population genetics.
I couldn't find Night Beacon for sale at any of the expected and/or AHS daylily gardens, only through online garden centers (was on page two of search results, but I could have missed something....), but I did see it on sale at Wild & Sons for $4, so a very affordable one to try out if you are inclined. Of course, characteristics such as color, height, bloom season, even ploidy can vary from one garden to another, also. So, if you can find it through an AHS garden, perhaps even in your area, they may be able to help sort out how it performs there, as well.
You could even pair it with one of Night Beacon's offspring that has been crossed with some oldies-but-goody seedlings, or one of the pod/pollen parents used in the cross:
Of course, if you are liking the deep purple, Night Beacon might mix well with:
And ... the list goes on and on :D
Yikes, so many purples, so little space or time! lol
