"Two Daylilies Awarded All-American 1998 Status"

TWO DAYLILIES AWARDED "ALL-AMERICAN" STATUS

The All-American Daylily Selection Council is pleased to announce two daylilies that have earned the title "All-American" for 1998: Lullaby Baby and Starstruck. Both selections are tried-and-true cultivars whose test scores have earned them this AADSC top honor. The All-American designation is reserved for field-tested daylilies that meet rigorous performance standards-daylilies such as Black Eyed Stella (pp#7909), the first daylily to receive this honor.

EXHIBITION QUALITY PERFORMERS

Unlike Black Eyed Stella, which earned its "All-American" title for superior landscape performance, the two new winners were top-rated in the exhibition category. Test scores in the landscape category are weighted heavily toward total number of bloom days and mass performance, while in the exhibition category, bloom and foliage beauty are given a higher priority. This means that while Black Eyed Stella is an optimum choice for long-term mass color, both Lullaby Baby and Starstruck are distinctive selections well qualified to highlight gardens on a more intimate scale. Don't be misled by the "pretty faces" of these cultivars-they are both excellent performers.

DIAMOND DUSTED BEAUTY

Lullaby Baby receives favorable reviews for its beautiful, near white blooms with a soft pink infusion and delicate green throat. Ruffled, diamond-dusted and lightly fragrant, the petite 3½-inch flowers appear in clusters on graceful 18-24 inch scapes and bloom over a long period. Lullaby Baby is an excellent, all-round performer with lush, dark green foliage 12-16 inches tall. Even in very hot conditions, the foliage retains its color.

LATE-BLOOMING BEAUTY

Starstruck blooms later than many daylilies. Where multiple cultivars are utilized, it extends the bloom season. Just as the other daylilies are finishing their show, Starstruck comes into its own. Rising 24-26 inches tall with magnificent seven-inch flowers, Starstruck often reblooms until frost. The delicately ruffled blossoms, bright gold with a pale green throat, have heavy substance and a mild fragrance. The lush green foliage matures to a height of 16-20 inches, and highlights the striking gold blooms. You won't be disappointed when Starstruck lights up your landscape with its "mega" sized seven-inch blooms!

AADSC: TESTING FOR THE BEST

The All-American Daylily Selection Council, based in North Carolina's Blue Ridge Mountains, coordinates a testing program which evaluates daylilies on 50 performance characteristics including bloom and foliage beauty, plant vigor, bloom sun fastness, growth form and balance, fan increase, disease resistance, length and intensity of bloom period and zone hardiness. In order to establish a benchmark for daylily performance, the AADSC has evaluated over 6,000 daylily cultivars. Plants are tested for at least two years, under code, in test sites throughout the U.S.A. and Canada. "All-American" status is granted to cultivars that have high performance scores across five USDA zones. Lullaby Baby & Starstruck have proven true to these high standards.

THREE "ALL-AMERICAN" DAYLILIES

ON TARGET FOR 1999

Looking to the future, the AADSC has recently completed evaluations which indicate that there will be three daylilies qualifying for the "All-American" title in 1999. Though the names of these winners may not be released at present, you can look forward to the announcement appearing on the horizon in 1998. As hybridizers and testing facilities continue to work together to develop the "best of the best," the future of daylilies has never looked brighter. Both new "exhibition" beauties for 1998 will be available at local garden centers next spring.