2026 ADS Region One Cultivar Awards

The American Daylily Society announced the 2026 cultivar award winners during the fall 2026 Board of Directors meeting on October 16. Five of the award-winning daylilies are from Region One hybridizers Karol Emmerich of Springwood Gardens in Jordan, Minnesota; Kathleen Nordstrom of Northern Lights Daylilies in West Concord, Minnesota; and Mike Grossmann of Northern Lights Daylilies in West Concord, Minnesota.

Congratulations, Kathleen, Mike, and Karol!

Awards of Merit (AMs)

Kathleen Nordstrom’s beautiful QUASAR CUTIE (2018, dip) won an AM in 2026. QUASAR CUTIE received 79 votes, the most votes in 2026 cast for an AM.

'Quasar Cutie' (Nordstrom, 2018)—pic courtesy of Steve Horan

For an additional picture and complete description of QUASAR CUTIE, click HERE. To view Kathleen Nordstrom and Mike Grossmann’s Northern Lights Daylilies website, click HERE.

Karol Emmerich’s exquisite PRAY WITHOUT CEASING (2019, tet) won an AM in 2026. PRAY WITHOUT CEASING received 49 votes.

'Pray Without Ceasing'—pic courtesy of Karol Emmerich

For additional pictures and complete description of PRAY WITHOUT CEASING, click HERE. To view Karol Emmerich's Springwood Gardens website, click HERE.

Honorable Mentions (HMs)

Mike Grossmann's toothy OPA'S WHISKERS (2023) won an HM in 2026. OPA'S WHISKERS received 23 votes.

'Opa's Whiskers' (Grossmann-M., 2023)—pic courtesy of Mike Grossmann

For a complete description of OPA'S WHISKERS, click HERE. To view Mike Grossmann and Kathleen Nordstrom’s Northern Lights Daylilies website, click HERE.

Karol Emmerich’s stunning LET THE SEA RESOUND (2017, tet) won an HM in 2026. LET THE SEA RESOUND received 27 votes.

'Let the Sea Resound' (Emmerich, 2017)—pic courtesy of Karol Emmerich

For additional pictures and complete description of LET THE SEA RESOUND, click HERE. To view Karol Emmerich's Springwood Gardens website, click HERE.

Karol's lovely LILY AMONG THORNS (2017, tet) won an HM in 2026. LILY AMONG THORNS received 19 votes.

'Lily Among Thorns' (Emmerich, 2017)—pic courtesy of Karol Emmerich

For additional pictures and complete description of LILY AMONG THORNS, click HERE. To view Karol Emmerich's Springwood Gardens website, click HERE.

Congratulations and kudos from everyone in ADS Region One, Karol, Kathleen, and Mike!