Classic Collectable Tall Bearded Iris MOONSTRUCK

Small amounts of sort of zonal white beneath the yellow beard tipped orange which was empathised in the Artist enhanced image in the Schreiner's 1982 catalogue confirmed to me the ID plus the description in Schreiner's catalogue and other publications that documented its vigorous growth. At home 'Moonstruck' is a weed-of-a-grower, so very quickly makes a highly desirable, compact clump with a mountain of non fading yellow flowers. Make sure you plant the rhizome in a position so it can expand, one season this iris increased with 4 new thick rhizomes. Thirty four years old 'Moonstruck' is a Classic Collectable Iris.

Schreiner's, Salem,Oregon, 57th Annual, Iris Lovers Catalog, 1982.
MOONSTRUCK   (Schreiner 1979) EM. 36"
You will marvel at this enticing, precisely formed and exquisitely clean light  sulphur to lemon yellow. It has flawless form and equally compensating vigour. Its enamel finished flowers are ideally poised on two and three branched stems, with 7 to 9 buds.

AIS Checklist 1979
MOONSTRUCK   Schreiner's, Reg. 1979. Sdlg. I 1225-1. TB 36" (91 cm) EM. Sulphur yellow self; light yellow beard. Moon Glimmer X New Moon., Schreiner's 1979.

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

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How to Hybridise Bearded Iris, Iris Genetics and Hybridizing with Dr. Kenneth Kidd -- PART 2

As the new Iris season is getting close, and for those of us thinking about giving Iris Hybridising a go this season, you would have to agree it was very good timing that  GardenClips producer Patrick Volk sent me this message today "I was recently shooting video of irises at the Marsh Botanical Garden at Yale University when we ran into Dr Kenneth K. Kidd, Professor of Genetics, of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and of Psychiatry at the Yale School of Medicine who dabbles in breeding bearded iris and he graciously agreed on the spot to show us how he does it. Your readers may find these videos to be a useful visual aid".
In the book 'The World of Irises' Chapter 26 'Iris genetics' was written by the very same Dr.Kenneth Kidd in 1978 and is still a relevant and interesting read, very useful when your hybridizing becomes just a little more serious than fun.The art and fun of iris hybridising is in choosing which pollen parent to cross on which pod parent.



 Big hat tip to Patrick Volk and the team at GardenClips.com

How to hybridize iris, pollinating irises, how to cross pollinate irises, how to cross bearded iris, pollinating bearded iris, iris cross pollination, hybridizing irises, iris hybridizing, hybridizing bearded iris, How to Hybridise a Bearded Iris

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How to Hybridise Bearded Iris, Iris Genetics and Hybridizing with Dr. Kenneth Kidd -- PART 1

As the new Iris season is getting close, and for those of us thinking about giving Iris Hybridising a go this season, you would have to agree it was very good timing that  GardenClips producer Patrick Volk sent me this message today "I was recently shooting video of irises at the Marsh Botanical Garden at Yale University when we ran into Dr Kenneth K. Kidd, Professor of Genetics, of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology and of Psychiatry at the Yale School of Medicine who dabbles in breeding bearded iris and he graciously agreed on the spot to show us how he does it. Your readers may find these videos to be a useful visual aid".
In the book 'The World of Irises' Chapter 26 'Iris genetics' was written by the very same Dr.Kenneth Kidd in 1978 and is still a relevant and interesting read, very useful when your hybridizing becomes just a little more serious than fun.The art and fun of iris hybridising is in choosing which pollen parent to cross on which pod parent.




  Big hat tip to Patrick Volk and the team at GardenClips.com

How to hybridize iris, pollinating irises, how to cross pollinate irises, how to cross bearded iris, pollinating bearded iris, iris cross pollination, hybridizing irises, iris hybridizing, hybridizing bearded iris, How to Hybridise a Bearded Iris

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Tall Bearded Iris BOLD VISION

 

Long blooming, dramatic, and bold. It's a wonderful rich deep yellow iris with falls banded nearly an inch thick in a airbrushed brownish-red. A white zonal spot highlights the bright orange gold beards. Stalks are strong, of moderate height, with good branching, amazing coloured buds. Fred Kerr suggests 'Bold Vision' is a zonal variegata, Perry Dyer  suggests it is a Emma Cook Pattern. I just think its a ray of sunshine.

Contemporary Views, 2003-2004, Perry Dyer– Emma Cook Pattern.
BOLD VISION (Kerr 2000) is from the same hybridizer which gave us another Emma Cook type, ‘Queen’s Circle’, but the pattern is the only thing that is similar. Color combination, instead, is rich yellow standards and falls, then precisely banded in bold brown-red. Yellow beards blend in to the base color. A nice advancement over an earlier Emma Cook type introduction from Fred, ‘Dear Jean’, with richer color and more elegant banding. It is finally receiving the recognition it deserves.

Fred Kerr's, Rainbow Acres, North Highlands, California.
BOLD VISION (Kerr 2000)  29" Early through late. (Citoyen X Lena Baker sib) The latest of our line of zonal variegatas. Bold Vision has the darkest red band of the line. The one and a quarter inch fall band surrounds dark yellow center with a startling white area just under the gold beards. The standards are of darkest yellow. Good bud count. HM 2002 AM 2006 

AIS Checklist 1999
BOLD VISION Frederick Kerr, Reg 1999. Sdlg. 936307. TB, 29" (74 cm), EML. S. dark yellow; F. dark yellow, lighter around gold beard, wide brownish red band; ruffled, flared. Citoyen' X 9111A, Dear Jean sib. Rainbow Acres 2000.

Available in New Zealand from Richmond Iris Garden.
As usual, clicking the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version.
Photo credit and copyright Iris Hunter.  

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IRIS SHOWS 2013

Iris 'Irwell Angels Dream'

ACCENT ON IRIS FLOWER SHOW
Burrell Creek Hall, The Bucketts Way
Burrell Creek, New South Wales
17 km’s from the Taree Service Centre or 17 km’s north of Krambach.
19th October, 2013
Saturday 10 am to 3 pm
Quality Iris on Display and For Sale, also Daylilies and Fresh Flowers
Light Refreshments available
Do consider entering the flower show.You may win a prize for your effort,
or, just add to the days Spring display!
The Show Schedule is on the website, or contact Lyz to receive one.
Entry Cost: $3.00
KINSPIRIT IRIS & DAYLILY FARM
Phone 6559 1275

  
THE IRIS SOCIETY OF AUSTRALIA
NEW SOUTH WALES REGION
2013 IRIS SHOW
Wentworth Falls School of Art Hall
Great Western Highway, Wentworth Falls (near railway station)
October 26th, 2013
Saturday 9.00 am.to 4.00 pm.
All entries to be displayed on Friday, 25th October for judging that afternoon
Potted Iris, Rhizomes, Seeds, Craft Items, Cottage Plants for Sale,
Cultural Information, Lunch and Teas available
Admission $5 (Concessions for seniors) Children under 16 free
Wheelchair access
Information: 02 47842727
Email: dicoxiris@bigpond.com

MORRINSVILLE HORTICULTURE SOCIETY ROSE & IRIS SHOW
Campbell Hall, Knox Presbyterian Church Hall, Canada St, Morrinsville
Friday, 1st November, 2013.
Entries at the hall on the morning of the day
Open to Public: 12 noon to 4:00 p.m.
Inquiries: Jan Kerkin
Ph: (07) 889 3607
Email: jan@kerkin.co.nz

HOBART HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY INC. ROSE, IRIS & FLORAL ART SHOW
Hobart Town Hall – 50 Macquarie Street, Hobart   (opposite the GPO)
1st and 2nd November, 2013
Friday 1.00 - 6.00 pm. Saturday 10.00 am - 4.30 pm.
Please come along on Thursday night or Friday morning to enter some exhibits in the novice section.
There is no cost to entering any of these shows.  New exhibitors desperately needed. 
Tubes and vases can be provided or you can use clean green bottles if you have them.
Other iris members are present on Thursday night to help show you how to display your irises.
Admission is free 

POVERTY BAY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY ROSE & IRIS SHOW
Showgrounds Park and Events Centre, Gisborne
2nd & 3rd November 2013
Saturday 1.30 - 4.00 pm. Sunday 9.30 am - 3.30pm.
Entry fee is $5 adults, children free.
For further details contact the Show Secretary, Jill Coates, 06 8631310.

RANGITIKEI IRIS SHOW 2013
Palmerston North Leisure Centre, 569 Ferguson Street.
2nd & 3rd November 2013
Saturday 1.00 - 4.00 pm. Sunday 10.00 am - 4.00pm. 
Public welcome to exhibit at 10am on Saturday.
Free to exhibit and free admission.
Sales tables with over 300 plants, and raffles.
Contact Julie 06 3579925.
 

MASTERTON HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY 2013 IRIS SHOW
Young Citizens Hall, Chapel Street, Kuripuni, Masterton
Saturday, 2nd November 2013 1pm-4pm, 
Display of Irises, Plant Sales, and Christmas Raffle
Admission $2.00
New rule ; To continue exhibiting after the first year you must pay $10.00 fee and become a member.

HUTT VALLEY HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY EARLY SUMMER SHOW
Horticultural Hall, Laings Rd, Lower Hutt
9th, & 10th November, 2013
Saturday 12.00pm. - 4.30 pm. Sunday 10.00 am - 4pm.
All entries must be received by 9.30 am on Saturday morning of the show
Judging commences at 10.30 am sharp
Entry fee is $2.50 adults, members & children free.
For further details contact the Secretary (04) 479 5548

MARTINBOROUGH ROSE & IRIS SHOW
Martinborough Town Hall,
Saturday 9th November 2013
12.00 noon until 4.00pm
Everyone is encouraged to enter their blooms.
Admission Gold coin Donation

We encourage everyone to enter their blooms.

We encourage everyone to enter their blooms.

For a Show Schedule and All Inquiries
Contact Maree Roy (06) 3069319 or Yvonne Harvey (06) 3069553

HAWERA AUTO COURT EGMONT A & P ASSOCIATION SUMMER SHOW
Showgrounds, Burnside Avenue, Hawera
15th & 16th November 2012
Home Industries including Iris and Flower Show, Cattle, Equestrian, Dog Trial, Tractor Pull, Kidzone.

NELSON HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY ROSE AND IRIS SHOW 2013
The Nelson Horticultural Society Inc. are holding their Rose and Iris Show
Sunday 17th November 2013 at the at the Granary, Founders Park, Nelson
From 10.00 am -5 pm. Entry $5 adults, children free.

 TIMARU HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY EARLY SUMMER SHOW
Caroline Bay Hall, Timaru.
16th & 17th November, 2013
Saturday 2.00 - 5.00 pm. Sunday 11.00am - 4.30pm.
Irises, Roses, cut flowers, container plants, orchids, alpine and rock garden plants, bonsai, floral art, fruit and vegetables.
Braggers Corner for large or unusual vegetables and plants
Admission $3.00 adults, or a membership ticket, children free.
For further details contact the Secretary, Ted Falvey (03) 684 3760

The above is a list of Australian and New Zealand 2013 Iris Shows to date. If you require a show schedule or times to stage your blooms please do not hesitate to contact the Show Secretary's listed above. This post will be updated when I am notified of more shows. If you have a show you would like to add to the list leave details as a comment. 

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Historic Tall Bearded Iris GREAT LAKES

Perhaps one of 'thee' most popular Dykes Medal Irises that became equally popular among breeders as a fertile parent. This is one of the few classic looking historic irises in the true light blue colour, grows tall and vigorous and is a must for the back of the ultimate classic Iris display. A truly restful colour that mixes well with modern irises by adding a piece of classic Iris Royalty.

Cooleys Gardens, Silverton, Oregon. Iris Catalog, 1938.
GREAT LAKES (Cousins, 1938)
In our 10 years experience of introducing Iris novelties, we have never placed an Iris in commerce without having seen it.We are making the first exception in this case, for reports from Canada indicate that here, at last is the perfect blue.
"It has all the attributes of a good Iris.............. tall ( 42 inches) and well branched. Color is a light blue, about the same depth of tone as 'Shining Waters' but nearer true blue. Standards are closed, no veining at the haft, and the shape of the flower is excellent. We have been hybridising Iris ever since Vilmorin introduced Ambassadeur and Ballerine, and of many thousands raised this is the first one considered for introduction". So says Lyman Cousins, London, Ontario,the hybridizer.................................Each $10.00

Carl Salbach, Berkeley, California, Iris and Selected Seed Catalog, 1942.
GREAT LAKES (Cousins, 1938)
Clear light blue self of large size and perfect form. Tall, well branched stems. Hardy and vigorous grower. Awarded Dykes medal in 1942. Mid season. 48"

Hill Iris & Peony Farm Lafontaine, Kansas, Irises, Peonies and Hemrocallis catalog, 1945.
GREAT LAKES (Cousins, 1942)
Dykes medal winner for 1942. Flaring, widely branched, ideal blue...................$2.00

Stevens Bros. Bastia Hill Wanganui. Irises 1947-1948 Catalogue.
Novelties 1947-48
GREAT LAKES (Cousins, Canada)
This is the famous Dykes Medallist which was raised in Canada in 1938. Very pure in it's lovely light blue,it is one of the new blues which are becoming so extremely popular in America. The flower is huge, but has such perfect form and balance that one does not feel that it is a giant. Classically formed and flared, the flower is carried with exquisite poise on well branched for foot stems. Very lovely and very blue......................25/-

Schreiner's, Salem,Oregon,  Iris Lovers Catalog 1947.
GREAT LAKES (Cousins, 1938) M., 40"
Winner of the Dykes Medal 1942, this is about our finest light pure blue. Of splendid mien with a pronounced flare, stiff, crispy petal texture it is strikingly fine. Fine stems of good height, well branched. Rugged and hardy, we highly recommend it. Present day pre-eminence and popularity surpass practically every other iris. 

The Iris Yearbook (BIS), 1949.
Bearded Irises in Blue Shades, C. P. Raffill.
GREAT LAKES (Cousins)
This Iris is one of our greatest and finest varieties in spite of the fact that it is 11 years since it was put on the market. It won the coveted Dykes medal in the USA in 1942, and has been in the first three of the American Hundred Borest Iris symposium in most years since. Constitutionally it is most vigorous, it is perfectly hardy and free flowering and thrives in most types of soil. The flowers are a shade of Cambridge blue, the falls being knitted with a darker tint. This character is a dominant one in its progeny. The flowers of great Lakes are of green substance, with perfect poise and balance.

Fairmont Gardens, Lowell, Massachusetts,Irises, Hemerocallis, Hostas, Poppies, 1950.
GREAT LAKES (Cousins, 1938) M.
Clear in color, and with ideal form and carriage this iris is one of the best in the light blue class. The standards are firm and roundly domed. The falls are very flaring.  Dykes Medal in 1942. HM A.I.S. 1938, AM., A.I.S. 1940;  40in.

Tells Iris Gardens, 691 8th North, Provo, Utah, 1951 Iris Catalog and Hybridizers Handbook.
GREAT LAKES (Cousins, 1938) M. (Domonion seedling X Conquistador seedling) Quality blue that has been widely used as a parent and with great success. Dykes Medal '42....................................$ .75

Lyons Iris Gardens, Van Nuys, California. Lyons Irisland, Iris and Hemerocallis for 1951
GREAT LAKES (Cousins, 1938)
1942 Dykes Medal winner. A striking pure, clear medium light blue. One of the bluest and best. Its stately flaring form and crisp heavy texture give this Iris an above average keeping quality. Excellent in every way. Mid-season. 38"

Edenwald Gardens, Vincennes, Indiana. Iris, Summer and Fall, 1959.
GREAT LAKES (Cousins, 1938) M 42"
Crisp and flaring light blue, rugged and hardy. Bold in flower and foliage, of stately height and perfect branching. Dykes Medal, 1942.

Marble Iris Gardens, Grandview, Washington. Iris Colorama Catalog, 1961.
GREAT LAKES (Cousins, 1938) M., 44"
An Iris that comes from Canada near the Great Lakes and is a hardy,tall, medium blue of very pure colour. The flowers are of perfect form, good texture and on strong, well branched stems. Winner of H.M. in 1938, A.M. in 1940, Dykes medal in 1942. Number one Iris in the A.I.S. symposium for four years and now in the Hall of Fame.

Irises, Judith M. Berrisford, Choosing your Irises.
Mid-Blue
GREAT LAKES (Cousins, 1938) 48", M.
A very popular Iris still. 'Great Lakes' is perfect in form and habit, with size and quality that make it the perfect back row plant. A healthy Iris and a fine grower.

The Tall Bearded Iris, Nicholas Moore, Chapter seven, Blue Irises.
....But the real beginning  of blues as we know them came in 1938 with the introduction of GREAT LAKES from Canada. This plant,raised by L.W. Cousins, proved a great success from the first. A magnificent grower, its flowers of mid-blue were considered blue than those of ALINE (Stern 1933), and it was of magnificent form, texture and substance. It subsequently had a great influence as a breeder...........Encouraged by the advent of GREAT LAKES, and in many cases using it as a parent, a number of American raises devoted themselves to the breeding of blues and whites ( the two usually go together), and, though the progress towards real blue has been slow, a number of great irises have been raised.

THE TALL BEARDED IRIS, Nicholas Moore, Chapter six, Yellow Irises - See more at: http://historiciris.blogspot.co.nz/2012/02/heirloom-iris-star-shine.html#sthash.gjTSqCNR.dpuf

The World of Irises, Chapter 4, Tall Bearded Irises, Keith Keppel, Melba B Hamblen.
GREAT LAKES BEGINS THE FLOOD.
The exact pedigree of Great Lakes it is not known. Registration records indicate that came from seedlings of Dominion and of Conquistador. The hybridise acknowledged that his records were incomplete and that the unrecorded portion of the pedigree could have been either named varieties or seedlings. Crusader and/or the lavender bitone Lady Foster could have been involved. Regardless of its precise lineage, Great Lakes was an important breeder. Great Lakes with Missouri yielded Chivalry for Jesse Wills- across of two Dykes medal winners had produced a third winner. Other first generation Great Lakes derivatives include, Sylvia Murray, Distance, Keane Valley, and Blue Valley, the latter two varieties serving as the basis for the famous Kenneth Smith line of blues.
Graves crossed Sensation and Gloriole; the resultant pale lavender blue Cloud Castle crossed with Purissima, produced Helen McGregor. Helen McGregor crossed with a seedling of Great Lakes and Pale Moonlight, gave Jane Phillips. Another famous blue line had began.

AIS Checklist 1939
GREAT LAKES TB-M-B1L. (Cousins,1938 ). Cooleys 1938, R. 1938, (Domonion x ............. X Conquistador x .................), HM., 1938. ☐ M.

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

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New Zealand Tall Bearded Iris 'IRWELL ROYAL HEIRESS'

Exciting and Explosive colours yet balanced and certainly not a cookie cutter iris. Ron Busch left the New Zealand Iris world a much more beautiful and brighter place than he found it.
Perhaps I should consider a 'New Zealand Iris of the Year Award'. I am sure I could get a garden to grow the potential winning Irises, wouldn't be that hard to purchase a nice big 'Iris of the Year Cup', and perhaps organize some prize money.Who knows perhaps the 'Iris of the Year' would feature in the Gardening Press. All they need is a great photo and a press release, and I have someone in mind other than myself to do a professional job with that! Why not!!!
Do you think as it makes perfect sense that the award could be for any 'IRIS' no matter if the Hybridiser is living or deceased........................"You may call it "nonsense" if you like, but I've heard nonsense, compared with which that would be as sensible as a dictionary!" to quote Lewis Carroll

New Zealand Iris Hybridisers Cumulative Checklist 2013.
IRWELL ROYAL HEIRESS (Ron Busch, R. 2010). Sdlg. 1672-3132. TB, 30" (76 cm), E. S. and style arms white flushed lavender; F. red violet, white veining extending downward, tan gold edge; beards tangerine. Parentage unknown.

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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New Zealand Tall Bearded Iris LACE AND VIOLETS

This is a terrific iris to grow and being New Zealand bred iris makes it just the bit more special. The multi award winning iris 'Fancy Woman' (Keppel '95) gives Lace and Violets a luminata lineage and perhaps helped with its fragrance. Laced and ruffled, the colour patterning is a marbled lavender to violet airbrushed look over blue, white in the heart of the flower, most likely a variation of a luminata-plicata. Outstanding plant habits, includes good increase, clean light green foliage. Last season this iris was listed in the 'Richmond Iris Catalogue' for $10.00 which is a great deal for such a stunning and good growing iris. Seriously you need to put this iris on this coming seasons 'Buy-It List'.

Richmond Iris Garden, 376 Hill Street, Nelson. Issue 57, 2007-2008 Catalogue.
New Introductions
LACE AND VIOLETS  TB  [A Nicoll 2005] This lovely laced and ruffled blue/violet iris will delight you. The standards have a lavender wash over frosty pale blue and the falls a violet wash over blue. A pronounced sweet fragrance is a bonus.

New Zealand Iris Hybridisers Cumulative Checklist 2013.
LACE AND VIOLETS Alison Nicoll, Reg., 2005. Sdlg A01T9:1. TB, 31″, (80 cm), M ; S. lavender wash over frosty pale blue; style arms lavender; F. violet wash over blue with white glow around beard, hafts veined violet; beards white, yellow in throat, cream in middle; laced and ruffled; pronounced sweet fragrance. Fancy Woman x A99T10:6: (About Town x Honky Tonk Blues). Richmond Iris Gardens 2007/08.

Available in New Zealand from Richmond Iris Garden.
As usual, clicking the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version.
Photo credit and copyright Iris Hunter. 

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Bee Aware Month – Love Our Kiwi Bees

August is Bee Aware Month and the National Beekeepers Association is urging the government to take the threat to bees much more seriously. Bees account for over 5 billion dollars of New Zealand’s economy through the pollination of crops and honey exports. But bees are under threat. Sadly, all wild bees have been wiped out by the varroa mite which is also threatening the rest of our bees.
"The varroa mite is one of the biggest threats facing our Kiwi bees. It has spread throughout the country and we desperately need to contain this dangerous pest," says NBA CEO Daniel Paul. The NBA is calling for donations to help fund the fight to research and find a solution to the problem.
The NBA says other threats to New Zealand bees are pesticides, including neonicotinoids, a lack of nutrition for bees and potential honey imports.
"The government is considering allowing honey imports into New Zealand from various countries. But honeys from around the world can bring in a range of pests and diseases that would pose significant bio security risks for our bees."
Kiwi bees need our help. In some countries bees are dying in huge numbers. There are some concerning bee deaths here in New Zealand but so far things aren’t as bad as they are overseas. We need to do all we can to help protect our bees to stop the situation getting worse. "Not only do bees contribute billions of dollars to our economy, most of our food depends on pollination by bees, as do our gardens". 

Lets face it a world without bees is just too terrible to imagine.

 The Honey Bees stamp issue celebrates the industrious insects on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of the National Beekeepers' Association of New Zealand.
Honey bees, which are of European origin, have played a key role in New Zealand horticulture for over 150 years – pollinating essential crops and producing up to 12,000 tonnes of honey per annum, with as much as half of that being exported.
New Zealand Post's stamps spokesman Simon Allison says the numerous species of native bees don't make honey, prompting a Yorkshire-woman named Mary Bumby to bring the first honey bee hives to this country in 1839.

The NBA urges New Zealanders to plant more bee friendly plants and to use more bee-friendly sprays in their gardens. It also wants to undertake the first ever nationwide Bee Health survey to find out what’s really happening to our Kiwi bee populations.

For more information go to www.beeaware.org.nz

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THE CLOUDED IRIS, Sir Michael Foster.

Courtesy 'THE GARDEN' July 9, 1881.

THE GARDEN

July 9, 1881

THE CLOUDED IRIS
The handsome bulbous Iris, of which, during the last few weeks, mention has been frequently made under the name of Thunderbolt, and of which a most excellent woodcut appears with this note, is a very old inhabitant of our gardens. I first made its acquaintance many years ago when I found it growing in huge clumps in an old-fashioned border. The owner of the gardens spoke of it as the Clouded Iris, a name which as an English name still seems to me are better than the irrational one of Thunderbolt. It appears to have also received the title of I.sordida, or Xiphion sordidum, but there can I think be no doubt that this is a mistake. Salisbury (Trans. Hort. Soc., vol. 1., p. 303), as far as I know, first used the name I. sordida, but he applied it to a variety of I.Xiphion ( Xiphion vulgare) var. lusitanica, figured in Botanical Magazine, pl. 679. The typical colour of the Lusitanian variety is a pure yellow, but the particular plant figured in the plate in question is yellow, flecked with purple or violet, and not only does Salisbury, in speaking of his sordida, refer to this plate, but Gawler, in the discription of the plate, distinctly says "This is the sordida of Salisbury." This being the case, it is very clear that the Clouded Iris, or Thunderbolt, ought not to be called sordida, for it does  not possess any of the features which Gawler gives as a differentiating the variety lusitanica from the type. In fact, it differs very little from the typical Spanish Iris ( Iris Xiphion, Xiphion vulgare), except in size and colouring. On the other hand, it answers very largely ; in fact, with the exception of what appear to me minor features, almost completely to the description which Spach gives of a variety of Iris Xiphion, called by him I. spectabilis. Spach gives no figure, nor do I know of any authentic specimens of his spectabilis. There is much danger in identifying a plant by a mere description, though Spach's descriptionss are admirable ; still, I am very much inclined to think that the so-called Thunderbolt is Spach's spectabilis, which he says is a garden variety of unknown origin. The one fact which makes one hesitate is that Spach himself suggests that it may be a hybrid between the typical I. Xiphion and the variety lusitanica. 

Now, I cannot see any blood other than that of the type in the plant under consideration. It seems to me not a hybrid, but a mere sport ; but Spach only suggests its hybrid nature, gives no reason for doing so ; and moreover, I feel much uncertainty as to the justice of distinguishing a seperate variety as lusitanica. Hence, till I see reasons to  the contary, I feel decidedly inclined to regard Thunderbolt as Spach's spectabilis.
One thing there can be no doubt about ; the plant is a handsome, showy thing, of far stronger nature and stouter habit than the type. It will grow apparently anywhere, in the dry a well as the damp, and will thrive luxuriantly where the type dwindles. It increases by offsets very rapidly, comes, I am told, true from seed, and should be grown by all lovers of Irises. It does not take long to get a clump 3 ft. wide, and such a clump, with an appropriate setting, is worth looking on. I may add that Mr. Baker, who has done so much for the study of Irises, is also of the opinion that Thunderbolt is not sordida, but he is not prepared to identify it with Spach's spectabilis.     F.

The above thought by some to be the first published writings with regards to Irises by Sir Michael Foster.More on that later.

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