American Iris breeder Dave Hall was renown for his breeding of irises with tangerine beards. 20 years after he introduced his first flamingo pinks with tangerine beards 'Lunar Fire' was introduced. It's a beautiful flower, good substance and very full, the petals are just slightly laced at the edges, and of medium size when compared to more modern irises. The colour is best described as pale apricot with tangerine red beards. Height is 90 cm or 36 inches with average branching. Grows well at home with moderate increase but can sometimes miss a bloom season. A solid and stunning coloured Historic Iris which was sold until recently commercially in New Zealand, I purchase my plants in 2006.
AIS Checklist 1969
LUNAR FIRE (D. Hall, R. 1963). Sdlg. 59-107. TB 36" M. YO5. Golden amber self. From two yellow sdlgs., Cooley 1963. HM 1964.
Gilbert H. Wild and Son. Inc. An Outstanding Selection of Quality Peonies- Iris- Daylilies
LUNAR FIRE (Hall 1963)
36in. A big spreading lace-edged flower of golden amber hues, the sharply contrasting beard a blazing tangerine red. In addition to form and size it has petals of extra heavy thickness and very stout well branched stems.H.M. 1964
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| Courtesy Cooley's Iris Gardens |
Cooley's Gardens catalog for 1963
Featured in color on our cover. . . . a big, spreading, lace-edged flower of golden amber hues, the sharply contrasting beard a blazing tangerine red. Dave Hall worked for years breeding this series and this one has been singled out as superior to all its kinfolk. In addition to form and size it has petals of extra heavy thickness and very stout well-branched stems. No. 59-107 . Each $25.00"
Photo Credit and Copyright Iris Hunter
Hi! Do you know if this Iris was available In Australia at any time? I'm sure I have this in my garden .. the colour, growth, habit and, of course, the beard, are unmistakable!
ReplyDeleteThe description does not mention any scent .. I'm not saying if mine does, but did it have one & if so, described as what?
Hope someone can reply??
Dianne.