R. W. Munson, Jr. Award

Established in 2001, the R. W. Munson, Jr. Award is presented annually to the most outstanding patterned daylily, as selected by AHS Garden Judges. The award was created to encourage the development and recognition of an emerging class of daylilies distinguished by complex and visually striking color patterns.

The award honors the memory of R. W. Munson, Jr., a pioneering hybridizer whose work helped advance patterned daylilies, including the development of cultivars featuring the classic “watermark” characteristic. To be eligible, a cultivar must have been registered for a minimum of five calendar years.

As defined by the ADS Scientific Studies Committee, a patterned daylily exhibits variations in color, hue, value, or saturation that create a distinct design beyond basic markings such as a solid eye, band, halo, or simple watermark. Patterns may include repeating features such as concentric rings or feathering, as well as irregular effects such as stippling, streaking, spotting, striping, or variegation. The definition remains intentionally broad to accommodate new pattern types that may emerge through future breeding efforts.