Where a Daylily Revolution Took Root
Few gardeners realize that Chicago was once at the center of the American daylily world.
During the 1950s and 1960s, an extraordinary group of scientists, businessmen, horticulturists, and dedicated gardeners helped transform the daylily into one of America’s most popular garden perennials. Their discoveries and innovations established Chicagoland as a nationally recognized center of daylily hybridizing.
The Early Pioneers
Among the influential early figures were Hubert A. Fischer, Elmer A. Claar, Dr. Ezra J. Kraus, and David F. Hall.
Hubert A. Fischer, a prominent Hinsdale businessman and nationally recognized daylily hybridizer, was instrumental in establishing the Chicagoland Daylily Society in 1963. His remarkable 14-acre garden, enthusiasm for daylilies, and leadership in the national daylily community helped establish Chicago as an important center of daylily horticulture.
Together, these accomplished businessmen, scientists, and horticulturists shared a fascination with the possibilities of the daylily. Through experimentation, collaboration, and friendly competition, they developed exceptional new cultivars and inspired others to explore hybridizing.
Remarkably, all four received the prestigious Bertrand Farr Silver Medal, one of the highest honors in American daylily horticulture.
A Revolution in Daylily Hybridizing
By the 1960s, another generation of Chicago-area hybridizers was building upon this foundation.
Orville Fay and Dr. Robert Griesbach were instrumental in advancing the development of tetraploid daylilies, opening exciting new possibilities for flower size, color, and substance. Their pioneering work led to the celebrated Crestwood series, among the earliest tetraploid daylilies, and helped launch a new era in modern daylily hybridizing.
Brother Charles Reckamp became celebrated for his distinctive flower forms, while James Marsh developed the well-known Chicago series of daylilies. The Klehm family helped introduce and distribute outstanding cultivars to gardeners nationwide.
Together, these innovators helped shape the modern daylily and established a legacy that continues to influence hybridizers today.
The Chicagoland Daylily Society
Chicago’s growing importance in the daylily world was reflected in the national conventions held here in 1953 and 1961.
In March 1963, the Chicagoland Daylily Society (CDS) was established, bringing together gardeners, collectors, and hybridizers who shared an enthusiasm for these remarkable plants.
For more than six decades, CDS has continued this tradition through educational programs, garden visits, exhibitions, and opportunities for members to share their knowledge and friendship.
Honoring the Past, Creating the Future
Today, the Chicagoland Daylily Society proudly celebrates its rich horticultural heritage while welcoming a new generation of gardeners.
From the pioneering hybridizers of the 1950s to the daylily enthusiasts of today, one tradition remains unchanged: the joy of growing, discovering, and sharing daylilies.
We invite you to be part of that continuing story.