Tall Bearded Iris ' ORIENTAL ALABASTER'

One of Barry Blyth's introductions that in my opinion is completely underrated. A fantastic late flowering Amoena, that has remained under the radar probably due to the date of its release which preceded the internet age and the ease of digital photography so missed the publicity that it justly deserves. An excellent garden Iris that grabs visitors attention . High health, good increase, great bud count and branching, it is without doubt a must have in anyone's garden. Quality all round. Tempo Two, Barry and Lesley Blyth, East Road,...

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Tall Bearded Iris 'MAJORETTE'

If I were only allowed to grow 10 irises this would be near the top the list. "Majorette" a strong grower that shows good increase. Bloom is bright and exciting for an almost Plicata that is both different and pleasing. When this Iris was first listed by Lyons Iris Gardens in America, it sold for the princely sum of $14.00. Can't say for sure who still sells this Iris in New Zealand but if I find out I will adjust this post later. Lyons Irisland, 1955 Catalog, Lyons Iris Gardens, Van Nuys, California. MAJORETTE (Miess 1953) Vivid in...

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Tall Bearded Iris 'ANNOUNCEMENT'

Photo taken at home this morning. AIS ChecklistANNOUNCEMENT (Paul Black, R. 2002) Sdlg. F158AA. TB, 34" (86 cm), MS. pastel cameo pink, slight crystalline rim; style arms pastel pink, violet midline; F. pastel blue violet, pale violet white halo edge, white haft with few tan veins; beards tangerine, violet flounce; ruffled; slight sweet fragrance. To the Point X Lookout Point. Mid-America 2002 HM 2004 AM 2006Its good to get the view of hybridisers concerning their introductions and Paul sent me these comments on 'Announcement' in...

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Historic Tall Bearded Iris "AZURITE"

. . Purchased this iris some years ago and has become a garden favourite. I will have to shift it this season as the dogwood trees are starting to shade it, hence the only slight blue edging on the falls. If you can find it buy it!!! It's one classy ladySchreiners Iris Lover's 1964 CatalogAZURITE Highly individual.... a plicata that could almost be called a 'white plicata'. A few minute, lightest, speckling and dots of light violet and then nestled in the center of the flower is its main attraction--- strikingly rich blue style...

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Iris variegata 'var.Reginae'

Iris variegata 'var.Reginae', collected in Hungary in 1947 but I am most sure that this natural clone has been around many century's before the date it was collected. There must be huge amounts of these types of Irises in parts of Europe and Russia that western gardeners are still oblivious to.Plant is about 40cm tall and the flowers size is approx. 6cm in height. Flowers just above the foliage and usually bears two or three lateral heads. Glaucous green ribbed foliage. It's one tough little plant.Super species type for Heritage gardens.I...

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New Zealand Tall Bearded Iris "PRIZE LADY"

  First bloomed for me at home 4 days ago,and what a top surprise. 'PRIZE LADY' was given this name by Noel Lapham because as you can see in the checklist description it had won a CM in 2005. Please don't ask me what a CM is but it seems a obscure Award for such an outstanding Iris. One would think this amazing Iris is been considered for New Zealand's Highest Iris Award. It is my opinion (and that's what this blog is) that this iris is of a international standard, more than a match for imported varieties, showing high health,...

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New Zealand Iris 'MUNRO SPECIAL'

Munro Special growing in Mrs Mary Greaves garden in Masterton, NZ. Standards on this lovely iris are a lavender blue, and the falls are a great show of velvety purple edged lavender blue with conspicuous white lines radiating from the haft's giving the blooms a distinguishing Heritage look. Plant is vigorous and has good plant health. It is yet to show good branching, but hopefully this will come to pass next year when the clump is more established. Good for floral display as well as being a choice garden variety. AIS Checklist...

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Tall Bearded Iris 'BLUSHING BEAUTY'

Purchased this Iris from an grower in Wanaka who no longer sells commercially and it is a looker. A complete delight to us each year it flowers and growing amongst a bed of blue irises, its subtle soft warm white with peachy pink flushed hafts, its large blooms (165mm/6½ inches) stand out like a beacon making it a very pleasant Historic Iris. AIS Checklist 1969 BLUSHING BEAUTY (Noyd, R. 1964) Sdlg. N61-3-33 TB 34" EM WS S warm white flushed pink at base; F white, clear pink at haft; coral beard, serrated edges (Pink...

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Tall Bearded Iris 'CRYSTAL GLITTERS'

  Purchased this iris last year from 'The Iris Garden' only because it was reasonably priced. After flowering I have come to realise that with a $8.00 price tag this iris is more than just great value. I would recommend this impressive iris to everyone so get your order in before Julie runs out!!   Tempo Two, Pearcedale, Victoria, Australia. Iris, Daylilies, Hosta Catalogue  1994-1995 CRYSTAL GLITTERS. (Schreiner's 1985 USA) EM 36"A warm glow of pink and peach highlights the creaminess of this iris.Lovely...

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Tall Bearded Iris 'BROOKSIDE'

'Brookside' another standout Iris from New Zealand's Ron Busch. I took this photo in my garden some weeks ago but had problems with Ron's checklist colour description of robins egg shell blue but the photo has been checked by others and Ron and I am assured that the Iris pictured is true to label. It is darker than the same variety growing in Christchurch but I have put this down to a regional difference. A good grower with good branching and reasonable increase. Interesting parentage. AIS Checklist 1999 BROOKSIDE (Mr. R.W. Busch...

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