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Friday, February 6, 2009

Siberian Iris 'GRANDIS'




GRANDIS an Historic Siberian Iris that is just as elegant today, as the day it was introduced 97 years ago. A great example of classic form.It is appropriate to feature an heirloom Siberian iris introduced by Bertrand H. Farr . Considered to be the first person in the United States to take up seriously the breeding of Irises, his first introduction being in 1909.Indication of I. sibirica parentage are the bud pattern, height, and form.

 Beauty from Bulbs' Catalogue published by John Scheepers Inc, 522 Fifth Avenue, New York City, Administration Buildings and Display Gardens at Brookville, Long Island.1939
GRANDIS This variety has rich violet standards and styles with white falls beautifully veined rich violet and bronze veining at the throat. Very unusual on account of these markings on the falls which are prominent because they hang straight down Height 45 inches.

2006 Cumulative Checklist of Siberian Irises
GRANDIS Listed SIB (dip.) (36" 91 cm) E B3L. Blue-violet standards and style arms, white area on falls; F. reticulated with blue-violet lines that coalesce at the tips. Listed as superceded in 1939 CL. Synonyms: Sibirica Grandesse; sibirica grandis. Unknown parentage. Farr 1912.

Available in Canada from Chuck Chapman Iris who has a great selection of Siberian Irises both modern and Historic

Big hat tip to Chuck Chapman for sharing the photo which is pure class.
As always clicking on the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version.
Photo copyright C. Chapman.

5 comments:

  1. The blue colour is just fantastic! /Helen

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  2. I have a weakness for blue or violet iris, and this is a gorgeous iris. The colour pattern of the veining on the falls is a knockout.
    Thanks for the link to Chuck Chapman Iris.

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  3. Hello there and WOW ! .. I love the look of these irisessss ? LOL
    I have a few purple blue ones in the wild look format "sibirica" ?
    I have a weakness for them over the bearded ones. You have some gorgeous picks here : )
    Thanks very much for the fav as well ! much appreciated : )
    Joy

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  4. I am astounded at how much this look alike Flight of Butterflies, a smaller, shorter siberian from the 70's. The veins are fabulous.

    AIS is now carrying the new book "Dream Gardener: Pioneer Nurseryman Bertrand H. Farr" if anyone is interested in the history of this important irisarian and hybridizer.

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  5. Hi Mike
    Many Siberians have that FOB look two I grow are Lorena Cronin and Banish Misfortune.You should check out 'GOSSAMER BREEZE' an recent introduction available from Eartheart Gardens. I wish we had that in New Zealand!!

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