Award of Merit

Established in 1950, the Award of Merit recognizes cultivars that are not only distinctive and beautiful, but also demonstrate outstanding performance across a broad geographic area. As the second level in the AHS “Pyramid of Awards,” it serves as an important milestone on the path to eligibility for the Stout Silver Medal.

Each year, the award is presented to the twelve registered cultivars receiving the highest number of votes from AHS Garden Judges. To qualify, a cultivar must receive votes from at least half of the AHS regions, and no more than one-third of its total votes may originate from a single region. This voting structure helps ensure that recipients have demonstrated excellence and adaptability across a wide range of growing conditions.