Introduction to the American Hemerocallis Society
The American Hemerocallis Society is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the world of daylilies. Founded in 1946, it has grown into the leading authority for daylily lovers, breeders, and gardeners across the globe. The society not only promotes education and enjoyment of these flowers but also holds the official role of registering new daylily cultivars. Today, it operates publicly as the American Daylily Society (ADS) while retaining its official legal name.
What is the American Hemerocallis Society?
At its core, the society is a community of people passionate about Hemerocallis, more commonly called daylilies. It connects gardeners, hybridizers, and researchers through education, events, publications, and awards. Its mission revolves around improving the cultivation of daylilies and maintaining accurate records of new varieties.
History of the Society
Origins in 1946
The journey began in 1946 when a group of enthusiasts founded the Midwest Hemerocallis Society. Their aim was simple: to bring together people who loved growing daylilies.
Becoming National
By 1948, the group adopted a new name — The Hemerocallis Society — reflecting its broader reach.
The 1955 Transformation
In 1955, it was incorporated as the American Hemerocallis Society, Inc. The same year, it was appointed the International Cultivar Registration Authority (ICRA) for Hemerocallis by the International Society for Horticultural Science. This gave the society global responsibility for officially recording and approving new daylily cultivars.
Rebranding to ADS
In recent years, the organization embraced the name American Daylily Society for public use. The goal was to make it easier for gardeners and newcomers to recognize its connection to daylilies.
Mission and Purpose
The society’s mission is clear:
- Encourage the education and enjoyment of daylilies.
- Support hybridizers and growers in improving cultivars.
- Maintain the official registry of daylily names worldwide.
- Build a strong community of gardeners through regional clubs, shows, and conventions.
It blends scientific authority with the joy of gardening, making it relevant to both researchers and hobbyists.
Membership Benefits
Joining the society comes with a range of benefits.
Publications
Members receive the Daylily Journal, a quarterly full-color magazine packed with information on cultivars, gardening tips, and updates from the society. In addition, they get regional newsletters tailored to local activities and events.
Access to Regional Clubs
With more than 15 regions, members can connect with local clubs that host flower shows, garden tours, and meetings. This creates a close-knit gardening community at the local level.
Educational Resources
Members get access to a Daylily Dictionary, buyer lists for trusted sellers, and resources that help with cultivation and hybridizing.
Together, these benefits provide both knowledge and community support.
Daylily Registration Authority (ICRA Role)
How Registration Works
One of the most important roles of the American Hemerocallis Society is its responsibility as the International Cultivar Registration Authority. Every new daylily cultivar in the world must be registered here.
Registration involves:
- Checking if the chosen name is unique.
- Recording the description, hybridizer, and characteristics.
- Publishing it in the official checklist.
Importance of Records
This system ensures clarity for gardeners and hybridizers. With more than 100,000 registered cultivars, accurate records prevent confusion and guarantee that names remain unique.
Awards and Recognitions
The society has created a respected awards system that guides gardeners in choosing proven cultivars.
The Stout Silver Medal
This is the highest honor, named after Dr. Arlow Burdette Stout, who pioneered daylily hybridization. It is awarded only to cultivars that have already won an Award of Merit.
Award of Merit and Honorable Mention
The Award of Merit recognizes daylilies with strong garden performance. The Honorable Mention is often the first step for new cultivars on their journey to higher recognition.
Specialty Awards
Other honors include the Lenington All-American Award, Ida Munson Award, and awards for specific forms like doubles, spiders, or unusual flowers.
These awards influence which cultivars are most sought after by gardeners and collectors.
Publications and Resources
The Daylily Journal
This glossy quarterly magazine is the flagship publication of the society. It features cultivar spotlights, scientific articles, hybridizer stories, and stunning photography.
The Daylily Dictionary and Buyer Lists
The Daylily Dictionary explains terms, shapes, and features of daylilies in simple language. The buyer lists guide members to trusted nurseries and sellers, ensuring quality and authenticity.
Regional Clubs and Societies
The American Hemerocallis Society divides its network into 15 geographic regions. Each has local clubs that organize shows, tours, and educational events. Regional newsletters keep members updated on what’s happening nearby.
This structure ensures that whether you live in the North, South, East, or West, there’s always a supportive daylily community close to home.
Daylily Display Gardens
Across the United States, Canada, and parts of Europe, the society maintains more than 250 official Display Gardens. These gardens showcase registered cultivars in real settings, helping gardeners see how plants perform in different climates.
They also serve as living classrooms, offering inspiration and education to visitors.
Events and Conventions
The society organizes both regional meetings and national conventions. These gatherings include:
- Garden tours featuring award-winning cultivars.
- Educational workshops on hybridizing and cultivation.
- Flower shows judged by certified exhibition judges.
It’s an opportunity for members to connect, learn, and celebrate their shared passion.
Impact of the American Hemerocallis Society
The impact goes far beyond membership. The society:
- Maintains integrity in plant names worldwide.
- Provides a quality standard through its awards system.
- Builds a global gardening community around daylilies.
- Promotes horticultural knowledge and appreciation.
Without it, the daylily world would lack order, recognition, and unity.
How to Join the Society
Becoming a member is simple. You can join online through the official website. Options include individual, family, or life memberships. Fees vary, but every membership includes the Daylily Journal and access to all society resources.
Joining means becoming part of a vibrant community while also supporting the preservation and promotion of daylilies worldwide.
Conclusion
The American Hemerocallis Society has played a vital role in the world of daylilies for nearly 80 years. From its beginnings in 1946 to its role today as the American Daylily Society, it has grown into a respected international authority. With its responsibilities in cultivar registration, awards, publications, regional clubs, and display gardens, it serves both science and hobbyists.
Whether you are a casual gardener or a serious hybridizer, the society offers knowledge, community, and inspiration. Joining means being part of a legacy that continues to shape the world of daylilies.
