Question
Hi Tom, I have found that my daylilly's have rust.  My question is should I now get rid of these plants, or is it ok to divide them and replant them?  I am wanting to give some to my Dad for a present but not sure if it is safe to give him any of these rusted daylilly's.  Not sure on how to treat them as this seems to be a new disease.  They also have these tiny white bugs all over the base of the greenery.  

Also, after I dig them up, is it ok to plant another kind of perenial in the same spot?  I was going to put some pansies in the same soil and wanted to replant my divided daylillys there.  Thank you so much if you can give some advice.

Judy

Answer
Hi Judy,
Thanx for your question.  I would not give your father any of your daylilies.  Here is a link to Cornell University which instructs how to treat the fungal infection.
http://plantclinic.cornell.edu/FactSheets/daylily%20rust/daylilyrust.htm

You may plant other perennial plants where the daylily was except hosta.  There is a theory that hostas are also susceptible to the daylily rust but the jury is not back yet on that.

The white bugs sound like aphids.  Here is a link to pictures of various pests of daylilies that should help you identify the particular pest.  Use a horticultural soap to get rid of aphids.

http://www.daylilies.org/ahs_dictionary/pests.html

I hope this helps.
Tom