Patterns in Nature: Daylilies - Discover + Share

June 17, 2026

2–3 minutes

Patterns are everywhere in the natural world. At the Missouri Botanical Garden, we are exploring these patterns through Patterns in Nature: The Art of HYBYCOZO, on display through September 26. We also encourage visitors to look for patterns in the Garden’s living plant collection. This blog explores patterns in daylilies, pretty perennials known forbright summer blooms.

There are more than 80,000 registered cultivars of day lilies that include many specifically bred to feature unique patterns. The R. W. Munson, Jr. Award recognizes excellence in patterns in daylilies.

The Missouri Botanical Garden is home to 1,779 daylily plants representing 1,650 cultivars including many of the past winners of the R.W. Munson, Jr. Award. The Garden continually adds to its expansive daylily collection.

You can view the Garden’s daylilies in the Jenkins Daylily Garden, Bulb Garden, and other locations throughout grounds.

Yankee Pinstripes

Hemerocallis ‘Yankee Pinstripes.’ Photo by Claire Cohen

Pattern award: 2021
Added to the Garden’s collection: 2022

Explosion in the Paint Factory

Hemerocallis ‘Explosion in the Paint Factory.’ Photo by Tom Incrocci.

Pattern award: 2019
Added to the Garden’s collection: 2019

Alien DNA

Daylily, Daylily ‘Alien DNA.’ Photo by Tom Incrocci.

Pattern award: 2017
Added to Garden collection: 2018

Jessica Lynn Bell

Hemerocallis ‘Jessica Lynn Bell.’ Photo by Tom Incrocci.

Pattern award: 2015
Added to Garden’s collection: 2016

Magic of Oz

Numerous Spider daylily blooms show off a green starburst effect along with pastel pink and yellow color schemes. Pistils and stamens are opaque with matching color schemes and the anthers are topped with orange pollen.

Pattern award: 2014
Added to the Garden’s collection: 2006

Rose F. Kennedy

Hemerocallis ‘Rose F. Kennedy.’ Photo by Tom Incrocci.

Pattern award: 2013
Added to the Garden collection: 2014

Entwined in the Vine

Hemerocallis ‘Entwined in the Vine.’ Photo by Tom Incrocci.

Pattern award: 2012
Added to Garden collection: 2013

Starman’s Quest

Hemerocallis, ‘Starman’s Quest.’ Photo by Tom Incrocci.

Pattern award: 2011
Added to Garden’s collection: 2005

Texas Kaleidoscope

Hemerocallis, ‘Texas Kaleidoscope.’ Photo by Tom Incrocci.

Pattern award: 2010
Added to the Garden’s collection: 2011

Catcher in the Eye

Hemerocallis ‘Catcher in the Eye.’ Photo by Tom Incrocci.

Pattern award:: 2008
Added to the Garden’s collection: 2009

Web of Intrigue

Hemerocallis ‘Web of Intrigue.’ Photo by Claire Cohen.

Pattern award: 2007
Added to the Garden’s collection: 2007

‘Julie Newmar’

Hemerocallis ‘Julie Newmar.’ Photo by Claire Cohen.

Pattern award: 2006
Year added to the Garden’s collection: 2008

Tune the Harp

Hemerocallis ‘Tune the Harp.’ Photo by Tom Incrocci.

Pattern award: 2004
Added to Garden’s collection: 2005

Mystical Rainbow

Hemerocallis ‘Mystical Rainbow.’ Photo by Claire Cohen

Pattern award: 2003
Added to Garden’s collection: 2004

Etched Eyes

Hemerocallis ‘Etched Eyes.’ Photo by Claire Cohen.

Pattern Award: 2002
Added to Garden’s collection: 2003

Catherine Martin
Senior Public Information Officer

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