HERITAGE IRISES

THE LAEVIGATA SECTION - Iris Laevigata

2013-05-16T18:00:00.000+12:00

Some Lesser Known Irises

PART IV

THE LAEVIGATA SECTION

By Miss J. Burgess, Waikanae.

THE NEW ZEALAND SMALLHOLDER, May 16th, 1935.

The laevigata section of irises embraces the well known Japanese or Kaempferi hybrids. These hybrids have all been obtained from the single species Kaempferi, one of the four true species which comprise the group. Although essentially water lovers, the laevigatas, in common with all other irises, and with the sole exception of pseudacorus, dislike a badly drained soil.
Much confusion has existed between laevigata and Kaempferi, since they were first known to the European botanists a century ago. This is due to the fact that both species come from the same districts. They are found in swampy places near Lake Baikal, and along the banks of the River Amur. Thence, they occur eastwards through Manchuria, Northern China, to Korea and Japan. I wish to make it clear that where I write of Kaempferi, the reference is to the species Kaempferi, the source from which the Japanese have obtained their marvellous, but, I fear, rather monstrous, hybrids. By what means they have succeeded in modifying the wild type, and obtaining those huge double freak flowers, is a mystery. From the fact that they have obtained a double form of laevigata as well, we are forced to conclude that it was not merely a natural chance freak which gave them their first break, but a carefully guarded horticultural secret. And no part of the world, and in no section of the genus, has nature evolved for herself this form of freak flower. The double laevigata and the double Kaempferi of the Japanese are the only double irises in existence. In passing, it is interesting to note that the Japanese have done the same by the chrysanthemum and the cherry. But nature receipts the interference of these Oriental hybridists, and if their double hybrids are allowed to naturalise and seed, in a few generations the seedlings will throw back to the type of the wild species. Though first discovered to the Occident in 1837, the true laevigata is still uncommon in English gardens, and it is almost unknown here. This is no doubt due to the fact that until fairly recently it was taken to be synonymous with Kaempferi. Laevigata is chiefly distinguished from Kaempferi by the characteristic, which earned for it the name laevigata, which means "smoothed". The tall, sword shaped leaves are quite smooth, differing therein from Kaempferi, which carries down each leaf a distinct ribbing, or ridged veining. The colour of laevigata is a deep, rich blue, of a shade not seen in any other Iris. The standards are upright, and the falls tongue like, long and drooping.

There is a garden form of the type under the name L. albopurpurea, having, as the name suggests, white and blue flowers. The standards and style arms are white, and the falls are white heavily mottled with blue. Strangely enough, this quasi-albino characteristic acts as a Mendellian recessive, and albopurpurea breeds quite true to colour. In recent years there has been on the market and Iris, which is called laevigata 'Rose Queen'. This is apparently a hybrid between laevigata and Kaempferi , as although the shape of the flower is like laevigata, the leaves posses the ridged veining of Kaempferi. The colour of Rose Queen is an even tone of Peach Blossom or rose pink. It is easily grown, and very effective when massed.
The cultivation of laevigata is quite simple. Like all the group, it dislikes lime, but can be grown successfully in any good garden soil, provided that it is not allowed to dry out during the summer months.

Kaempferi, as mentioned, comes from the same districts of Northern and Eastern Asia as does laevigata. It was first noted by a Western botanists as a species in 1858, but has been in cultivation in Japanese gardens for centuries. The shape of the flowers is somewhat similar to laevigata, but the standards are not so tall, and the falls are perhaps a little broader. The colour is a rich, deep purple, relieved on the half of the fall by a narrow stripe of Golden yellow. There is also a white form. Cultivation is the same as for laevigata, but the Japanese hybrids require more attention. These latter should be given plenty of manure, preferably well rotted garden compost or animal manure, which is best applied during winter when growth is inactive.

Pseudacorus, the English 'Water Flag' is botanically classed in the laevigata section. This act is surprising to the casual observer, but careful examination of the plants will discover many liberties with the species laevigata and Kaempferi. Pseudacorus, is too well known to come within the scope of this series of articles, but, I might mention in passing, that it is well worth the attention of any Gardener with plenty of "background" space, and it will grow anywhere, though it does best in a rich, moist soil. Its natural habitat is over the whole of Europe, North Africa, and Asia Minor. The flowers are bright yellow, varying considerably in colour, size, and height, as would be expected where distribution is over so wide an area.

There is an American representative of the section in versicolor (syn. Virginica). This is the American "Water Flag," and although quite different from Pseudacorus, it has much in common with that species. Versicolor grows wild from Hudson Bay in the North to the Gulf of Mexico in the South. The usual colour is a pale blue purple, though there is a natural red-purple form called kermesina. Both are very desirable waterside subjects, and at easy to grow. Culture is the same as for other members of the section - a damp, lime free soil, rich in humus.
Botanical affinities between the four species of the laevigata section suggests that inter-crossing should not be a difficult matter, but with the possible exception of Rose Queen, no hybrid is known. In inter-crossing it is necessary to de-antherise the seed bearer as soon as the flower opens, as the flowers of all the members of the section are so constructed that self fertilisation is naturally effected.

As always clicking on the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version.
Credit and copyright Iris Hunter.

RHS Plant Finder 2013 has over 5,600 Iris listings

2013-05-14T08:31:00.000+12:00

RHS Plant Finder 2013, the 27th edition of the ultimate gardener’s guide to UK cultivated plants. Compiled and published by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), the UK’s foremost gardening charity, RHS Plant Finder 2013 lists more than 75,000 plants together with details for more than 550 suppliers, making it the most comprehensive directory of plants that are available to buy from UK and Irish nurseries. The new book includes more than 4,300 new plants added since the last edition and reflects the results of the recent Award of Garden Merit (AGM) review, together with the revision of the associated RHS Hardiness Ratings System. Over 5,600 Iris are listed and best of all is the amazing photo of Nora Scopes Iris 'Early Light' on the front cover.

Janet Cubey, Editor-in-Chief of RHS Plant Finder 2013, says: "Compiling RHS Plant Finder each year is a mammoth task. However, the book is such a favourite with gardeners up and down the country and the reaction it gets is always so positive that it’s well worth the effort. The book also holds the key to discovering gardening trends early and always gives readers a bit of insight into what might be appearing in gardens all around them later in the year. Looking for new plants that have a large number of listed suppliers is usually good way of predicting which plants nurseries are really excited about, and is generally a good advance indicator of success." You can buy online from the RHS Books & Gifts Shop

The Award winning British bred Iris 'Early Light' is an absolute classic and a really good opportunity to enlighten readers with some additional information regarding its history.

The Iris Yearbook (BIS), 1989, “The Dykes Medal 1989”, page 8, H.R. Jeffs.
'Early Light' raised by Miss Nora Scopes was, last year awarded the Fothergill Trophy. This year it pursued its victorious career by gaining second prize at Florence and now being given the Dykes Medal for 1989. This Iris was raised from a cross 'Cup Race' x 'Lemon Brocade' and has performed superbly at Wesley where it produces many spikes worthy the of the Josephine Romney Towndrow Trophy. A member of the public talked to me when I was judging this year and said "if I could only take away one Iris from the trial it would be 'Early Light'"and I was able to tell her she had excellent taste!
The stems carry upwards of eight buds and almost always four branches and terminal. Form is impeccable, and the standards are cream flushed with lemon, the falls slightly deeper and the beard yellow. It was selected for trial and registered in 1983 and gained the RHS award of merit in 1986. The height is 38" (97cm). Nora has been giving us fine varieties for many years and this award of a Dykes Medal crowns her efforts which cover so many sections of the genus.

AIS Checklist 1989
EARLY LIGHT Nora Scopes, Reg. 1983. Sdlg. 9/80A. TB, 38" (97 cm), Medium Late season Bloomer. S. cream, flushed lemon; F. slightly darker; yellow beard. 'Cup Race' X 'Lemon Brocade'. Dykes Medal,British Iris Society 1989.

'Early Light' is available in the UK from Claire Austin Plants, Potash Nursery and Seagate Irises.

A big hat tip to Judith Merrick, Compiler, RHS Plant Finder for the help with some additional information.

Tall Bearded Iris LILAC WINE

2013-05-10T18:00:00.000+12:00

'Lilac Wine' is an unusual colour spectacle that carries well in the garden. Standards are a silvery lilac tone and are highlighted with bronzy beige toned midribs, falls are a dark ruby plum red, yellow tipped beard completes the harmony. Blooms are well formed and lightly ruffled and are carried on 90 cm spikes with 6 to 8 buds from early to mid season. Growth, health and vigour are good, increase is average. This 36 year old sometimes flowers too early for the show-bench which is not really a big bump in the road is it?

The Iris Yearbook (BIS), 1982, “Varietal comments on Australian T.B. Irises”, page 63, C.E.C. Bartlett.
Cy Bartlett writes about a range of Australian raised Tall Bearded irises and how they performed in Somerset.
Lilac Wine (Blyth, 77) This Iris has silvery lilac standards and velvety plum red falls with yellow beards. Its growth habits, branching and bud count are reasonable. There are several varieties of this colour combination available but what makes this Iris noteworthy is its earliness.

IRISES A Gardener's Encyclopedia, Claire Austin
Iris 'Lilac Wine' (Blyth, 77) the velvety, deep red brown falls have deeper brown veins. Above the falls sit pale lilac standards that our heavily flashed with beige. The beards are yellow, and the flower is scented. Height 91 cm (36½ inches). Bloom early to midseason. Parentage (Barcelona x Outer Limits) X (Snowlight x Visionary sibling)

AIS 1979 Checklist
LILAC WINE (B. Blyth, R. 1977). Sdlg. J78-4. TB 36" (91 cm) E-M. S. lilac, deepening to beige at midribs; F. velvety plum red; lemon yellow beard. (Barcelona x Outer Limits) X (Snowlight x Visionary sib)., Tempo Two 1977/78.

As always clicking on the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version.
Photo credit and copyright Iris Hunter.

Just how good is it to live in a world that has the month of May

2013-05-07T08:34:00.000+12:00

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Photo credit and copyright Iris Hunter.

Garden Soliloquy

2013-05-02T10:53:00.002+12:00

Arrived home yesterday from Wellington to witness one of the 'Anomalies of Autumn' Walking around the garden to 'see what's happening' as you do, a familiar fragrance lead me to an area of the garden where the New Zealand bred deciduous azalea 'Pavlova' was showing it's bright autumn colours and right next door to it was a clump of fragrant jonquils blooming. Just a wee bit early don't you think????? Took a photo to share.
Nice welcome home I thought!

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Photo credit and copyright Iris Hunter

Tall Bearded Iris 'BAL MASQUÉ'

2013-04-27T19:12:00.001+12:00

Just how has this exquisite French bred Amoena been overlooked for High Awards or any deserved official recognition for all these years???
It's one of my special 'Look forward to blooms' and comes with outstanding form coupled with great growing habits and qualities, and my opinion of it expands each bloom season. Outstanding show stalks with multiple branching and healthy blue-green foliage. It is a very dramatic color combination.
Seems to be a bit of a Darkhorse Iris in New Zealand as well, and my big hat tip goes to Julie May the owner of the legendary 'The Iris Garden' who originally imported the iris.

Iris, les meilleures espèces et variétés pour le jardin, Susanne Weber.
Les variétés de l'avenir, Variétés bicolores
'Bal Masqué' pétales blancs, sépales violet foncé, coeur blanc très veiné, barb rouge orange. F. Cayeux 1991.

Cayeux, La Carcaudière, Route de Coullons, France. Iris Lover's Catalogue, 2012.
BAL MASQUÉ
Bright clean white standards and wide pansy violet falls. White heart streaked violet and lit up with a luminous orange-red beard. Excellent stems. Sixth prize at the American Convention in 1998. One of our best creations.
Tall bearded - Mid-season to late - size:85cm - colour: Amoena - perfume:sweet floral Cayeux (1991)

AIS Checklist 1999
BAL MASQUÉ (Jean Cayeux, R. 1993) Sdlg. 84109 L. TB, 34" (86 cm), ML; S. pure white; F. bright pansy violet, small white flash below tangerine red beard. (Condottiere x Delphi) X (Alizes x (Condottiere x Lunar Rainbow)). Cayeux 1991.

Still sold by 'The Iris Garden' if you pay them a visit and now also sold by mailorder in New Zealand by Coleen Peri at 'The Iris Boutique' see link above 'New Zealand Iris Growers.

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Photo credit and copyright Iris Hunter.

Tall Bearded Iris MISSOURI

2013-04-20T04:00:00.000+12:00

Some irisarians, as recently as just the other day have described this iris as 'A poor grower', which is a bit puzzling really when you think that this iris is still strutting its obvious good looks some 80 years after its introduction. 'Missouri' is one of those irises that decides for itself if it likes growing in your garden, fortunately for me it likes growing at home. It needs to be grown where conditions suit the plant not the grower. My plant came from an importation about a decade ago to New Zealand just before importing irises became impossible and is still growing in the same position with no fuss. When 'Missouri' was introduced in North America it almost exclusively became a Champion only in this region and in hindsight it does not appear to have been widely distributed in the Southern Hemisphere and it made very few appearances in the Catalogues of European commercial iris growers. Perhaps it had something to do with World War II. Its an iris with blooms of heritage form, and tall stems. Fertile both ways and became a great parent in the 40's and 50's. Fragrance noted in the AIS checklist 1939, as Strawberry and Lilly of the Valley ( I can't recall this fragrance fantasy). Still immensely admired today and an iris with History +.

Quality Gardens, Iris, Freeport, Illinois. Iris 1933
MISSOURI (Grinter 1933) M. 44". This handsome new iris has a beauty of coloring which makes it quite outstanding among the finest blue bicolors. The large, well formed flowers are a medium tone of lavender blue; The falls are broad and flaring and of a slightly darker shade than the standards. While velvety in appearance, it has a thick substance and durable texture which almost unequalled.The flowers have the delicate fragrance of the valley lilly. A fine addition to the blue shades.............................................$10.00

AIS Bulletin #66, September, 1937, '1937 Iris Notes', page 10, Charles and Agnes Whiting.
'Far West', warm and mellow in its sunset tints, proved true to its natural color picture, as did that grand blue, Missouri. Recent developments in color photography and printing have given wonderful results and opened up undreamed of possibilities, and the day of imagination in color plates is over. A fine clump of Missouri almost dominated the latter part of the season in our garden; a fine iris, well deserving of its wide popularity. The picture on page 7 (see below) shows its magnificent form and poise, but unfortunately not its color. May the time soon come when we can have natural color plates in our BULLETIN.

Courtesy AIS Bulletin #66

AIS Bulletin #66, September, 1937,'Impressions of a California Iris Season', page 54, Harold I Johnson.
Missouri appealed to me as being one of the best looking irises I have ever seen. The stem is tall, the branching perfect, and the flower-substance and form place it right along with Shining Waters as one of the finest of the blues.

AIS Bulletin #67,October, 1937,'Variety notes submitted by Accredited Judges', Page 28,W. M. Kellogg,Compiler.
MISSOURI (Grinter) .-1. The finest medium tone blue I have seen; heavy substance. (Mass.) 2. Much over-rated. It is an interesting steely blue in color, and smooth in texture, but it has stiff, coarse form of Sensation and the same disorderly plant growth. Decidedly a weedy iris. The Sensation strain in iris breeding has bad traits and ought not to be encouraged. (Pa.)

Carl Salbach, Berkeley, California, Iris and Selected Seed Catalog, 1937.
MISSOURI (Grinter) A very fine blue having a smooth enamel like finish. Highly praised in the North-West, and without question, one of the best new blue iris. Raised by a breeder who has made a speciality of blue iris.Mid-season to Late. 36 inch........................................$3.50

The Iris Society Year Book (BIS), 1938, "Presidents Survey", page 53, G.L. Pilkington.
MISSOURI (Grinter) - This I am disappointed in. The flowers are of good form and size and the colour is a clean mid-blue, the falls being a slightly deeper shade than the standards. Here it has never exceeded 2 ft. and it is clear that it is not "at home".

Cooleys Gardens, Silverton, Oregon. Iris Catalog, 1938.
MISSOURI. Clear, clean blue, of sensational size. There has never been sufficient stock to supply the demand for this iris, declared by some observers to be the last word in its color. Very few plants.Dykes Medal 1937.

Schreiner's, Salem,Oregon, 1940 An Iris Lovers Catalog.
MISSOURI. (Grinter '33) M. 37".
We have always regarded this variety as one of the classics of irisdom. The giant blooms of faultless form and heavy enamelled texture are a clear rich shade of medium blue. In every way a splendid iris.

National Iris Gardens, Beaverton, Oregon, 26th Catalog, 1942.
MISSOURI. (Grinter 1933) ML. 37" Dykes Medal 1937. A giant of clear blue in color. The broad flaring flower are of enamel-like texture.

Tells Iris Gardens, 691 8th North, Provo, Utah, 1951 Iris Catalog and Hybridizers Handbook.
MISSOURI (Grinter '33) M-L (Sensation X Blue Ribbon) Medium deep blue with brown on hafts.Dykes Medal '37.

AIS Checklist 1939
MISSOURI TB 40" M B3M (Grinter 1933); Pat. 1933 (Quality Gardens). Stoner 1933 (Tip Top Gardens). Kellogg 1934. Schreiner 1939.(BLUE RIBBON X SENSATION); H.M., A.I.S. 60; 66; Feb 1936 ☐ str. ly. val.

As always clicking on the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version.
Photo credit and copyright Iris Hunter.

CRESTED IRISES OF EVANSIA SECTION

2013-04-16T04:00:00.000+12:00

Some Lesser Known Irises

PART III

CRESTED IRISES OF EVANSIA SECTION

By Miss J. Burgess, Waikanae.

THE NEW ZEALAND SMALLHOLDER, April 16th, 1935.

Although one or two of the crested irises are known to the New Zealand gardener, there are several species of this interesting section which are rarely if ever seen in this country. It is generally believed that the Iris genus is divided into two divisions, the bearded and the beardless irises. However, there is a group intermediate between these two divisions, a group that is distinguished by possessing a crest in place of a beard on the fall. All the members of this group are rhizomatous rooted, though the different species vary greatly in the shape and size of the flowers and the height to which the plant grows.

The name Evansia was given to the section in 1812, in honour of a Mr Thomas Evans, of the India House, who had introduced Japonica into England a year or two previously. Japonica, which has two synonyms, fimbriata and chinensis, is the best known member of the crested section. It is a native of China and Japan. In England, Japonica can only be grown and flowered successfully in a greenhouse, but in many parts of New Zealand it has proved almost hardy. It will stand quite a heavy frost as far as the foliage is concerned, but I frost of six or more degrees may catch the flower spike before it emerges from the foliage, so that in most districts some slight protection is advisable towards the end of winter when the buds are forming. A lover of lime and a sunny aspect, this species is by no means difficult of culture. The flowers are a delicate and delightful shade of lavender blue, lightened by a light freckling of gold at the throat. They are borne on gracefully branched stems about two feet in height. Each stem carries a large number of buds, which give a succession of bloom over several weeks. There is an entirely hardy form called Ledger's variety which has slightly larger flowers of nearly the same shade of lavender blue. Both Japonica and this hardy form flower in the early spring.

From the Himalayas comes Millesii, named after Mr Frank Miles, who introduced it into cultivation about 1880. It is a distinctly handsome Iris, and the tallest of this section. Perfectly hardy and easily grown, it requires like Japonica, lime and a sunny position. The flowers, which appear at the end of October, are borne on 3ft. well branched stems, which continue to develop flower after flower over a period of eight or ten weeks, a surprising long period for a single species. The flowers themselves are about 3 inches across, and are a delicate lilac, spotted on the fall with a deeper shade of the same colour. The foliage which is extremely ornamental, is a clear light green which shows up as a distinct contrast among most other plants.

Better known, perhaps, is tectorum, from China and Japan. The Chinese grow this Iris on the roofs of their houses, whence the name tectorum and the popular name of "roof garden Iris". It was introduced in 1874 by Mr William Bull. The flowers which are flattened, as in Iris Kaempferi, are from 3 to 5 inches across, and are borne on 12 inch stems, each of which carries from two to three flowers. The colour is a deep lavender blue, with a conspicuous white crest on the fall.
There is also a really charming white form of tectorum whose purity is enhanced by a soft yellow signal patch. This white form sets seed readily and comes to colour. Both the blue and white tectorum are perfectly hardy, and the culture is the same as for japonica and milesii.
A dainty little Iris of less easy culture is gracilipes, from Northern Japan, where it grows on wooded slopes with a cool aspect, and in loose vegetable soil, in much the same conditions in which primroses thrive. This and speculatrix, about which later little is yet known, are the only grassy leaved species of the section. They are delicately fringed flowers of gracilipes, which are borne on 6 inch stems, are a pale lilac pink, lightly touched with orange on the fall.

There are two American representatives of the Evansia section, cristata and its Canadian form, lacustris. These are dainty little miniatures, cristata being 4 inches, and lacustris two inches in height. The flowers are lilac, and in cristata about one and a half inches across, in lacustris one inch. Culture for both is the same as for gracilipes. Cristata, comes from the Southern States of North America.

(Update Notes; The only evasia that has no crest I.tenuis was transferred into the genus Evansia, Lenz, 1959, originally classed as a Pacific coast iris, its closely related to cristata and lacustris and also needs to be included in this American group. Also I. speculatrix has been removed from the evansia section. TJ.)

As always clicking on the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version.
Credit and copyright Iris Hunter.

Autumn Blooming Anemone x hybrida 'Honorine Jobert'

2013-04-13T08:18:00.000+12:00

Anemone x hybrida 'Honorine Jobert' is a exquisite Japanese anemone variety with large silky white single flowers with those amazingly contrasting yellow centre rings of stamens. Graceful blooms that change with age are on long branching stems over an attractive foliage of dark green leaves. Its fine qualities have won it the prestigious Award of Garden Merit from the Royal Horticultural Society. Anemones or as they are sometime known as windflowers give borders a welcome boost in late summer and early autumn. This woodland plant has quickly established itself at the newly replanted perennial border at Queen Elisabeth Park, Masterton, several well growing clumps are creating a fantastic display signalling that Autumn is well a truly here!! Grows to a height of 120cm-150cm.(48"-60"). Japanese anemones once established they are super easy to grow, the plant enjoys well-drained soil in sun or partial shade. Spread compost and mulch around the plants each year,we use sheep pellets to help create a humus rich soil that we know they appreciate. In a few weeks time the plants dark green leaves will turn an orangey red colour which had to the Autumn tones.

Anemone × hybrida is a hybrid of Anemone hupehensis var. japonica and Anemone vitifolia both plants from South West China and are species of flowering herbaceous perennials in the Ranunculaceae family. Honorine Jobert' is an old garden hybrid discovered in Verdun, France in 1858. All Japanese anemones are great for cutting.

As always clicking on the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version.
Photo credit and copyright Iris Hunter.

Tall Bearded Iris CROWN HIM KING

2013-04-10T08:10:00.001+12:00

Writing about this iris is a lot like selecting an iris from a glossy iris catalogue, you know what I mean........... if its new you get to purchase an image that you would like to display in your garden and we could certainly find a space to grow 'Crown Him King' in the garden at home. Its 'my pick' from an very impressive selection of 2013 introductions by Robert Van Liere of Iris4u Iris Gardens.
A great colour combination of rich yellow standards banded in a subtle rosy tan, falls white overlaid in the same rich yellow tone of the standards which is gradually intensified in degree and depth the closer it gets to to the washed rosy tan edge. Soft yellow beards. Form horizontally flared and ruffled with rounded falls. Another photo viewed show three flowers out at once on strong stems. Reported to be fragrant.
This iris is very refreshing to the eye, has carrying power plus with huge amounts of award winning possibilities.

AIS Checklist 2013
CROWN HIM KING, (Robert Van Liere, R 2013), Sdlg. 24GD10. TB, 30” (76.5 cm), Mid, Style Arms – Yellow with red wash, Standards yellow with 1/8”red wire rim; Falls, White with yellow wash from hafts outward with ½”band at the bottom. Beard yellow. 24GD10: (21-36: (Sisters of Loretto x Unknown) X Scottish Reel. Iris4u Iris Gardens 2013

Iris4u Iris Gardens web site is well worth a visit and their Denver Gardens are open to visitors from 17th May
As always clicking on the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version.
Photo credit Robert Van Liere, and a big hat tip to Michael Kühle who made this 'happen'.

Tall Bearded Iris IRWELL DANCE

2013-04-07T08:53:00.001+12:00

Another great photo sent to share by Julie May the owner of the legendary 'The Iris Garden'. The late great Ron Busch was a master of the surprise and 'Irwell Dance' is no exception to this rule. This iris and 'Irwell Fancy' may be soon winging their way to overseas Test garden destinations. I have been informed by an official of the NZIS that after Ron's passing his Irises are no longer eligible to be entered in New Zealand Iris Society sanctioned test gardens for the Begg Sheild or Dykes Medal. Who would of thought!!! How flawed could the logic be?? I thought awards are won by the iris, not the hybridiser, and in many peoples opinion not just mine his passing away should not affect any of his Irises eligibility. But more on that in a month or so.

New Zealand Iris Hybridisers Checklist 2012
IRWELL DANCE Ron Busch, Reg., 2010. Sdlg.010. TB, 30" (76 cm), EM. S. white; style arms white tipped yellow; F. lemon yellow, white spot and shoulders veined lemon yellow; beards tangerine. Parentage unknown.

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Photo credit Julie May. Copyright Iris Hunter.

Tall Bearded Iris CHAMPAGNE ELEGANCE

2013-04-06T05:33:00.001+13:00

'The harbinger of winter' is how I relate to 'Champagne Elegance'. It starts to send up bloom stalks with the change in temperature and first of the Autumn rains. A stunning flower with great carrying power in the garden, and even more so in late Autumn when there are very few blooming irises. Its one of those 'Near- Amoenas' in which the nearly white standards are tinted with some other colour and in this case the standards are tinted light champagne creamy pink, which sets off nicely the light lemon apricot flaring falls. Good plant health, the plant is almost indestructible. Probably the best and most consistent re-bloomers of all time.

The Iris Yearbook (BIS), 1989, “Eighties Irises from America”, page 55, Alan Sedgwick.
There is another of Dave's irises which I cannot fail to rhapsodise over. This is the sensational 'Champagne Elegance' ('87). Every Iris lover in the UK should have this in the garden. The branching is a bit high in summer, but who cares when a two-year-old plant gives you five spikes in May, a further eight in August, and two in September? And its consistent, having flowered in both June and August, 1988, too. Let us hope that this Iris represents a watershed and we are on the verge of achieving what the rosarians have achieved, remontancy in most climates and not just California. I would add that I would make no special effort to persuade my irises to remont. Oh by the way, it has lavender pink standards and peachy pink falls. I intend to use it for hybridising and I hope other Britons will too. This is the Iris of the decade.

Contemporary Views, – Runner Up, Sunbelt Award for the best proven variety, Perry Dyer, 1991.
CHAMPAGNE ELEGANCE (Niswonger 1987) is one I originally overlooked (or ignored). The color scheme is a sophisticated bi-toning and blending of champagne and pink tones, finished with an elegant diamond-dusting over the entire flower. A good companion for ‘Holy Night’, having all the same qualities but on shorter stalks. The coloration will vary with the season, moisture, and mineral content of the soil, but rather than a defect, it adds to the enchantment. (Judges, be careful with this one on the bench. Those artificial lights can be especially tricky with this one!). Also a dependable rebloomer, reported to be a near ever-bloomer in the temperate, Mediterranean climates.

Tempo Two, Pearcedale, Victoria. Iris, Hostas,Daylilies Catalogue 1996-97
CHAMPAGNE ELEGANCE (Niswonger 1987 USA) M 33"
Standards are near white to pale lavender pink; Falls are buff apricot. Amber beards. Heavy bloomer and once established regularly rebloom's in Autumn. ( Blyth seedling X (Coral Strand X Peach Spot)
HM 1989 AM 1991

Schreiner's, Salem,Oregon, 74th Collectors Edition, 2000 Iris Lovers Catalog.
CHAMPAGNE ELEGANCE (Niswonger 1987) EM. & RE. 34"
Connoisseurs of fine Iris recognise this delicately shaded apricot amoena as one of the best. It's near white standards are classically arched while its ruffled falls present a gentle blending of buff, apricots and peach. A prolific Bloomer, Champagne Elegance producers 7-10 buds per stem and consistently re-blooms in late summer. HM. '89 AM.'91

Cooleys Gardens, Silverton, Oregon. Iris Catalog 2002
CHAMPAGNE ELEGANCE (Niswonger '87) M. 33" RE.
This amoena rebloomer of exquisite form will also give you an impressive budcount. Standards are a pale lavender pink atop buff apricot falls. Amber beard. HM. '89 AM.'91

AIS Checklist 1989
CHAMPAGNE ELEGANCE O. David Niswonger, Reg. 1986. Sdlg. 23-81. TB, 33" (84 cm), Medium season Bloomer. S. pale lavender pink; F. light buffy apricot; amber beard. B. Blyth H 116-1: (('Magnetic Isle' x 'Rhythm And Blues') x 'Snowlight') X 7-78: ('Coral Strand' x 'Peach Spot'). Cape Iris 1987. Honorable Mention 1989; Award of Merit 1991.

Available from most commercial growers in New Zealand today.
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Photo credit and copyright Iris Hunter.

Iris Evansia, Crested Iris, CHENGDU.

2013-04-04T20:38:00.000+13:00

The Evansia or Crested Irises are a interesting group of different irises all with different chromosome counts. 'We at home' are just starting a collection of these plants now that the trees we planted some 18 years ago are starting to give the mottled shade that evansias like so much to grow in. Evansias do like growing in many places in New Zealand although they are not used as much in gardens as they deserve to be. Much has been said and written about the 'DNA' of 'Chengdu', some have suggest it is a natural form of I.confusa and other more enlightened folk have suggested it is a species of its own. What we do know for sure that it was collected in Sichuan, South West China by Jean Gardiner and sent to Jean Witt in America. It forms a dense clump of glossy rich green leaves that are held in fans. Blooms for several months in Spring with exquisite almost orchid-like 6cm blooms in contrasting shades of lavender that have a slight vanilla fragrance.

The Iris Yearbook (BIS), 1991, “Evansia Irises : Two New Species”, page 96, Dr. Jack R. Ellis.
The second potential new species I. "wittii", is named (without permission) after Mrs Jean Witt of Seattle who kindly sent a plant approximately ten years ago, with details of its origin/location in south west China. It was received as a probable form of I. confusa. With smaller growth form, more delicate inflorescence and with mid violet-purple flowers, it is morphologically quite distinct from all previously introduced forms of I.confusa. It has recently been cytologically studied by Young Lim, who has noted chromosomal differences from I."confusa', I. "wattii" and I. "nova". The cytogenetic evidence combined with the morphological differences would justify its recognition as a different species in the cane bearing Evansias assigned to group 1.

Gardening with Iris Species, Proceedings of an International Symposium, Edited by James W. Waddick, 1995.
'Following the Evansia Trail, From a Question Mark', Revie Harvey, New Zealand.
The latest edition to our Evansia collections has not to our knowledge been given an official title. It is very popular with all growers and viewers and is commonly called "Chengdu" in honour of the district in China from whence it was discovered in recent days. In this Southern Hemisphere, it has adapted well to seasonal climatic conditions. The bright green foliage is attractive in the off-season. The florets are small but neatly proportioned in mid-violet-blue and by far the most colourful of the range. For a period there was a theory that it was another form of I. confusa, a view that I refuse to accept and I felt was proven winning I grew the two plants in close proximity. Like all Evansia forms brought into cultivation from the wild, it is a reluctant pond parent. However seedlings raised from a bee pod have been true to the blue parent. At this time the first blooms are being from a cross of "Kilkivan" with 'Chengdu" showing some variance from both of the parents.

Irises, A New Zealand Gardener's Guide, Pamela McGeorge and Alison Nicoll, 2001.
Evansia or Crested Irises
Two evansias more recently available are I.'Nova' and I. 'Chengdu'. The first of these two is a tall plant that sets seed reliably and has large white blooms marked with gold. It was found in a garden in the U.K., but has not yet been found in the wild. I. 'Chengdu', however, came from China, and it appears from a recent study that it might be a species in its own right. It has glossy dark green leaves and deep lavender flowers with a prominent purple zone surrounding the white area adjacent to the the deep yellow crest. Its growth habit is similar to I. confusa and is very similar to a variety named 'Martyn Rix'.

AIS Checklist 199
CHENGDU (Jean Witt, R. 1997). SPEC (evansia), 20-24" (51-61 cm), M. S. and style arms light lavender; F. slightly darker, signal white with medium lavender halo, yellow crest. Collected 1980 by Jeanne Gardiner between Kanding, Tibet, and Yaan, Sichuan, China, ca. 3000' elevation; probably I. confusa.

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Photo credit and copyright Iris Hunter.

Sisyrinchium striatum, Companion planting for Bearded Irises

2013-04-02T14:01:00.001+13:00

Sisyrinchium striatum, common name is 'Satin Flower' and is a member of the Iridaceae family. A great inexpensive companion plant for Bearded and Siberian irises. Upright narrow grey green leaves are sword like and evergreen. Creamy blooms with dark yellow centers rise above foliage on multiple spikes . These adaptable South American wildflowers tolerate a wide range of conditions and naturalize easily. The late spring early summer blossoms each open for just one day with the morning sun and close at dusk but this short individual blooming is compensated by a long succession of blooms. Rarely do the blooms open on cloudy days. Flower stems grow to 60 cm (24")
Grows in moderately fertile to poor, neutral to slightly alkaline soil that is well-drained and in a full sun position. Drought tolerant once established. Its biggest problem is its untidy spent foliage which is overcome by dividing this plant every second year which seems to keep it looking good and dividing ensures good flowering. A high yield plant in many ways and generally pest free.

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Photo credit and copyright Iris Hunter.

Tall Bearded Iris JANE PHILLIPS

2013-04-01T04:00:00.001+13:00

I have always held this Iris in high regard, and was one of my first irises. It was purchased at a School Fair with no ID which undoubtedly started me on this mad journey of Iris history. What makes 'Jane Phillips' special is hard to put your finger on, perhaps it is it's carrying power and consistency or the trick it plays on the grower with its dark blue buds that slowly unfurl to become an entirely pale blue bloom. Not tall, but not as short as some critics would lead you to believe in their reviews below. Clean grey green foliage, great plant health with especially good increase. This year we have split a plant and have replanted, now we have a clump of 10 plants so in the coming years Jane will be back on a larger scale winning hearts again. Fertile both ways and is involved in the parentage of one hundred plus Irises. Also has a New Zealand connection did you know? It was the pod parent of Jean Stevens ruffled light blue 'Foaming Seas' and also the pod parent for Lucy Delany's ruffled really creamy cream Tall Bearded 'Happy Jane' both of these grow at home.
If you need an Iris with great classic form and real class this iris could be the one. If you find it, buy it, I guarantee you won't regret it.

Fairmont Gardens, Lowell, Massachusetts,Irises, Hemerocallis, Hostas, Poppies, Introductions for 1950.
JANE PHILLIPS (Graves 1950) M. This beautiful blue is the child of the famous iris Helen McGregor that won the Dykes Medal in 1949. Deeper in color, but with similar form and substance, it possesses great color appeal. A very clear blue self with well domed standards, arched and smoothly finished, the semi-flaring falls are lightly fluted at the edges. Firm texture and exquisite color, it possesses that mark of distinction that is characteristic of so many irises bred by Dr. Graves and his able assistant, Edward Watkins. This iris has been tested in many parts of this country as well as in England and is high favor wherever grown. Excellent branching and sturdy growth. Stock limited.
H.M. A.I.S. 1947. 38in..................................................................................$25.00

The Iris Year Book, 1951
A Selection of Higher-Priced Irises, by G.L.Pilkington and N. Leslie Cave.
List 3. Irises Costing over £1
JANE PHILLIPS (Graves) Similar to Helen McGregor but several shades bluer. And other beauty with similar failing, a stubby stem (TWO VOTES)

The Iris Year Book, 1952
Commentaries in Variety, by H. Senior Fothergill
JANE PHILLIPS (Graves) This shapely, pale blue Iris has now proved itself to be a very sturdy grower and a rapid increaser. It is not so expensive now, and really shows its owner that it is grateful for its board and lodging in a way which, unfortunately, not one in twenty of modern novelties is gracious enough to do.

Cooleys Gardens Silverton, Oregon. Iris for 1951
JANE PHILLIPS (Graves 1950)
A new light blue that is deeper in color than Helen McGregor, of which it is a seedling. It resembles its famous parent in form and size but because it carries more color it is distinct and worthy in its own right. We have seen no Iris which appears nearer true blue. HM AIS 1950. Each $20.00.

Courtesy Cooleys 1957 Catalog

Schreiner's, Route 2, Salem, Oregon. Iris Lovers Catalogue, 1952.
JANE PHILLIPS (Graves 1950) EM, 34".
If you revel in clear blue Iris here is one that will delight you. A seedling of the famous Helen McGregor it is somewhat deeper though equally as true blue tie. It probably ranks with Cahokia as one of the bluest Iris we grow.HM'50..........................................................$15.00

Lyon Iris Gardens, Van Nuys, California. Iris and Hemerocallis, 1955 Catalog.
JANE PHILLIPS (Graves 1950)
A clear attractive medium blue self, smooth in finish and beautifully formed. The large flowers with domed standards and semi-flaring falls are lightly frilled at the edges. Winter tested. 38".........................$3.00

Stevens Bros. Bastia Hill, Wanganui. Irises 1955-1956.
JANE PHILLIPS (Graves U.S.A.)
At last we are able to offer you this famous light blue descendant of Helen McGregor, which many New Zealanders, having seen in our trial gardens, or at the London Iris Show, have been waiting for- the bluest blue Iris! In offering novelties to our customers it is our obligation not to list a variety until we have a stock available to satisfy normal first year demand. It therefore follows that when, as in the case of Jane Phillips, we know the demand is going to be very heavy, we must wait an extra year so that there will be enough plants to go around. Of beautiful form and a heavenly light blue colour, Jane is an exceptionally large flower of great substance, and fully lives up to her overseas reputation. An Iris which will be the pride of your garden. 2 ft 9 in.............................................................42/-

The Tall Bearded Iris, Blue Irises, Nicholas Moore, 1st. Ed. 1956.
Dr Graves's later introductions, though they have surpassed AND THOU (1942) in blueness and in evenness of colour, have scarcely done so in other respects. Of these HELEN McGREGOR (1946) is the star. It is said, 'never has an Iris been so popular in its first year of introduction', and it is ruffled, voluptuous blooms have been described as having a film star beauty. A light clear blue, and several degrees bluer than most other light blues, it has captivated its admirers at shows, and in the garden it flowers with tremendous freedom. However, its beauty is marred by short, thick,podgy steam and poor proportion to its flowers, and the flowers themselves are apt to be too crowded. JANE PHILLIPS a later descendant, is somewhat similar, but is slightly deeper in colour and less blowsy in form, and has the ineffable advantage of the better branching and poise, a better plant in every way, but even this is too short for its big flowers.

Irises, Judith M. Berrisford, Garden Book Club Edition, 1961.
Choosing your Irises. Pale Blue.
JANE PHILLIPS (Graves 1950) 34", E-M.
If you want a stronger, yet still pale blue than, 'Helen McGregor', this is the iris to choose. Really a flax blue. Very similar to 'Helen McGregor' in everything but colour, and a stronger grower. Scented.

AIS Checklist, 1949.
JANE PHILLIPS (Robert J. Graves, R. 1946). TB, M B1M. 'Helen McGregor' x ('Pale Moonlight' x 'Great Lakes') Award of Garden Merit R.H.S. Highly Commended 1947, Honorable Mention 1950, Award of Merit 1952. AIS.

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Photo credit and copyright Iris Hunter.

Tall Bearded Iris SHIPSHAPE

2013-03-21T11:04:00.000+13:00

'Shipshape' is one of the great blue classic irises and an all time favourite of mine. Long flowering season with strong spikes carrying 6-8 buds with good branching. A very strong and masculine looking iris, with falls have that chiselled look, very triangular in their early bloom form that later becomes a very balanced look between the standards and the falls. Absolute stand-out iris this past season and my garden notes taken when visiting a large iris garden in Greytown one of the beds with forty large blooms counted with a strong count of buds to follow up in the large planting of this variety, a truly outstanding display. Incredible almost weed like high health growth. This iris took America by storm in the early 70's. Great parent.

Melrose Gardens, Stockton, California, 1969 Introductions.
SHIPSHAPE (Sanford Babson) TB 38" (Epic X Pacific Panorama) Very large, VERY wide medium blue. Also popular at the 1968 convention and going fast................................................NET $25.00

Melrose Gardens, Stockton, California,The Connoisseur's Catalog 1981.
SHIPSHAPE (Babson '69) Still one of the GREAT iris ; wide, sea-blue with super form supported by a vigorous plant. Dykes Medal '74....................................................................$3.50.

Brown's Sunnyhill Gardens, Milton-Freewater, Oregon. 1972 Iris.
SHIPSHAPE (S. Babson,'69) Huge ruffled flowers of medium blue with domed standards and wide semi-flaring falls. Tall and well branched. HM '70.

The Iris Society Year Book (BIS) 1973, page 125, 'The AIS Convention in Philadelphia', Harry B. Kuesel.
Our next stop was at Mr and Mrs E. A. Chariott's garden in Moylan, Pennsylvania. The large, well landscaped grounds had many interesting trees and shrubs that made a perfect background for the Irises. Here I noted that 'Shipshape' (Babson,'69) was particularly good. This is a dense medium blues self with no haft markings and a bright light yellow beard. It has deep fluted standards over folding each other rising into a crown of furbelows. Its falls are ruffled and flaring. This Iris was awarded the Franklin Cook Memorial Cup which is given to the Iris originated outside the local region which gets the most Convention visitors votes.

Mission Bell Gardens, Roy, Utaha, Iris for 1973.
SHIPSHAPE (S. Babson,'69) M 38in.
Magnificent intense medium blue self with light yellow beard. Deeply fluted standards domed and closed ; broad spreading falls with ruffled shoulders and waved petal edges. Strong stems with ideal branching.
(Pacific Panorama X Epic) AM '72..............................................................................$12.50

Jean Collins Iris Garden, Cambridge Road, R.D.1 Tauranga.
SHIPSHAPE M- Wide mid-sea blue. D.M.U.S. 1974.

Schreiner's, Salem,Oregon, 57th Annual, 1982 Iris Lovers Catalog.
SHIPSHAPE (S. Babson, 1969) EM. 38"Broadly petaled and finely balanced in shape, massive. Shipshape ranks among the largest medium blues. Rich in color, an intense medium blue, it has an easy, undulating form with excellent, well branched stems, which support this mammoth flower beautifully.
(Pacific Panorama X Epic), HM 1970, AM 1972, Dykes Medal 1974.

Bay Blooms Nurseries, Cambridge Road, Tauranga Spring / Summer 1996 Catalogue.
SHIPSHAPE Massive ruffled flowers of dense medium blue with light yellow beards. Well-branched strong stems. Winner of the Dykes Medal, 1974.

IRISES, A Gardener's Encyclopedia, Claire Austin.
Iris 'Shipshape' (S. Babson, 1968) Cobalt-blue in colour, the ruffled flowers are borne on well branched stems and have short white beards. The petals are shiny, and the flowers are lightly scented. Height 97 cm (38¾in.) Bloom ; mid-season. Parentage : (Pacific Panorama X Epic). Dykes Medal Winner USA 1974.

AIS Checklist 1969
SHIPSHAPE (S. Babson, R. 1968) Sdlg. Q46-11. TB, 38" (97 cm), M., Medium blue self. Pacific Panorama X Epic. Melrose 1969. HC 1968, HM 1970, AM 1972, Dykes 1974.

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Photo credit and copyright Iris Hunter.

New Zealand Tall Bearded Iris ATAVUS

2013-03-17T07:47:00.001+13:00

When I first saw this iris bloom at home, my first thought was that I was having another enjoyable mid life crisis that involved visiting the Caterpillar from Alice in Wonderland. 'Atavus' is an Iris introduced by Alison Nicoll in 2006 and is very similar to the photo of the brand new Richard Cayeux 2013 introduction 'Un Peu Fou' which appropriately translates 'A Little Crazy' a label that could apply to both the varieties. The Iris colouration is an acquired taste and some either love it or loath it, me? I put the colours in the loud but possibly interesting file. 'Atavus' grows well, has good plant health, but its the open and somewhat chaotic form of the cream standards and the uneven ruffling on the falls lets the bloom down. Had the form of the bloom been more even on the falls and the standards controlled, then this coupled with the interesting colours it could have been a brilliant iris. Certainly an Iris that's impossible to take no notice of !!

Courtesy Cayeux Iris, 2013.

Richmond Iris Garden, 376 Hill Street, Nelson. Issue 58, 2008-2009 Catalogue.

ATAVUS: L [A. Nicoll '06] Cream standards with central lilac flush. Tan hafts and border with strong lilac centre.

$24.00

New Zealand Iris Hybridisers Cumulative Checklist 2012

ATAVUS Alison Nicoll, Reg., 2006. Sdlg. A00T2-2. TB, 28″, (72 cm), ML S. cream flushed lilac in centre; style arms cream and lilac; F. strongly washed violet, tan hafts and border; beards red; flared; slight spicy fragrance. Prince George X Outrageous Fortune. Richmond 2007/08;

Begg Shield 2009 (NZ).

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Photo credit and copyright Iris Hunter.

Helianthus angustifolius GOLD LACE

2013-03-16T13:17:00.001+13:00

Just a little diversion from irises is the swamp sunflower, Helianthus angustifolius 'Gold Lace'
In late summer it becomes a bold fountain of golden daisy's that brightens up the garden. Has a fine textured foliage throughout the season, it's basically a very narrow leaved sunflower and we grow it because it is attractive with lots of carrying power in the garden but also it is a big time bee and butterfly magnet, they just love it! With a long hot drought this season this plant has had a love affair with the hose.

Grow Helianthus angustifolius in full sun and average to moist soil. The prefers consistent moisture while establishing, but becomes mildly drought tolerant once established. Can be grown of a wide variety of regions Height 100cm (39")

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IRIS SPURIA

2013-03-14T07:30:00.000+13:00

Some Lesser Known Irises
PART II

IRIS SPURIA
By Miss J. Burgess, Waikanae.
THE NEW ZEALAND SMALLHOLDER, March 16th, 1935.

The Spuria group of irises is for the most part tall growing, and prefers a moist, loamy soil. With but one or two exceptions they object to the presence of lime. However, in common with most other irises, they are really adaptable, and will do quite well and flower freely and good guard soil, provided they can be supplied with water during the main growing season, which is from the blooming in November and December until April. Moving and dividing is best carried out immediately after flowering.
The tall species of this group have long, sword shaped leaves, and are very handsome and exotic in effect when clumps are grown in their correct setting. They look at their best growing by the waterside or an a low lying swampy area. To get the best effect they should be grown in spacious surroundings, where one may stand away from them and view them in combination with other waterside growth. The colour range is through many shades of blue and purple to white, primrose, sulphur, and golden yellow. The flowers are produced on tall, stiffly upright stems, usually bearing several lateral branches, which are, however, held erect close to the main stem, thereby giving the appearance of a single head of bloom. In shape the flowers themselves bear are really strong resemblance to the Xipion (English/ Dutch) or Spanish Iris group.
There is no one form to which the name Spuria can be specially applied. Many differing forms collected from Spain, France, Germany, Austria, Hungary, and through Asia to the Kashmir district have been given the specific name during the last 400 years. The section has been for many years and cultivation, and the botanist, Clusius, mentions in his horticultural work, published in the 16th century, that he had found the form to which he had given the name Spuria growing wild near Oppenheim on the Rhine in 1563.
It is very difficult to distinguish between the various forms, though many have been given varietal rank. They all agree in having blue or purple flowers of varying depth of colour, relieved more less by white or creamy yellow markings at the base of the falls. The European forms are fairly dwarf, 1 foot to 2 feet in height, but the form usually catalogue by nurseryman as Spuria was collected at Sringar, in Kashmir,and grows to a height of 3 to 4 feet.
Sintenisii, a species belonging to the Spuria group, is distributed through southern Italy, the Balkans, and Turkey. It is a dainty little thing of rich, royal purple, with decided white veining on the blade of the falls.
Sintenisii is sometimes confused with Graminea, a species from central Europe. Graminea is a fascinating little Iris some 15 inches in height. Standards and falls are a bright China blue, with the style arms dealing a decided contrast of red-purple. This species is distinguished by its sweet scent, which resembles strongly the centre of a ripe peach or apricots.
One of the tallest irises of the group, and the easiest to grow in a section notably easy, is Ochroleuca, which grows to a height of 5 feet, and bears large stiff white flowers, very pure in effect, with a gold signal patch on the fall. It has been sent out by nurseryman even so recently as 15 years ago, under its old synonyms of Gigantea and Orientalis. It is a native of Asia Minor.
Monnieri is the same height as Ochroleuca,but is somewhat larger in the flower and the colour is a bright yellow. The habit of Monnieri is not known. It was found in the garden of Mons. Lemonnier, of Versailles, where it was believed to have come from Rhodes or Crete. It has not however, been collected since by botanists in those islands. Dykes, in 'The Genus Iris', doubts whether it is entitled to specific rank, rather inclining to the belief that it, with Ochroleuca, is merely a natural colour variety of some form of Spuria.
Aurea is a native of Kashmir, and has flowers of a slightly different shape from the foregoing. The colour is richest golden yellow, and the flowers are borne on 3 foot stems. It is one of the last of the group to flower.
There are some very fine hybrids of these tall spurias, outstanding varieties being 'Shelford Giant', 'Monspur', and 'Monaurea'. They were raised by Sir Michael Foster in his garden at Shelford.

Footnote
It is interesting to note that the author Miss J. Burgess [Jean Stevens] refers above to Orientalis as a synonym for Ochroleuca which at the time of publication (1935) was most likely correct but today because the name I.ochroleuca unfortunately came later than I.orientalis the reverse applies and under the International Rules of Nomenclature it is now referenced as, I.orientalis Miller (Syn. I.ochroleuca).
Also generally the practice of dividing is done nowadays at the start of the Autumn Rain.

AIS Checklist 1929
SHELFORD GIANT. Spur.Y (Foster 1913) ; Wallace, 1914 ; Hubbard 1928 ; AM. R.H.S. (ochroleuca X SPURIA AUREA)

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Tall bearded Iris PIETY

2013-03-11T06:30:00.001+13:00

No mistaking the pleasant light blue cast of the buds before bud break and its Purple based foliage (PBF) two unshakeable identification traits of 'Piety'. Any garden can never have enough white Irises they give a balance that is unbeatable and after all nothing clashes with white. A Classic plus iris that earns it place in the garden.

Dr. Charles E. Branch 329 East Market Street, Piper City. Illinois.
Introducing For 1960
PIETY #5609 ((((Snow Goddess x ((( Winter Carnival x Azure Skies) x White Sentry) x (( Great Lakes x Winter Carnival) x Sib)))) PIETY was so named because it reminds one of quite reverence, devotion and benevolence like the White Angel standing silently in a Christmas tableau. It is a white white with a very light lemon cast to the beard. It is neither plain or fancy, tailored or lacy, but has a full form with semi-flaring, fluted falls and strong domed standards. The hafts are wide and clean. It stands about 36", has fine branching and larger than average flowers. Early-midseason. H.C.1958..........................................NETT $20.00

AIS Bulletin #166, July, 1962,'The Modern White Iris', page 10, Mr.Cahey E. Quinn.
PIETY is Doctor Branch's contribution in 1960 to moonlight statuary. Semi flaring, fluted falls, wide parts, domed standards, very white, a lemon beard and fine branching-so, I read my notes. The name is very apt, but
you have to see this one to really appreciate it. This is a personal favorite of mine and it took the garden space of the now old NEW SNOW.

Gilbert H Wild and Son, Inc. Sarcoxie, Missouri.
An Outstanding Selection of quality Peonies- Iris and Daylillies for 1967
PIETY (Branch, 1960)
E.M. 36in. Very pure white with a light lemon cast to the beard. This beauty has full form with domed standards and semi-flaring fluted falls. The hafts are wide and clean. The extra large blooms are shown on well branched stalks.H.M., 1960, A.M., 1963

AIS Checklist 1959
'Piety' (Branch, R. 1957). Sdlg. 5609. TB, 36" (91 cm), E-M. Color Class-W1, . 'Snow Goddess' X sdlg. 5339. Sunnyhills, Branch 1960.H.C 1958, HM 1960, AM 1963.

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New Zealand Dykes Medal Winner NORMA OF IRWELL

2013-03-09T05:36:00.000+13:00

I thought it appropriate to update the image of this iris with this new photo that was sent to share by Julie May the owner of the legendary 'The Iris Garden'.
Tall Bearded Iris 'Norma of Irwell' was awarded the Dykes Medal (NZ) in 2012, bred by New Zealand's wizard of Tall bearded Iris breeding, the late Mr. Ron Busch and named after Ron's lovely wife, Norma. Well substanced blooms with dark violet ruffled and slightly open standards with even darker violet slightly flared and ruffled falls that has an eye catching white area beneath the violet tipped bronze beards, oh and not forgetting the very good branching and great plant health that we have all come to expect from the Busch breeding lines.

2012 New Zealand Hybridisers Cumulative Checklist
NORMA OF IRWELL Ron Busch, Reg., 2008. Sdlg. 91-200. TB, 34″, (86 cm), M. Standards and style arms deep purple; Falls, Violet purple, white around beard; Beard bronze tipped violet. (Vigilant X Edith Wolford) X ( Honky Tonk Blues X Brookside) The Iris Garden, 2008. Dykes Medal 2012 (NZ).

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Photo credit Julie May. Copyright Iris Hunter.

Tall Bearded Iris MULLED WINE

2013-03-08T10:08:00.000+13:00

Way back in 1985, 'Mulled Wine' was the winner of the Chamber of Commerce prize for the best commercial variety at the International Iris Competition in Florence, an award equally relevant today. A very popular Tall Bearded Iris with the home gardening fraternity making it a perennial top selling iris that continues to be grown and stocked by many commercial Iris nurseries, worldwide. Need to order early, as the variety even though it is thirty two years old can still obtain the additional label "SOLD OUT" (Pretty much says it all).

Keith Keppel, Stockton, California.
IRISES 1982 Catalog.

Keith Keppel, Stockton, California. IRISES 1982.

MULLED WINE (Keppel '82) L 36"

Hearty raspberry-burgundy with faint apricot undertoning on upper falls. Prominent terracotta beards adorn hafts not marred by the striations generally associated with this color range. Ruffled and laced flowers are somewhat globular in form; the standards slightly open, but very firmly held due to the extraordinary substance. Two or three branches plus terminal. #76-35C ...........................$30.00

BayBloom Nurseries, Cambridge Road, R.D.1 Tauranga. Spring and Summer Catalogue,1996.

MULLED WINE. A nice fully-rounded rich vibrant shade of raspberry-burgundy with apricot under-toning. The vivid orange beards enhance the feeling of piquant warmth emanating from the ruffled and laced flower.

AIS Checklist 1989
MULLED WINE Keith Keppel, Reg. 1981. Seedling 76-35C. TB, height 36" (91 cm), Late Bloomer. Raspberry burgundy (M&P 54-I-6 to 53-H-3) with apricot beige undertoning (5-B-9) on upper part of F.; terracotta beard; slight musky fragrance. 73-26B: (70-24B: (('Amigo's Guitar' x ('Rippling Waters' x 'Gypsy Lullaby')) x (Jones 743 x ('Marquesan Skies' x 'Babbling Brook'))) x 'Salmon River') X 'Maraschino'. Keppel 1982. H.M. 1984, A.M.1986. AIS. H.M. Florence 1985.

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Historic Tall Bearded Iris AMAS

2013-03-03T08:12:00.001+13:00

I think it is very important to show the great historic game changers that made a real contribution in the evolution of the Tall Bearded Iris. Sir Michael Foster's chief work was to introduce to the older varieties of bearded Irises the blood of newly discovered tetraploid irises and 'Amas' became a important variety within this change process. These tetraploid's gave hybridisers better branching, larger flowers, and hybrid vigour.

Biltmore Nursery, Biltmore, Asheville, North Carolina, The Iris Catalog, 1911.
Amas. Deep violet standards and sky-blue falls give glorious harmony in this giant-flowering variety, which originated in Asia Minor and which has won admiration wherever it has become known. It reaches a height of 2 feet, and flowers profusely.

The Genus Iris , William Rickatson Dykes, 1913.
The Pogoniris Section.
Var. Amas (syn. macrantha) rhizomes of this form were sent to foster in 1885 from Amasia in northern Asia Minor. It is the sturdiest, though not the tallest, of all the germanica forms and one of the most distinct, for its leaves remain quite short in the winter, behaving in fact more like those of I.pallida. The tube is 1 in. long and slickly covered with broken purple streaks; the spathe valves become very nearly wholly scarious by the time the flowers expand. The standards are almost oblicular of a very light blue purple and beer are few scattered yellow tipped hairs on the deeply channelled haft. The falls are of a deep purple with a broad beard of blueish white hairs tipped with Orange.

Illustrated Catalog of The Dean lris Gardens, Growers and Importers of Choice Iris, 1914, Moneta, California.

GERMANICA GROUP

Amas (syn. Macrantha). A handsome giant flowered form from Asia Minor. S. rich blue; F. violet. 2 feet.

Société Nationale D'horticulture de France, Commission des Iris.
Les Iris Cultivés : Actes et comptes-rendus de la 1re Conférence internationale des Iris, tenue à Paris en 1922
How I obtained Vigour and Branching Habit by George Yeld
Professor Foster also sent me a plant which he called 'Amasia' (now well known as macrantha). I shall never forget the day when it flowered, for I recognised at once that it would be an excellent iris for my purpose. He also sent me asiatica, now known as trojana. When seeking to increase my stock of this plant I have on various occasions received what I have known as 'Kaharput' instead of it.
I used all these three varieties and my first seedling cypriana crossed with Amasia (pollen parent) which I called Arac, after the giant brother of Princess Ida, in Tennyson's "Princess" was shown at the Drill Hall, Westminster, on June 19, 1900, though it failed to fine favour with the R.H.S. Floral Committee. It has the large blossoms and branching habit which we now see in so many Irises.
I raise a good many similar flowers, but it was not till June 10, 1902, that asiatica crossed with macrantha (pollen parent) shown under the name of Sarpedon, obtained an Award of Merit from the R.H.S.

Bulletin of The American Iris Society, Description of Varieties, Part 2, Number 7, January 1923
AMAS 78 (21) (Germanica)

Bicolor, R-V. (d). Col. by Foster, 1885
Brief. Large; early; light hyssop violet; F. smooth petunia violet; stalk low and very well-branched; growth vigorous; 30 in.
Details. Standards very finely veined, floppy; beard bluish white, orange tipped
Remarks. One of the best germanicas, the parent of 'Oriflame' and many other large hybrids. The pollen only is fertile. As a parent it carries its size, height, often its color and poor substance. Named from Amasia in Asia Minor. Syn. Macrantha.

Memoir 100: A study of Pogoniris Varieties, Austin W.W. Sand, Cornell University Agricultural Experiment Station, 1925.
Amas (Native of Amasia, Northern Asia Minor. Collected by Foster, in 1885). Rating 78.
Color effect blue and violet bicolor; Size large; form long, open, rounded; flowering habit free; tall bearded class; height 28 in; branching wide, low. A flower of poor substance ; frail texture; smooth surface; good fragrance; As a parent it carries its size, height, and often its color and poor substance.
S. light violet, reticulated olive brown on claw;carriage floppy, over arched ; Blade fiddle form, notched, undulate, ruffled and frilled, revolute, smooth; size 2¾ in. wide, 3¼ in. long; F. hyacinth violet, with slight velvety sheen, outer haft is lavender or ecru--drab, finely veined, reticulations olive brown waxy along beard; carriage drooping; shape ovulate to wedge shaped, convex; smooth; size 2¾ in. wide, 3¼ in. long; minor parts; Beard fine dense, projecting, bluish cast tipped yellow; haft very broad, channeled; reticulations broad, widely spaced; style branches broad, overarching, keeled, lavender; Crest large, fringed; pollen plentiful; spathe valves entirely scarious, inflated. Growth vigourous; increase rapid; habit compact; foliage stiff, leaves broad, deep glaucous green; floriferous; stalk erect, with 9 buds.
This variety is conspicuous in colour, size and bloom, and early flowering. The floppy character of the standards is offset by their large size. One of the parents of Oriflamme.

The Iris, Brian Mathew. 2nd. Edition, 1989.
The Species of Iris.
There are several named variants of I.germanica which one might encounter in literature and/or gardens
Iris germanica 'Amas' (Syn. var. macrantha) 'Amas' is a sturdy variant with deep blue-purple falls and rounder paler blue standards. There is a very prominent beard of blueish white hairs tipped with orange. Dykes writes that the leaves die away and do not start to develop until spring. It was introduced to cultivation from the town of Amasya in northern Turkey.

Proceedings of an International Symposium, Missouri Botanical Garden, 1995.
Symposium Special Reports
The Tall Bearded Iris Species by Philip W. Edinger.
"Amas" (Syn. Macrantha). botanists may raise their eyebrows at my inclusion of this as a tetraploid species, but I suggest it should be regarded as a selected clone of a species yet-undetermined. It was collected in Amasya, Turkey,where it may or may not have been indigenous; originally it was regarded as another "germanica" (despite obvious differences) which prevented it's being looked upon as a distinct individual on par with the other large tetraploids from Turkey and the Near East. Only flower colors, lavender and purple, suggest a "germanica" affinity. Conspicuously different are branching ( lower and longer) and foliage that is winter-dormant rather than winter-growing. Only as turn-of-the-century breeders discovered its fertility was it realised that this was indeed, a "germanica" of a very different stripe. Its first generation offspring include some of the finest of early tetraploid garden irises, e.g. "Ambassadeur", "Dominion", "Lent A. Williamson", "Lord of June","Oriflamme", "Souv. de Mme. Gaudichau".
As a garden subject, this is one of two tetraploids I would truly recommend. Individual blossoms are broad petalled, pleasingly proportioned, and present an appealing contrast of lighter standards over darker falls in colour that are clear rather than streaked, blotched, or muddy. Stems reach about 2½ feet tall, growing from stout, vigourous rhizomes. Unlike many of these Near Easterners, growth is easy in humid summer/cold winter climates; because of this, it was the tetraploid most used by the Sass Bros. in Nebraska.

Irises, A Gardener's Encyclopedia, Claire Austin, 2005.
Iris germanica 'Amas' (M. Foster, 1885) Asia Minor.
This tetraploid, once known as Iris germanica var.macrantha, was used in the early twentieth century as a parent of many modern tall bearded irises. The flowers have blue-purple standards. White veins appear on the hafts, and the pale blue beards are tipped with yellow. Height 70cm (28 in.) Bloom: early season.

AIS Checklist 1929
AMAS TB-B3M (Coll-Fos-1885-Amasia) Journal of Royal Horticultural Society 15; 3; October 1889.Dammann 1895; Farr 1912; Francis 1920; Wing 1920; Berry 1929; Class IVb H.C. R.H.S. 1916.

As always clicking on the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version.
Photo credit and copyright Iris Hunter.

The Modern Bearded Irises

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THE NEW ZEALAND SMALLHOLDER, February, 1934.

The Modern Bearded Irises

HARDY PLANTS FOR HOT DRY BORDERS, By R. E. Harrison.

It is more pleasing to note that in more recent years this class of hardy iris is becoming increasingly popular. This is no doubt due to the wonderful improvements that have been achieved in the size of the bloom, and new shades, and also in the increased bloom season that has been secured. The marvellous new colourings that now exist, and the the richness and the texture of the modern irises is indeed a revelation to those who are acquainted only with the older varieties.

Are Bearded Iris Hardy ?

Contrary to general opinion, bearded irises are extremely hardy, and can be grown anywhere in the Dominion. I have meet many people who thought it was impossible to grow these plants in Otago, and others that who have advised me that they will not flower in Auckland district, although they make good growth. By personal investigations I have found that lack of bloom has invariably proved to be due to faulty cultivation. I have seen magnificent displays of these irises in both districts, as well in all parts of the Dominion. I find that numbers of people who live in very cold districts do not attempt to grow many fine plants and shrubs as they feel convinced that their climate would be to severe for the subjects considered. Undoubtedly, many find that plants will not stand severe frosts, and it is often the case of "Once bitten, twice shy," but I would like to draw the attention of such people to an excellent guide as to the hardiness of any plant being considered. Obviously the many nursery catalogues issued throughout the Dominion are hardly a guide in all cases; there are many plants that are quite hardy in certain districts with, say, only 10° of frost, but utterly impossible to grow in very cold districts, and all growers do not know the limits that any plant will stand. The best plan is to secure copies of catalogues from reliable English nurseryman, say, one of shrubs and one of perennials and rock plants. Unless mentioned as tender, it is apparent that any plants offered in those catalogues as hardy are certainly hardy anywhere in the Dominion.

Essential Point in Cultivation

The only essential points towards the cultivation of bearded irises are good drainage, plenty of sun, and a yearly application of lime, if it should be lacking in the soil. Many people make the mistake of confusing these plants with Japanese irises (I. Kaempferi) which are water loving and give them the same conditions. Wet feet means death to them, and shady, sheltered places reduce the quality of bloom and increase the chances of disease. It should be remembered that, from after the flowering period until the winter rains, the bearded Iris enjoys the driest conditions. The more sunbaked the rhizomes are (the rootstock) during the summer the more they will flower the following spring. I can hear many readers saying "I have too many hot, dry places that are useless as a summer garden". Well these are just the spots for bearded irises, try a few, and you will be agreeably surprised with the results.

How and When to Plant

Bearded irises are so hardy that they can safely be moved at any time of the year, but it is obvious that if this takes place near the flowering period, poorer blooms will be the result the first season. The correct time to plant is any time from December to May, the earlier the better, but for convenience most planting is done in the bulb season, about February or March. By planting in the early autumn, the rhizomes become thoroughly established before Winter, and are thus able to support the blooms. They should be planted with the top part of the rhizomes above the soil.
Although usually listed as one class there are, in my opinion, several distinct sections of bearded irises, and a study of each section is necessary if the desired effect as required.I am quite sure that a carefully planned Iris Garden bloom, arranged for colour affects, and with due consideration given to heights in times of flowering, is one of the finest sites one could wish to see. Indeed, I know of nothing so impressive, or so calculated to arouse sustained enthusiasm. One hears of 'Gladiolus fever' and 'a bug for rhododendrons', but I am sure there is an equally catching malady for Irises. The classes I would suggest are :- (1) dwarf border varieties ; (2) variegated, or bi-colours ; (3) Irises particularly suitable for massing ; (4) the giant flowered and tall growing modern hybrids.

Varieties for Front Borders

The dwarf growing varieties are particularly suitable for the front border and although often smaller in flower, are usually very free flowering. There are not many very dwarf varieties, but in mentioning a few, attention should be drawn to the beautiful deep orange yellow called 'Auren.' A free flowering light blue, called 'Attraction', is also most useful, and can be suitably associated with this variety. 'Caprice' is a rosy claret, and, like the preceding, a self colour, while 'Louis Bell' supply is a most useful shade of velvety purple, and is a great improvement on the old 'Purple King type.' To complete a selection of good front border varieties it is necessary to add the class of variegated or bi-colours. This class, as can be imagined, is comprised of those irises in which the colours of the standards (upright petals) is in direct contrast and of a different shade from the falls (lower petals). The effects as one can realise, are very striking. Quite a number in this class have standards of some shade of yellow, with falls in the shades from Chestnut to deep brown. The best known in the dwarf varieties are 'Knysna', brilliant yellow, with chestnut falls, 'Medallion', yellow, with chestnut red, and 'Iris King', which is a rich orange or old gold with falls of velvety crimson maroon, edged with yellow. Other shades in good dwarf bi-colours are 'Hiawatha', lavender and purple, 'Ann Leslie', ivory white, with carmine falls, 'Argynnis', mustard yellow and chestnut red, and 'Rhein Nixie', which is pure white, with striking purple violet falls.

Colour Schemes for Borders

In the Irises for massing, a greater effect can be secured by blending shades or by contrasting colours. To secure this effect it is desirable to have the "self" shades, or those varieties with an even toning. For instance, when the pale, light and dark blues are grouped together in a gradual shading of colours, the effect, as can be imagined, is most charming. The blues of the bearded irises are indispensable for the blue herbaceous border, and even in mass groups throughout the shrubbery they lighten up the dark, sombre green of the shrubs beyond with a colour that is usually lacking at this time of the year. Then, as a contrast, the bright yellows, with the deep blue or the lavender pinks, with the purples, present combinations not often attempted. It has often been said that you can never see irises at their best until they are massed, and while this is true, and applies to all varieties of bearded irises, yet undoubtedly there are certain varieties much more suitable for this purpose than others. Some varieties are extremely free flowering, and are consistent year after year in this respect, a feature of the utmost importance. I have made a particular study of irises that are really outstanding in possessing free flowering qualities and which also have suitable shades to produce the desired effect, and give a list of some of the most useful of the lower-priced varieties.

Best Varieties for Massing

In the blues, 'Rodney', a self, light violet blue, and 'Odoratissima', lavender blue, are the best, while the deeper shades 'Harmony', rich violet purple, and 'Souvenir de Madame Gaudichau', rich velvety violet, with blackish purple falls, are unquestionably the most useful. There are hundreds of other really splendid irises in these colours. Many are larger and more refined, but for a massed effect they come short either in colour, quantity of blooms, or free flowering qualities.
'Bonita' is the best new tall pure buttercup yellow. It is wonderfully vigourous and free flowering. A splendid Iris for massing with the blues. Although introduced a few years ago at £4 each, it is now quite cheap. 'Primavira' is an early free flowering primrose yellow and is most useful.
In the so-called pinks or lavender pinks the varieties 'Dream' or 'Susan Bliss' are best. They are practically the same shade of Lavender Rose pink with an orange beard. 'Rosalind' is slightly different in that the falls are rosy lilac. 'Ed. Michel' is an unusual, but useful shade of deep reddish purple, or almost wine red. 'Evadne' belongs to the same group, but is a richer shade, being beautiful bronzy red. All the above are self, or almost self shades; there are others that are also useful which I shall mention briefly.
'Gules', lilac blue and violet ; 'Diadem', mauve and reddish brown falls ; 'Eldorado', yellowish bronze shaded heliotrope, with violet purple falls ; 'Lieut. Williamson', huge lavender blue, falls velvety violet ; 'Ma Mie', white, frilled and veined light blue ; 'Prosper Laugier', coppery crimson ; and 'Señorita', lavender, overlaid with yellow. All these are now quite reasonable in price and can be secured from leading Iris specialists.

Giant Flowering Modern Hybrids

The last group is the giant flowering tall growing modern hybrids. Since it has evidently been the aim of modern hybridists to secure size of bloom, most of the novelties today belong to this class. There are some marvellous creations nowadays, but to go through them all fully would occupy considerable space. Moreover, many of the recent novelties are rather high-priced, and it is not everybody who can afford them. The illustration above gives some little idea of the beauty of the modern hybrids. Although a reduced illustration of this nature cannot give a correct impression of the velvety texture of the blooms and the stately garden effect of these giants, yet some guide can be given by mentioning that the blooms of 'Frieda Mohr', the lavender pink Iris in the top left of the bowl measures six inches by six and a half inches. A well branched head of this Iris in full bloom is a Bouquet in itself, while a large clump in flower is a magnificent sight. The tall central Iris illustrated is a variety called 'Germaine Perthius', while the browny red in the lower left is a popular variety called 'Glowing Embers'. The amber yellow bloom is a giant new yellow call 'Fortuna'. The illustration does not do it justice. One of the finest Iris's cultivation is 'Bruno', the one illustrated on the top right of the picture. The standards are bronzy lavender and the huge velvety falls are rich purple. An improvement on this variety called 'Mrs Valerie West', is undoubtedly the finest Iris and cultivation. A few years ago this variety was introduced at £6 each, but it is now offered in the Dominion at less than £1. The pure white illustrated is a variety called 'Shasta'. It is by far the largest white variety so far introduced. On the lower right is shown a browny red variety. This is 'Fireball', and is the brightest variety of its colour class and the nearest approach to red. The correct shade is iridescent vinaceous red. Nearby is a 'Dominion' seedling called 'Majestic' with the lavender blue standards and the falls of purple. The names and short descriptions of the Iris is illustrated given at the foot of this article all our first-class new varieties that are now reasonable and price.

Other Good Varieties

There are three at least that should be added to this illustrated collection. They are 'Don Quixote', a very large deep lavender, overlaid with yellow, and with falls of violet, with heavy brown venatation on a yellow ground. The second is 'Moa', with its arching standards of pure violet and broad circular falls of deep velvety violet. This stately Iris is rightly classed amongst the world's best. The last is 'San Francisco'. Its tall branching stems, carrying enormous white flowers, of which both standards and falls are edged with lavender, make it an outstanding variety, with nothing to approach it.
While I feel that I have scarcely touched the ground in dealing with this most fascinating subject, yet I cannot close without drawing your attention to the fact that hybridists in the Dominion who have, in recent years, taken the improvement of these plants, have met with such outstanding success there is to be hoped that New Zealand will shortly be "on the map" in the future and producing at least some of the world's best, as she is now doing in dahlias and gladioli.

Illustration of Irises as shown above
The names of the irises, reading from the extreme left, are :- 'Freida Mohr', lavender pink; 'Mons. Connault', reddish copper ; 'Valencia', orange buff ; 'Estrella', white and blue; 'Duke of Bedford', violet purple ; 'J. B. Dumas' rosy ; 'Glowing Embers', brownish (central) ; 'G. Pertheus', violet ; 'Shasta', giant white ; 'Kynsna', yellow and brown ; 'Fortuna', amber yellow ; 'Queen Caterina', light blue; 'Bruno' Bronze and purple ; 'Lieut Williamson', light and dark blue ; 'Majestic', blue and purple ; 'Firefall', browny red.

Article courtesy of the New Zealand Smallholder Magazine, 1934.

New Zealand Tall Bearded Iris IRWELL FANCY

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I have been sent photos of seedlings recently from some international Hybridisers at the top of their game that look somewhat like this iris. The reason why I point this out is that 'Irwell Fancy' was registered in 2010 after nearly a two year delay and the seedling number indicates this iris is much older than it's registered date, more importantly though it shows just how much Ron Busch was at the top of his game many years ago!
'Irwell Fancy' is taller than registered height and produces many blooms, nicely shaped large flowers in beautiful colours with a metallic golden edge on the falls.

New Zealand Iris Hybridisers Checklist 2012
IRWELL FANCY Ron Busch, Reg., 2010. Sdlg.1839/4031. TB, 30" (76 cm), E. S. white, yellow base; style arms white, violet midrib; F. violet rose, yellow white around orange beard, yellow edge. Parentage unknown. The Iris Garden 2009

A 'Huge Hat tip' to Carol Rogerson of 'Kiwi Iris Delights' for the use of her stunning photo.
Photo Copyright and Credit Carol Rogerson.