Intermediate Iris LONGING

  This has to be one of 'thee must have intermediates' brilliant colouring, great form, amazing plant growth and health and a very very long bloom season. Amazingly no awards,why is that???

Tempo Two, Pearcedale, Victoria, Australia. Iris, Daylilies, Hosta Catalogue  1994-1995.
New Introductions
LONGING  (Blyth, 94 Aust.) VVE-ML 25" Salmon tan apricot with no pink tones with a slight violet flush, burnt tangerine beards with lavender on the outer ½". Super growth habits and multiple flowering stems and buds and a great increaser. Popular as a seedling.(Impish X Electrique.) Sdlg.no A55-1

AIS Checklist 1999
LONGING Barry Blyth, Reg. 1994. Sdlg. A55-1. IB, 25" (63 cm), VE-EML. S. smoky apricot salmon with faint violet flush, slight veining on F. hafts; beards burnt tangerine, lavender on outer 1/2". Impish X Electrique. Tempo Two 1994/95.

A big hat tip once again to Julie May of 'The Iris Garden' fame for her very fine photo.
As usual, clicking the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version.
Photo credit and copyright Julie May.

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Intermediate Iris DEVIL DANCING

One of the best looking Intermediate Irises and one of my favourites that I like to think of  as a smaller pastel version of the Tall Bearded Iris 'Imprimis' (Blyth '92) and is a must for those looking for a median iris with that 'something different'.

Tempo Two, Pearcedale, Victoria, Australia. Iris, Daylilies, Hosta Catalogue  1994-1995.
New Introductions
DEVIL DANCING (Blyth, 94 Aust.) E-M 22" Standards are lavender grey to grey and the falls are deeper with a slightly reddish violet overlay towards the centre. Beards are starting being navy bronze. Quite a contrast . Popular here in the garden. Slight musky fragrance. Flared and ruffled as are its sisters 'Bush Gossip' and 'Foreign Devil'. Sdlg. No A53-1

AIS Checklist 1999
DEVIL DANCING Barry Blyth, Reg. 1994. Seedling A53-1. IB, height 22" (56 cm), EM. Standards grey lavender; falls deeper, slight reddish violet overlay, deepening toward center, greyed lavender edge; beards navy bronze; slight musky fragrance. X25-5, Impish sibling, X Electrique. Tempo Two 1994/95

A big hat tip once again to Julie May of 'The Iris Garden' fame for her very fine photo.
As usual, clicking the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version.
Photo credit and copyright Julie May. 

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HISTORIC IRISES

FIRST ROW : (Top) Rodney ; Iris King ; Ed Michael ; Eldorado ; SECOND ROW :  Ma Mie ; Mrs Cowley ; Harmony ; Gules ; Dream ; THIRD ROW : Seminole ; Queen Alexandra ; P. V. Louise ; Primavera ; FOURTH ROW : Ballerine ; Bonita ; S. de Gaudichau ; Isoline ; Louis Bel FIFTH ROW : Evadne ; Senorita ; Prosper Laugier ; Argynnis ; SIXTH ROW : Rhein Nixie : Anne Leslie : Alcazar : Asia : Bandonella

 

Discovering another important part of New Zealand Iris history is always satisfying and inevitably for me, it always comes when I am researching some other part of Iris history. I call it my research collateral damage. Harrison's Bulb and Iris List 1933 has some 157 varieties of Bearded Irises listed. The above collage is from the catalogue and is as good as I can get it digitally at the moment until I can negotiate a scan of the document with the National Library. Takes a bit of work to glean information when the moment all pages have to be photographed and then viewed and retyped into a data base. Now as you can see these really are the 'Historic Irises' I like with unbelievable classic form.  

I have listed below 1929 Check List entries for the above varieties and this information is then followed by the description from Harrison's 1933 Catalogue. Names or spelling of some irises vary slightly from the above Harrison Catalogue names when matched with the official 1929 Checklist names listed below:

ALCAZAR, TB L S3D (Vilmorin, 1910) Description from Harrison's 1933 catalogue: Standards (S) Light bluish violet, Falls (F) dark purple, with bronze and yellow throat. Very large ; a favourite. 1/6

ANNE LESLIE, TB-M-W9 (Sturtevant 1918) (Dr. Bernice X .......) Description from Harrison's 1933 catalogue: S. white tinted rose ; F. carmine ; small flowers, but very effective in the sunlight. 1/6

ARGYNNIS, TB-LaM-Y9M ( Williamson 1925) Description from Harrison's 1933 catalogue: S. rich mustard yellow, F. bright chestnut red with narrow yellow edge ; new attractive variety; very free flowering. 2/-

ASIA, TB-MLa-S3L (George Yeld 1920) Description from Harrison's 1933 catalogue: One of the most outstanding Irises in the garden. The plant is tall and vigorous, flowers are large and numerous and of excellent substance. S., which are broad and massive, are pale silvery lavender, with golden yellow case. F., pale reddish purple, lighter at the margins. One of the best. 1/6 each, 3 for 3/-

BALLERINE,  TB-M-B3M (Vilmorin 1920) Description from Harrison's 1933 catalogue: Enormous blooms with broard light blue standards beautifully waved at the margins ; falls broard and deeper colour. Blooms well place on tall well branched stalk. A glorious plant 1/6

BANDOLLERO, TB-M-B1L (Mohr-Mitchell 1926) (Conquistador X Lent A. Williamson) Description from Harrison's 1933 catalogue: Bandonella; Flowers are distinct light blue well placed on a tall widely branched stalk ; A good new one 2/6

BONITA, TB-M-Y4M (Mohr-Mitchell 1928) (Romona X Shekinah) Description from Harrison's 1933 catalogue: The beautifully shaped flowers are pure clean buttercup yellow. The tallest and purest of all yellows to date. Strong growing, free flowering, and wonderfully attractive when massed with blues. Stocks have increased splendidly thus enabling us to offer it at such a popular price. Introduced at £4 each. 2/6

DREAM, TB-M-R7M (Sturtevant 1918) (Juniata X Aglaia) Description from Harrison's 1933 catalogue: A very lovly rose pink self colour with orange beard. Perfect form and excellent substance. 1/3, 3 for 3/-

EDOUARD MICHEL, TB-M-R7D (Verdier 1904)  (pallida X Amas) Description from Harrison's 1933 catalogue:Ed Michael; A ruffled flower of  deep wine red, the tallest and best in this colour class ; Most effective shade. 1/6, 3 for 3/-

ELDORADO, TB-M-S4D  (Vilmorin 1910) Description from Harrison's 1933 catalogue: S. yellowish bronze, beautifully shaded with heliotrope ; F. violet purple ; style arms clear gold ; very rich colouring, and altogether a most satisfactory Iris. 1/-, 3 for 2/-

EVADNE, TB-M-R7D (Bliss 1921) Diadem x (Queen of May x Cordelia) Description from Harrison's 1933 catalogue: A beautiful bronze-red self. The colour is particularly warm and glowing, and the beard a conspicuous golden yellow. The flowers are of a medium size, set on well branched strong stems. Extremely free flowering and deliciously scented. 2/6

GULES,  TB-M-R9M  (Bliss 1917) (Trosupurba x Queen of May) Description from Harrison's 1933 catalogue:S. lilac ; F.rich pansy violet. Beautiful, free flowering scented variety. 1/-

HARMONY, IB-E-B1M (Dykes 1923) Description from Harrison's 1933 catalogue: Deep rich violet-purple self with satiny sheen ; very free, and the best in this class for massing. 1/6

IRIS KING, (Goos & Koenemann, 1907). IB-M-Y9M. (Dalmatica x Maori King) Description from Harrison's 1933 catalogue: S. old gold ; F. very broad, rich velvety crimson-maroon, margined with gold ; a good variety that is a general favourite. 1/6

ISOLINE, TB-M-S9L (Vilmorin, 1904) Description from Harrisons 1933 catalogue: S. lilac-pink shot copper, very large and effective ; F. purplish old rose. A most distinct and beautiful Iris that should be in every collection. 1/-

LOUIS BEL, IB-M-R7D (Denis 1921) Description from Harrison's 1933 catalogue: This is without doubt the darkest, most richly coloured and most velvety Iris yet produced. S. dark velvety violet ; F. purple black. It is wonderfully free flowering and one of the most admired in our collection. Offered at a greatly reduced price. 3/6

MA MIE,  IB-M-W8 (Cayeux et LeClerc, 1906) Description from Harrison's 1933 catalogue: White frilled and veined with blue. One of the most free flowering ; very early. 1/-

MRS COWLEY, TB-E-S6M (Bliss 1920) (Queen of May x Maori King) Description from Harrison's 1933 catalogue: Standards coppery buff ; Falls deep rich rosy purple ; early and very free flowering. 1/-., 3 for 2/-.

PRIMAVERA, IB-E-Y4L (Mohr-Mitchell 1926) (pumila X mesopotamica) Description from Harrison's 1933 catalogue: the medium-height stalks are well branched and full of blooms, which are of a good size, beautifully rounded form and excellent substance. Soft primrose yellow self. 1/6.

PRINZESS VICTORIA LUISE,  IB-MLa-Y9L (Goos & Koenemann, 1910) Description from Harrisons 1933 catalogue: P. V. Louise; Standards crimson yellow ; Falls reddish purple, with a distinct narrow primrose edge. Very pleasing ; dwarf. 1/-

PROSPER LAUGIER , IB M S9D (Verdier, 1914) Description from Harrison's 1933 catalogue: standards coppery crimson ; Falls deep velvety crimson. A general favourite. 1/-, 3 for 2/-

QUEEN ALEXANDRA, TB-MLa-S7L (Barr 1910) Description from Harrison's 1933 catalogue: A very beautiful and free flowering variety, with self-coloured flowers an attractive shade of bronzy mauve. 1/-

RHEIN NIXE, TB-M-W9 (Goos & Koenemann, 1910). Description from Harrison's 1933 catalogue: Standards white ; Falls rich violet purple, with a distinct white edge. Attracts immediate attention. 1/6

RODNEY,  TB-M-B1M ( Bliss 1919) (Mme Chereau x dalmatica). Description from Harrison's 1933 catalogue: A violet-blue self ; Strong grower and very free flowering. Splendid for massing ; easily the best in it's colour. 1/-

SEMINOLE, TB-M-R9D (Farr 1920) Description from Harrison's 1933 catalogue: standards wine coloured ; Falls rich ruby velvety crimson ; Flowers dome-shaped. A magnificent and most attactive Iris. 2/-

SENORITA, TB-S3L (Mohr-Mitchell 1928) Description from Harrison's 1933 catalogue:On slender stems, 50 inches tall, are airily poised delightful flowers of high decorative value. The colour scheme is of pastel shades, pale lavender, overlaid luminous yellow ; Falls lilac, primrose. A distictive novelty. 2/-, 3 for 4/-

SOUV. DE MME GAUDICHAU, TB-E-B3D (Millet, 1914) (Fries Morel X Dalmatica or Amas?) Description from Harrison's 1933 catalogue: S. de Gaudichau; Standards rich violet ; Falls brilliant blackish purple. An unusually dark velvety bi-colour of fine shape and finish, an excellent substance ; splendid variety and general favourite. 1/6

5th November 2014; I have updated the above information to stop the annoying internet spelling checker leaving 'I know best comments'. In the interest of accuracy if the Iris was sold with a name spelt different to the official checklist entries this is always to be stated. For example 

As usual, clicking the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version.
Reproduction in whole or in part of this post, its opinions or its images without the expressed written permission of Terry Johnson is strictly prohibited.

Photo credit and copyright Terry Johnson and Heritage Irises ©. 

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Border Bearded Iris SPITFIRE

Lightly ruffled clear greenish-white blooms with white beards brightly tipped tangerine red. Well balanced nicely branched stems. 'Spitfire' is an absolute reblooming median masterpiece from Ben Hager. Now you know what I think about white irises, I've said it before and I'll say it again, all gardens can never have enough 'White Irises', they give a balance that is unbeatable and after all nothing clashes with white. Yes I am continuing with the Median Irises for the month of July, lots more to come so be sure to bookmark the site!! 

Tempo Two, Pearcedale, Victoria, Australia. Iris, Daylilies, Hosta Catalogue  1999-2000 
SPITFIRE (Hager 92 USA) Border. E and rebloomer. 26"
Ruffled white self with tangerine red beards. A Beverly Sills grandchild. Good grower for us.

Contemporary Views, 2007-2008, Perry Dyer– DARK HORSE AWARD
Given to the variety introduced within the past 10 years or so that has been overlooked by AIS judges and deserved higher awards:
Runnersup
SPITFIRE (Hager 1992, BB) was one of Ben’s finest BBs, yet received very little “play” from the judges. A pure glistening white with bright tangerine beards. It came from a fine lineage, including the equally overlooked ‘Bride’s Lace’ (Julander) and ‘Beverly Sills’ (Hager). It has respectable growth habits, whereas many red-bearded whites fail the test.

SPITFIRE (Ben Hager, R. 1991) Sdlg. BB4338FlrTWhRe. BB, 27" (69 cm). Early bloom and rebloom. Ruffled white; beards tangerine red. T3676TWh: (Beverly Sills x Wings of Dreams) X T3848SmRfTWh: (T3301: (Risque x (T2435: (Babson M131-4 x Morning Breeze) x Crystal Flame)) x Bride's Lace). Adamgrove 1992


Available in New Zealand from several suppliers.
A big hat tip once again to Julie May of 'The Iris Garden' fame for her very fine photo.
As usual, clicking the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version.
Photo credit and copyright Julie May.  

Available in New Zealand from several suppliers.
A big hat tip once again to Julie May of 'The Iris Garden' fame for her very fine photo.
As usual, clicking the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version.
Photo credit and copyright Julie May.   - See more at: http://historiciris.blogspot.co.nz/2013/07/intermediate-bearded-iris-az-ap.html#sthash.HHqOkIrV.dpuf

Available in New Zealand from several suppliers.
A big hat tip once again to Julie May of 'The Iris Garden' fame for her very fine photo.
As usual, clicking the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version.
Photo credit and copyright Julie May.   - See more at: http://historiciris.blogspot.co.nz/2013/07/intermediate-bearded-iris-az-ap.html#sthash.HHqOkIrV.dpuf

Available in New Zealand from several suppliers.
A big hat tip once again to Julie May of 'The Iris Garden' fame for her very fine photo.
As usual, clicking the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version.
Photo credit and copyright Julie May.   - See more at: http://historiciris.blogspot.co.nz/2013/07/intermediate-bearded-iris-az-ap.html#sthash.HHqOkIrV.dpuf

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Intermediate Bearded Iris AZ AP

Not a lot of Intermediate irises featured on the Web. These irises flower between the standard dwarf bearded iris and the tall bearded iris, and have a considerable value in adding continuity to the bearded iris season. 'AZ AP' , is another of Alan Ensminger's award-winning Irises. Blooms show occasional flecks of Broken Colour that could be inherited from its 'Jungle Shadows' heritage. A good strong grower that has a longer bloom season. An absolute asset in any garden.There is a limited amount of Alan's irises available in New Zealand which is a pity but we do have a few of his award-winning irises which is better than none at all.  Alan Ensminger, was presented the  Bennett C. Jones Award for Outstanding Median Hybridizing from the Median Iris Society in 2007.

Varigay Gardens Lincoln, Nebraska.1980.
AZ AP EL. IB. 22"
We want you to know about this beautiful 1980 introduction, named AZ AP because in color it is an abbreviated Azure Apogee.
AZ AP is an intermediate - the child of Charmed Circle and and SDB seedling. It is one of those rare irises that can hardly be faulted.
When AZ AP was one year old, it had 3 bloom stalks and 12 increases. The increases were lined out, and in 1979 when AZ AP was two years old there were 57 bloom stalks and 63 increases.
AZ AP is so beautiful and such a good doer that soon everyone will grow it. If you want to be one of the first to grow this remarkable new Intermediate send your check for $15.00 to Varigay Gardens 

Bulletin of the American Iris Society, October, 1990. Number 279.
Ensminger's Varigay Garden, James McWhirter (California)
This garden was the last garden I visited at the 1990 Omaha Convention, and it was an excellent one to end with. Although the day was overcast and even a little misty, the glorious color that greeted us when departing the bus was overwhelming. And even if we thought the color was going to be enough, the 75 foot row of AZ AP (Ensminger 80) was in full bloom to greet us a second time. The noise from the cameras capturing this spectacular sight was enough to keep all insects away. Truly a sea of bloom that will long be remembered
 
IRISES, A Gardener's Encyclopedia, Claire Austin.
Iris AZ AP (A Ensminger 1979)
This variety blooms for many weeks, producing skyblue flowers that are very slightly veined with purple around the edges of its petals. The bushy beards are bright blue. Height 56 cm ( 22½ in.) Bloom; early to late season. Parentage includes 'Charmed Circle', Spring Salute', 'Patience', 'Jungle Shadows', and I.pumila. Hans and Jacob Sass Medal 1987.

IRIS, Flowers of the Rainbow, Graeme Grosvenor.
Intermediate Iris Recommended Cultivars
'Az Ap' (Ensminger 1980) 60cm. classic mid-blue intermediate. Vigorous grower.

AIS Checklist 1979
AZ AP (Allan Ensminger, R 1979) IB, height 22" (56 cm), Early-Late bloom season. Cobalt blue (HCC 44/3) self; gentian blue (42/1) beard. Charmed Circle X 73-1: ((Spring Salute x ((Patience x Welch N503) x (Jungle Shadows x pumila))) x ((( Jungle Shadows x pumila) x ( Jungle Shadows x Cretica)) x ((Jungle Shadows x Cretica) x Kavan 11-66))). Varigay Gardens 1980. Honorable Mention 1982; Award of Merit 1984; Sass Medal 1987.

Available in New Zealand from several suppliers.
A big hat tip once again to Julie May of 'The Iris Garden' fame for her very fine photo.

As always clicking on the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version. Reproduction in whole or in part of this post, its opinions or its images without the expressed written permission of Terry Johnson is strictly prohibited. Photo credit and copyright Julie May and The Iris Garden ©.

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Border Bearded Iris BATIK

I am a great fan of 'Broken Colour' Irises or the term I much prefer 'Splish Splash Irises' which is how Perry Dyer refers to them. From the hybridiser who I have always admired and was given the nickname "The Wizard of Odds", 'Batik' is one of Allan Ensminger's better known introductions. More detail needs to be written about Allan Ensminger and his Iris breeding while the peoples memories who knew him are still fresh.

White Flower Farm, Litchfield, Connecticut, Fall 2013 Bulbs Catalog
A striking Border Bearded Iris that is royal purple streaked and mottled white. Like snowflakes, no two blooms are alike. The effect is enchanting, and because plants grow just 24in tall, you can enjoy them with such companions as Aquilegia. Winner of three American Iris Society awards.

Cooleys Gardens, Silverton, Oregon. Iris Catalog 2002.
BATIK (Ensminger, 1986) M. 26" (BB)
White flecking and strips contrast with deep purple. Yellow beards are tipped white.

Schreiner's, Salem,Oregon, 2013 Collectors Edition, Iris Lovers Catalog.
BATIK (Ensminger, 1986) E. 24" (BB)
Wildly irregular spattered and streaked with white markings give each royal purple flower its own distinctive look. Its habit is rather tall and its flowers large for a border bearded.HM '88, AM '90, KM '92

IRISES, A Gardener's Encyclopedia, Claire Austin.
Iris 'Batik' ( A. Ensminger, 1985) This broken (unstable) coloured flower has blue-purple petals that are streaked white. The white streaks are very unstable and vary both in quantity and width from flower to flower. Height 66cm (26in.). Bloom; Midseason. Parentage 'Aegean Star' X 'Purple Streaker'. Knowlton Medal 1992.

AIS Checklist 1989
BATIK (Allan Ensminger, Reg. 1985). Seedling 79-79. BB, height 26" (66 cm), M. White ground, striped royal purple; yellow beard tipped white. Aegean Star X Purple Streaker. Varigay Gardens 1986. Honorable Mention 1988; Award of Merit 1990; Knowlton Medal 1992.

Available in New Zealand from Helen Laing at her Amberley nursery 'The Iris Farm'  and Wendy Begbie's  'Amazing Iris Gardens'.
A big hat tip once again to Julie May of 'The Iris Garden' fame for her very fine photo.
As usual, clicking the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version.
Photo credit and copyright Julie May. 

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Intermediate Bearded Iris QUIVER

A cross of the pale soft lacy pink Tall Bearded Iris 'Tiffany Time' (Blyth 90) and the smoky pink Standard Dwarf  Iris 'Chanted'(Blyth 90) gave Barry an amazing blue pink stand-out Intermediate Iris. A very smooth Iris.

Tempo Two, Pearcedale, Victoria, Australia. Iris, Daylilies, Hosta Catalogue  1994-1995
QUIVER (Blyth 94 Aust) M-ML 24" Standards are pink flushed lavender, giving a blue-pink effect. Falls are much paler with light tan hafts and light lavender line below beards which are lavender tipped tangerine.Very flared and lightly ruffled with good branching and a good show iris. (Tiffany Time X Chanted) Sdlg. no Z34-2

AIS Checklist 1999
QUIVER Barry Blyth, Reg. 1994. Sdlg. Z34-2. IB, 24" (61 cm), ML. S. pink flushed lavender, giving blue-pink effect; F. paler, light tan on hafts, lavender lines below beard; beards lavender, tipped tangerine. Tiffany Time X Chanted. Tempo Two 1994/95.

Available in New Zealand from Helen Laing at her Amberley nursery 'The Iris Farm'. Whilst the listing on the web site spelling is slightly wrong but is the same iris
A big hat tip once again to Julie May of 'The Iris Garden' fame for her very fine photo.
As usual, clicking the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version.
Photo credit and copyright Julie May.

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