Tall Bearded Classic Iris SUMMIT

'Summit' photo taken yesterday.
Part of my program each season is to replace the older earlier photos on my Blog to portray a more accurate photo for ID which is after all the purpose for the blog, its my record of the Irises growing at home.
The photo is as the Waterson Catalogue description below and shows the rich yellow of the falls. 

Waterson Iris Garden, Wanganui, Irises 1960-61.
SUMMIT A lovely iris which, like Pinnacle, is a combination of white and yellow. The standards are the same pure white, without even a hint of cream, but the falls, instead of being primrose yellow as in 'Pinnacle', are a rich yellow. In the clump it is breathtakingly beautiful. There is an exquisite quality of beauty about this combination of white and gold which appeals both to the lover of bright colours for colour's sake and to the lover of artistic colour combinations- Summit is a tall and stately iris with widely branched stems carrying classically formed blooms.

D'Arcy Blackburn, Clifford Street, Gisborne, Bearded Iris Catalogue, 1957-1958
Summit (Stevens) A famous iris, one of the raiser's white and yellow amoenas, which has been acclaimed overseas as an outstanding iris. Tall and widely branched, with standards of pure white and falls of golden yellow, it makes a wonderful clump. Excellence substance and habits of growth. (48 inches)

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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Tall Bearded Iris BURNT TOFFEE

The unusual is to breeders and some select growers a delight, toss in a unknown parentage or two and the intrigue goes to overdrive!! 'Burnt Toffee' is another of what I like to call my "Colour Chaos Irises" with it's original mysterious colour concoction. Smoky copper red-violet standards, brick red edged hafts with a airbrushed violet blue centre that expands down the falls and a decided margining of gold bronze, a blue beard tipped with bright old gold. Orange blossom fragrance. Impressive branching (3 plus spur). 'Burnt Toffee' disease-resistant foliage is a deep blue green, but plant has only average growth, eventually producing a stunning clump in the garden. For some though an acquired taste.

Schreiner’s Iris Lovers Catalog 1977
BURNT TOFFEE, (Schreiner 1977) ML. 37"
No one color completely characterizes this Iris for it subtly blends a gradation of several colors. Its standards are medium red-violet suffused with golden bronze. The falls present a change of pace. Their center is a pronounced blue-violet wash that diminishes to the precise border edging of gold-bronze. The beard starts as blue tipped but gives way to old gold deep down in the throat. Hafts are a metallic olive-gold-bronze. This smoky colored Iris is indeed unique! Three branches, 7 to 9 buds.

Eden Road Iris Garden, Wenatchee, Washington. 1979 Catalog.
BURNT TOFFEE, (Schreiner 1977) ML. 37" (Unknown)
Very effective blending of dark chocolate and blue-lavender. Beard is dull gold to blue. This one will make you stop and enjoy its rich coloring.

Tempo Two, Barry and Lesley Blyth, East Road, Pearcedale, Victoria, Australia, Season 1983-84
BURNT TOFFEE (Schreiner '77 USA) ML 37". A unique smoky Iris that subtly blends a graduation of several colours. Standards red violet suffused golden bronze. Falls gold bronze with blue flush through centre around blue beards. Good branching. (Parentage unknown) HM '79

AIS Checklist 1979
BURNT TOFFEE Schreiner's, Reg. 1977. Sdlg. G 1519-3. TB 37" (94 cm) ML.  Standards  light chocolate, flushed blue-lavender to center along midrib; Falls richer chocolate with darker chocolate hafts, blue blaze in center; dull gold to blue beard. Unknown parentage., Schreiner's 1977. 

Big hat tip to Calos Ayento of Brighton Park Iris fame for the 1977 Schreiner's description its much appreciated.

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 Terry Johnson and Heritage Irises ©.

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Tall Bearded Iris PISTACHIO

Melrose Gardens, Stockton, California. The Connoisseurs Catalog, 1978.
PISTACHIO (Ghio '74) Like the meat of the nut, this flower is a greenish amber, but there is a light blue flash on the falls quite unlike the nut.

Bulletin of the American Iris Society, July 1974, Number 214.
California Comments, Keith Keppel, You'll Wonder where the Yellow Went.
.......when you read this, for notes were made on very few. For some reason, this just didn't seem to be a year for spectacular yellows!
PISTACHIO (Ghio '74)-36: 2. On the single stalk we bloomed from a one year plant, the branching was just a bit on the high side. However, the yummy colored flowers of tannish-green-yellow made up for it. Nicely ruffled and well formed, although as the flower ages, the falls do seem to keep growing in length.

AIS Checklist 1979
PISTACHIO   Joseph Ghio, Reg. 1973. Sdlg. 69-115K. TB 36" (91 cm) E-L   Medium green self with slight yellow infusion; light green beard. Glenwood sib X ((Denver Mint x Oasis) x (Willow Wisp x Swami sib))., Bay View Gardens 1974. HM1975.

This iris is Green right?? NO!......... it is nothing like green its maybe chartreuse yellow, citron yellow, chalcedony yellow, or light viridine yellow but green??................ Nah. Anyway what is it with people that want an a green iris, why would anyone want a bearded iris to look like bok choy that’s been creatively abused.     ...................... Enough said!

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 Terry Johnson and Heritage Irises ©.

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French Historic Tall Bearded Iris SERAPHITA

Classic form with dazzling colours that would give your garden zing and a whole lot of zang. A stylish iris that one could expect to see at Giverny, the Gardens of Claude Monet. These irises are once again becoming available for purchase from commercial growers, and I'm sure they will create a renewed interest in classic irises and be wildly popular with gardeners who appreciate real class.
Séraphîta is the title of a French novel by Honoré de Balzac published in 1834 in the 'Revue de Paris'.

Rene Cayeux, 124 rue Camille-Groult, Vitry-sur-Seine, près Paris, Seine. Iris Catalogue 1942
Nouveautés d'Iris de mon obtention 1942-1943
Séraphîta. Divisions supérieures héliotrope fumé. Divisions inférieures étalées violet rose à grande gorge 

Rene Cayeux, 124 rue Camille-Groult, Vitry-sur-Seine, près Paris, Seine. Iris Catalogue 1949.
Séraphîta Smoky heliotrope standards. Pinky purple falls, almost horizontal. Large yellow throat. A very fine variety. Height 2 1/2 feet.

Bulletin of the American Iris Society, July 1951, Number 122.
List of varieties of Irises from 1939 till 1949 and 1950 For the Alphabetical Iris CheckList of the A. I. S. as far as obtainable.
Remainder Irises Out of the Catalogue (English) Rene Cayeux 1949 (Abstract), Breeder F. Cayeux.
SERAPHITA Smoky heliotrope standards. Pinky purple falls. Large yellow throat. A very fine variety. M.L. Put in sale before 1948. 

Rene Cayeux, 124 rue Camille-Groult, Vitry-sur-Seine, près Paris, Seine. Iris Catalogue 1952.
Séraphita. M. H. 1m. Superbe variété de nuance attrayante et distincte. P. héliotrope fumé, S. presque horizontales rose pourpré sur lesquelles contrastent des barbes orange vif, la fleur de forme parfaite et de bonne taille est portée par des hampes très ramifiées.

Jean Cayeux, Poilly-Lez-Gien,Loiret (France) Iris, Hemerocalles, Pivoines, 1961.
Séraphîta. M. Hauteur 1m. Hampes fines et ramifiées portant de jolies fleurs violet aniline clair teinté d'héliotrope.

Cayeux, La Carcaudière - Route de Coullons, France. Iris Lovers Catalogue, 2014.
SERAPHITA (Cayeux 1946) Tall bearded - Mid-season - size: 100cm - colour: Violet
Slender and well branched stalks carrying graceful, light aniline violet flowers. Standards are lighter and more pink. Golden yellow styles and beards. A decorative and rather long flowering variety.

AIS Checklist 1949
SERAPHITA (Cayeux 1946) TB-M-R3M

As always clicking on the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version.
Major Hat Tips and "Merci beaucoup" to Richard Cayeux for his photos, his daughter Hortense for collating and formatting the high resolution photos, and to Catherine Adam for her direction and help with the French Language, and catalogue listings.

Reproduction in whole or in part of this photo without the expressed written permission of Richard Cayeux is strictly prohibited.
Photo credit and copyright Richard Cayeux © .

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French Historic Tall Bearded Iris PAILLASSE

Truly an amazing Iris with great presence. Historical + and a variety that gives an insight to just how French hybridisers  in the 20's and the 30's were so well advanced in the field of colour, size of bloom, producing flowers of world class in the classic form. I'm so glad these stylish irises that one would expect to see at Giverny, the Gardens of Claude Monet are once again becoming available for purchase from commercial growers, and I'm sure they will create a renewed interest in these classic irises and be wildly popular with gardeners.

Vilmorin Andrieux & Cie, 4 Quai de la Mégisserie, Paris (1er), Plantes 1938.
Paillasse (Cayeux nouveauté 1936). Divisions supérieures jaune d'or légèrement teinté de lilas. Divisions inférieures rouge bordeaux très strié et bordé de jaune bronzé. Gros effet d'opposition de couleurs. Tardif. Haut 0m90.

Rene Cayeux, 124 rue Camille-Groult, Vitry-sur-Seine, près Paris, Seine. Iris Catalogue 1939
Varieties my obtention put into commerce before 1937
PAILLASSE (Cayeux 1936)
S. gold yellow slightly tinted lilac. F. wine red ground quite striated and edged bronzy yellow. Strong effect of the opposition of colour, late flowering. Height 3 feet.

Cooleys Gardens, Silverton, Oregon. Iris Catalog, 1951.
PAILLASSE (Cayeux) Each 40c; 3 for $1.00
A French introduction resembling in some ways the popular Marquita, but with more cinnamon-rose color in the falls and considerable of this tint blended in the standards. The ground color is deep cream. A really different Iris and a good grower and free bloomer; seldom seen.

Rene Cayeux, 124 rue Camille-Groult, Vitry-sur-Seine, près Paris, Seine. Iris Catalogue 1952.
Paillasse. T.T. Hauteur 0m70. Ce semis de Marquita est une réplique plus foncée et en possède  toutes les qualités, tout en en étant bien différente. Pétales jaune doré, sépales rouge fraise foncé bordé bronze. Très bon coloris.

Jean Cayeux, Poilly-Lez-Gien,Loiret (France) Iris Hemerocalles,Pivoines, 1961.
Paillasse. T.T. Hauteur 0m70. Ce semis de Marquita est une réplique plus foncée et en possède  toutes les qualités, tout en en étant bien différente.

Cayeux, La Carcaudière - Route de Coullons, France. Iris Lovers Catalogue, 2014.
PAILLASSE Tall bearded - Very late - size:70cm - colour:Bi-colour
A direct descendant of "Marquita" with ivory petals edged with golden yellow. Dark strawberry- red falls with a thin light bronze border. Bright yellow beards.

AIS Checklist 1939
PAILLASSE TB-MLa-Y9D (Cay.1936); Cay.1936 ; 1938; R., 1936

AIS Checklist 1949
PAILLASSE. Etc.; (Cay.1936); R., 1936 (MARQUITA X REDALGA) ;etc. (new data)

As always clicking on the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version.
Major Hat Tips and "Merci beaucoup" to Richard Cayeux for his photos, his daughter Hortense for collating and formatting the high resolution photos, and to Catherine Adam for her direction and help with the French Language, and catalogue listings.

Reproduction in whole or in part of this photo without the expressed written permission of Richard Cayeux is strictly prohibited.
Photo credit and copyright Richard Cayeux © .

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Tall Bearded Iris CALIENTE

While we are on the subject of 'Bucket List Irises' I just had to take a photo of an Iris I have always considered one of 'The Best of The Best'. 'Caliente' is a Spanish word and when translated into English, it means hot as in attractive, and the photo shows how aptly this iris has been named. In the year 1969 'Caliente' was awarded a Honorable Mention, it was also in the same year entered  in the International Iris Contest in Florence as Seedling 64-9 and was placed third overall in the Premio Firenze, but more importantly in the same competition it won the title 'Best Red'. A vigorous all weather iris with great health, beautiful purple-based foliage which is coupled with generous increase. Claret wine red self with velvet texture and leathery substance. Nice contrast with bright bushy golden beards. Stems are tall, and in keeping with its vintage has candelabrum as opposed to candelabra branching on strong stems, stalks often opening 3 at once, with plenty of backup buds to ensure a great display of blooms for 'Caliente's' super long length of bloom season. 
For me, years ago when I first saw this iris it was an absolute must have, and today is still a high-quality soul soothing classic!!
More on bucket irises in my next post!!!

Region 14 Northern California, Nevada, Regional Bulletin, Fall 1967.
Views from a Crystal Ball, Joe Ghio.
Caliente (Luihn) A sombre deep crimson with a darkish cast. A fine advancement in the red class since it has fine formed flowers on tall, well branched stalks with many buds.

Mission Bell Gardens, Melba and Jim Hamblen,  South Roy, Utah.
Introductions for 1968.
CALIENTE (Walt Luihn). ML. 38". Brilliant wine-red of exceptional smoothness and clarity of color, highlighted by a heavy beard of antique gold. The standards are domed and the wide flaring falls have a jaunty lilt. Strong stalks with superb branching and prolific bud count. ((Tompkins 54-173 x BANG) x (ORIENTAL GLORY X HUNTSMAN)) X FORWARD MARCH. Sdlg. 64-9. HC '66 Net $25.00

Bulletin of the American Iris Society,April 1968, Number 189.
'My Want List', Larry M. Harder.
Walter Luihn has a new red iris that is scheduled as a future introduction called CALIENTE. This is the first yellow-bearded red iris that has impressed me. I also noted the outstanding branching of this variety.

Richmond Iris Garden, 376 Hill Street, Nelson. Bearded Irises 1971-72.
CALIENTE  - M.L. 36"
Brilliant wine red of exceptional smoothness highlighted by a wide heavy beard of antique gold.

Schreiners Salem,Oregon. Iris Lover's catalog 1971
CALIENTE   (W.Luihn, 1967) ML. 38"
Brilliant wine red of exceptional smoothness and luminous color highlighted by a wide heavy beard of antique gold. A wide-petaled beauty with domed standards and jaunty flaring falls.

Cooleys Gardens, Silverton, Oregon. Iris Catalog, 1982.
CALIENTE   (Luihn, '67) ML. 36"
Brilliant wine red, highlighted by a wide heavy beard of antique gold. Wide-petaled  ith domed standards and flaring falls. HC, '66 ; HM, '62 ; AM, '71 ;

Bay Blooms Nurseries, Cambridge Road, Tauranga Spring / Summer 1996 Catalogue.
Bearded Irises
CALIENTE. This smooth, deep brown-red is an absolute self except for the harmonising bronze beards that are hardly noticeable. Round full form.
(The beard colour description for Bay Blooms beggars belief they were either describing another Iris or were colour blind, their is no way Caliente's beard  is hardly noticeable.)

AIS Checklist 1969
CALIENTE    Walter Luihn, Reg. 1967. Sdlg. 64-9. TB 38" ML. R1.    Wine red self; bright gold beard. ((Tompkins 54-173 x Bang) x (Oriental Glory x Huntsman)) X Forward March., Mission Bell 1968. HC 1966, HM 1969.AM 71.

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 Terry Johnson and Heritage Irises ©.

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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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Intermediate Bearded Iris HONEY GLAZED

Strong grower with clean foliage, and great increase. Magnificent branching and bud count, standards are a bright lemon cream and falls are what I like to think as a amber caramel blend that sometimes can show a darker splish splash colouration (which seems to be seasonal.) Yellow beards. Fragrant. Gives a great display and this is why it is still a hit with gardeners today.

Bay Blooms Nurseries, Cambridge Road, Tauranga Spring / Summer 1996 Catalogue
HONEY GLAZED
Cream standards and deep caramel coloured falls with a cream edge. We just love this one, and know of no other Iris of similar colourings.

The Medianite, Journal of The Median Society Fall, 2012.
More Intermediates??? Dave Niswonger
My experience with IB's began in 1979 when I crossed a seedling out of (Beau x Celestial Doll) with Turtledove (Moldovan 1972) which incidentally is a IB. From this cross I got two IB's that I like very much. However I couldn't decide which one I like the best. In approximately 1981, Region 18 decided to make the Spring Convention in Wichiya, KS, a median one instead of a Tall Bearded convention. (this is the only time I can recall that this happened) at this convention my two IB seedlings were blooming side-by-side. So, I asked those nearby which one they like the best. I got no immediate reply. Finally somebody said, "why don't you introduce both of them?"I had never thought of that. So introduced Honey Glazed in 1983 (which won the Sass Medal in 1989) and Golden Muffin in 1986.

AIS Checklist 1989
HONEY GLAZED O. David Niswonger, R. 1982. Seedling IB 9-80. IB, 24" (61 cm), Mid bloom season. Standards cream; falls amber; gold beard. SDB 2-77: (Beau x Celestial Doll) X Turtledove. Cape Iris 1983. Honorable Mention 1985; Award of Merit 1987; Sass Medal 1989.

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

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Tall Bearded Iris CHAMPAGNE ELEGANCE

'The harbinger of winter' is how I relate to 'Champagne Elegance'. It starts to send up bloom stalks with the change in temperature and first of the Autumn rains. A stunning flower with great carrying power in the garden, and even more so in late Autumn when there are very few blooming irises. Its one of those 'Near- Amoenas' in which the nearly white standards are tinted with some other colour and in this case the standards are tinted light champagne creamy pink, which sets off nicely the light lemon apricot flaring falls. Good plant health, the plant is almost indestructible. Probably the best and most consistent re-bloomers of all time. 

The Iris Yearbook (BIS), 1989,  “Eighties Irises from America”, page 55, Alan Sedgwick.
There is another of Dave's irises which I cannot fail to rhapsodise over. This is the sensational 'Champagne Elegance' ('87). Every Iris lover in the UK should have this in the garden. The branching is a bit high in summer, but who cares when a two-year-old plant gives you five spikes in May, a further eight in August, and two in September? And its consistent, having flowered in both June and August, 1988, too. Let us hope that this Iris represents a watershed and we are on the verge of achieving what the rosarians have achieved, remontancy in most climates and not just California. I would add that I would make no special effort to persuade my irises to remont. Oh by the way, it has lavender pink standards and peachy pink falls. I intend to use it for hybridising and I hope other Britons will too. This is the Iris of the decade.

Contemporary Views, – Runner Up, Sunbelt Award for the best proven variety, Perry Dyer, 1991.
CHAMPAGNE ELEGANCE (Niswonger 1987) is one I originally overlooked (or ignored). The color scheme is a sophisticated bi-toning and blending of champagne and pink tones, finished with an elegant diamond-dusting over the entire flower. A good companion for ‘Holy Night’, having all the same qualities but on shorter stalks. The coloration will vary with the season, moisture, and mineral content of the soil, but rather than a defect, it adds to the enchantment. (Judges, be careful with this one on the bench. Those artificial lights can be especially tricky with this one!). Also a dependable rebloomer, reported to be a near ever-bloomer in the temperate, Mediterranean climates.

Tempo Two, Pearcedale, Victoria. Iris, Hostas,Daylilies Catalogue 1996-97
CHAMPAGNE ELEGANCE (Niswonger 1987 USA) M 33"
Standards are near white to pale lavender pink; Falls are buff apricot. Amber beards. Heavy bloomer and once established regularly rebloom's in Autumn. ( Blyth seedling X (Coral Strand X Peach Spot)
HM 1989 AM 1991

Schreiner's, Salem,Oregon, 74th Collectors Edition, 2000 Iris Lovers Catalog.
CHAMPAGNE ELEGANCE (Niswonger 1987) EM. & RE. 34"
Connoisseurs of fine Iris recognise this delicately shaded apricot amoena as one of the best. It's near white standards are classically arched while its ruffled falls present a gentle blending of buff, apricots and peach. A prolific Bloomer, Champagne Elegance producers 7-10 buds per stem and consistently re-blooms in late summer. HM. '89 AM.'91

Cooleys Gardens, Silverton, Oregon. Iris Catalog 2002
CHAMPAGNE ELEGANCE (Niswonger '87) M. 33" RE.
This amoena rebloomer of exquisite form will also give you an impressive budcount. Standards are a pale lavender pink atop buff apricot falls. Amber beard. HM. '89 AM.'91

AIS Checklist 1989
CHAMPAGNE ELEGANCE  O. David Niswonger, Reg. 1986. Sdlg. 23-81. TB, 33" (84 cm), Medium season Bloomer. S. pale lavender pink; F. light buffy apricot; amber beard. B. Blyth H 116-1: (('Magnetic Isle' x 'Rhythm And Blues') x 'Snowlight') X 7-78: ('Coral Strand' x 'Peach Spot'). Cape Iris 1987. Honorable Mention 1989; Award of Merit 1991.

Available from most commercial growers in New Zealand today.
As always clicking on the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version.
Photo credit and copyright Iris Hunter.

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Tall Bearded Iris MULLED WINE

Way back in 1985, 'Mulled Wine' was the winner of the Chamber of Commerce prize for the best commercial variety at the International Iris Competition in Florence, an award equally relevant today. A very popular Tall Bearded Iris with the home gardening fraternity making it a perennial top selling iris that continues to be grown and stocked by many commercial Iris nurseries, worldwide. Need to order early, as the variety even though it is thirty two years old can still obtain the additional label "SOLD OUT" (Pretty much says it all).

Keith Keppel, Stockton, California. IRISES 1982.

MULLED WINE (Keppel '82) L 36"

Hearty raspberry-burgundy with faint apricot undertoning on upper falls. Prominent terracotta beards adorn hafts not marred by the striations generally associated with this color range. Ruffled and laced flowers are somewhat globular in form; the standards slightly open, but very firmly held due to the extraordinary substance. Two or three branches plus terminal. #76-35C ...........................$30.00




Tempo Two, Barry and Lesley Blyth, East Road, Pearcedale, Victoria, Australia. Season 1985-86
MULLED WINE (Keppel '82 USA) ML. 36". We have been delighted with this great Iris since seeing it in the Keppel garden in 1980 as a selected seedling and because it is such a good grower we have enough of it to release already. Colour is raspberry burgundy self with brown orange beards. Ethereal and stately . Has to be seen to be appreciated. Was awarded best commercial new colour in Florence in '85. Quality plus! (Long involved pedigree x Maraschino) HM '84. Watch for more awards. $25.00.

BayBloom Nurseries, Cambridge Road, R.D.1 Tauranga. Spring and Summer  Catalogue,1996.

MULLED WINE. A nice fully-rounded rich vibrant shade of raspberry-burgundy with apricot under-toning. The vivid orange beards enhance the feeling of piquant warmth emanating from the ruffled and laced flower.

AIS Checklist 1989
MULLED WINE Keith Keppel, Reg. 1981. Seedling 76-35C. TB, height 36" (91 cm), Late Bloomer. Raspberry burgundy (M&P 54-I-6 to 53-H-3) with apricot beige undertoning (5-B-9) on upper part of F.; terracotta beard; slight musky fragrance. 73-26B: (70-24B: (('Amigo's Guitar' x ('Rippling Waters' x 'Gypsy Lullaby')) x (Jones 743 x ('Marquesan Skies' x 'Babbling Brook'))) x 'Salmon River') X 'Maraschino'. Keppel 1982. H.M. 1984, A.M.1986. AIS. H.M. Florence 1985.


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 Terry Johnson and Heritage Irises ©.

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Tall Bearded Iris ROCOCO

Which plicata is it? we had to ask?? I have always grown this Iris as 'Rococo' but......first of all there is that registration colour 'Blue' (just which of the hundreds of blues did they mean?) and as you can see just plain old 'Blue' wasn't in the mix on our plant growing at home.The Schreiner's Catalogue 'Artist enhanced' colour portraits on the cover of their 1960 catalog the blue is almost a Blue Black. Turns out we had it nailed after-all and I guess you could say with help from that 7 year old camera we have captured 'Rococo's' amazing violet-blue colour tones and it's obvious charms for all to see. Its one of the great things about the blog, it changes the need to continuously process identification issues and it's like labelling an iris with a digital indelible pencil.
This is a classic in the blue and white plicata's class and is one of the earliest so called modern plicata's to bloom. Tall (103cm) stems at times slightly ziggy zaggy with 3-4 beautifully spaced branches, 7-9 buds, this all helps to produce a powerful display that carries across the garden. Beards are described in the checklist entry as 'inconspicuous' but I like to think they are much more than that, they are a harmonious soft blue-violet colour, tipped orange deep in the heart adding a certain brilliance to the blooms. Terrific plant habits,with outstanding growth and an ability to resist adverse weather conditions. No collection of classic irises is complete without 'Rococo'!!!
Just the one bump in the road and that is I just can't seem to find a New Zealand commercial grower that lists 'Rococo' well at least not a 'Rococo' with the correct label but do not fret too much as it is sold on Trade Me occasionally by the odd reputable trader.

I remember reading in some 1960's journal a comment that Joe Ghio had made about how the blue plicata's owed so much of their rapid advancement to 'Rococo' and the AIS checklist indicates it was used heavily as a parent.

Schreiner's, Salem,Oregon, 1961 Iris Lovers catalog
ROCOCO (Schreiner 1960) E. 39"
What a thrilling concept for a hybridizer that beauty should possess an infinite frontier! When beauteous Belle Meade first swam into our ken, it seemed as if a more beautiful blue plicata could not be achieved. But in Rococo we have what is obviously a new ultimate in plicata beauty, never did an iris display such an intricate, saucy, petunia-like frilling. Indeed, in both color and form this is probably the fanciest iris in existence. The snowy ground of both standards and falls, the clean-cut margining of freshest, brightest blue, the classic grace - all suggest the exquisite perfection ascribed to Grecian art. For a new Queen of the iris garden we nominate Rococo. Its beauty will lend prestige to the finest iris collection. Plant patent pending.

Region 14 Northern California, Nevada, Regional Bulletin, Spring 1961.
Varietal Comment, Virginia Messick, Lafayette, California.
ROCOCO (Schreiner '60) was a standout wherever seen at the Portland Convention. It had opened at a perfect time and was strategically located throughout the Schreiner gardens,but I was very impressed with it and voted for it for the Presidents Cup (won by Violet Hills.) Rococo is a blue plicata, very ruffled, fluted and beautifully branched. It apparently can stand adverse weather conditions because it still looked fine in spite of "heavy dew" that was falling. As I remember it, Rococo was a bit more on the purple side than as pictured on the catalog.

Region 14 Northern California, Nevada, Regional Bulletin, Spring 1961.
Varietal Comment, Neva Sexton, Wasco, California.
ROCOCO (Schreiner) This is a very white ground plicata. Dark blue markings form a half inch border on the frilled falls. The standards are almost entirely colored with the same blue. This iris will be a challenge to all hybridizers to TOP.

The Iris Year Book,(BIS), 1962.
Varietal Comments by the Kent Group
ROCOCO (Schriener 1959) This is one of the best irises seen at "Sandilands". It has been described as "the plicata to end all plicatas" and certainly that is likely to be true for many years to come. The colour pattern is deep blue violet on white, for both standards and falls, and the whole flower is heavily ruffled. The branching on the tall spikes (3 feet 6 inches) is excellent with two buds on each of the four branches. Some spikes carried three open flowers others four. The standards were closed in the young flower but tended to opened later. The falls, varying from semi flaring to pendant, were large and spectacular. Whatever may be thought of the departures from classicism on the show bench, ROCOCO will bloom twice as long and will be much more exciting and decorative in the garden than many honoured varieties. (CAROLINE JANE X FLYING SAUCER) X BELLE MEADE.

Schreiner's, 1965 Iris Lovers catalog

I have included this second entry from the Schreiner's catalogues to show how the colour description changed from brightest blue in 1960 to violet blue in 1965. Another tidbit is that Schreiner's applied for a plant patent for 'ROCOCO' in 1960 and had the Patent #2077 awarded in 1965.

Schreiner's, Salem,Oregon, 1965 Iris Lovers catalog
ROCOCO (Schreiner 1960) E. 39"
In Rococo we have what is obvious a new ultimate in plicata beauty. Never did an iris display such an intricate, saucy,petunia-like frilling. Indeed, in both color and form this is probably the fanciest iris in existence. The snowy ground of both standards and falls, the clean cut margining of freshest violet blue, the classic grace - all suggest the exquisite perfection ascribed to Grecian art. Patent 2077

Cooleys Gardens, Silverton, Oregon. Iris Catalog 1963
ROCOCO (Schreiner '60)
Ruffled and fluted, giant plicata of bright blue on clean white, the blue pattern especially wide and heavy in the folds of the standards. The falls are pure white in the center, with a quite distinct band of blue encircling a full halve inch of the pleated and ruffled border. Beard is deep yellow. Much discussed and admired recent novelty. Early; 40 inches. Plant Patent 2077  HM, AIS 1960 AM, 1962.

Region 14 Northern California, Nevada, Regional Bulletin, Spring 1966.
1965 Parade of Favorites, Frank Scott.
I saw many more to brag about but will try to describe these few as I saw, evaluated and photographed them here and there. This year we did get to visit the Oregon gardens of Schreiner, Cooley and Shoop, and of course we enjoyed the new introductions and old favorites, but right in our own backyard in Region 14 we had a ball. We are so proud of the work of all of our California Hybidizers, and I urge you to see them, grow them and enjoy them as I intend to do........
ROCOCO (Schreiner '60) Still a top star in the blue and white plicata class. The flowers are so large and heavily ruffled, they just get you. Rococo has a long bloom period and growth habits seem excellent. 

AIS checklist 1959
ROCOCO (R. Schreiner, R. 1959). Sdlg. O-508-1. TB 39" E. W2B. S. white stitched blue; F. white bordered blue; inconspicuous beard. (Caroline Jane x Flying Saucer) x Belle Meade., Schreiner 1960. HM 1960.

A major hat tip to Phil Edinger for his succinct observations.

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 Terry Johnson and Heritage Irises ©.

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Intermediate Bearded Iris "SHAMPOO"

I have very limited information regarding the 1970-80 period of median irises,( As you can see below more information has come to hand since the original post date.) and I can find nothing about the Intermediate Iris 'Shampoo,' there is no mention of it in the AIS bulletins (I own a limited collection so lacks depth for this and other periods). I also just purchased 35 American Iris Catalogues from the sixties and seventies and eighties and surprisingly there is no listings of it in them. Now I find this unusual as the Iris received an Honorable Mention 1978, Award of Merit 1980, and the Hans and Jacob Sass Medal  1984, someone must of given it a great review somewhere. It is a vigorous Iris which handles neglect and I know this is true as it was originally growing in a 'heel in' bed over by the Woolshed and that I had thought I had lifted everything and transferred to some other gardens closer to the house. I went back the the temporary 'heel in' bed  during the bloom season and there she was, pushing up through the weeds, (over at the Woolshed weeds are referred to as pasture) flowering its socks off, almost like a desperate plea, 'WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO TO GET YOUR ATTENTION??? THIS IS MY BEST SHOT!!!'  So its a keeper no doubt about that, and yes its another of those 'Historic Iris' with ruffling.

Cottage Gardens, Hayward, California, 1977 Catalog.
SHAMPOO  (Virignia Messick, 1977).  IB, E, 18"   Yes, a ruffled intermediate bearded of a different color.  A very ruffled bronzed gold self, with a perfect branch.  It really is the color of a popular brand shampoo, and its new to this class  (Cambodia X Gingerbread Man)  HC '76.  $10.00

Eden Road Iris Garden,Wenatchee, Washington, 1979 Catalog.
SHAMPOO (Messick '77)  E. 18 in.  (Cambodia X Gingerbread Man).  Ruffled bronzed gold self.  Should be great to cross back to TB browns.  We want to use it with Melted Chocolate.  H.M. '78.....$6.50

4~ Square Iris Gardens, Eau Claire,Wisconsin, Cold Climate Iris, 1983.
 SHAMPOO (Messick 1977) Ruffled bronze-gold self
The reason I have included this short and to the point listing is that the catalogue states 'plants are grown in a very harsh climate. Temperatures from -40°F in winter and up to 100°F in the summer. Coupled with the harsh climate is a short growing season' this would most likely indicate 'Shampoo' is a hardy iris.

The Iris Yearbook (BIS), 1990,  “Shorter Bearded Irises in 1990”,  page 61, C.E.C. Bartlett.
Another older variety which is always good is 'Shampoo' (Messick '77). It's strange greenish khaki colour is not to everyone's taste but bud placement and flower form are impeccable. In the right place in the garden where its colour can be complementary to soft yellows, limes and greens it is superb. Needless to say its immaculate form and placement make it perfect for Shows and floral art.

IRISES, A Gardener's Encyclopedia, Claire Austin.
Iris 'Shampoo' (V. Messick 1975)
The flowers are a colour that is difficult to describe, a rather strange greenish brown, or yellow-bronze overlaid with smears of green and grey. The petals are crystalline, and a purple-maroon flush surrounds the hafts. The flower is Scented. Height 40cm (18½ in.) Blooms early season.

AIS Checklist 1979
SHAMPOO Virginia Messick, Reg 1975, Sdlg. 68-70. IB, 18" (46 cm), E. Ruffled bronze-gold self. Cambodia X Gingerbread Man. Cottage Gardens 1977. HM 1978, AM 1980, Sass Medal 1984.

This Iris can only be purchased in New Zealand for the very reasonable price of $8.00 this season from Dublin Bay Irises ( A link is listed in the left hand column  Recommended New Zealand Iris Growers.)

A big Hat Tip to Keith Keppel for his candid observations and the above catalogue listings.

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 Terry Johnson and Heritage Irises ©.

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Tall Bearded Iris 'FOGGY DEW'

I have several clumps of the Pollen fertile Tall Bearded Iris 'Foggy Dew' spread around the Gardens. Always looks outstanding growing among the deep blues and black Irises. This variety is a vigorous grower with great plant health. 40 years old and is still an Iris that is much admired.
 
 Bulletin of the American Iris Society, April 1969. Number 193.
MORE CALIFORNIA FLAGS, 1969 Introductions, Keith Keppel, Stockton, California.
FOGGY DEW. M. 38" SIVA SIVA X DIPLOMACY. A pastel blended bicolor plicata?? The closed standards are pale, softly blended amber-cream and lavender. The flared and ruffled falls are white with a wide soft violet border, plus deeper violet plicata markings toward the haft. Lavender and light yellow style arms. Different but subtle. H.C. 1968....................$25.00

Bulletin of the American Iris Society, October 1969. Number 195.
"They'll Never Believe Me".  Lura B. Roach
FOGGY DEW (Keppel '69) was 'Seen in the garden as 64-37Q'. If there is such a thing as an amoena-plicata class, this iris certainly fits into it. This one lost its bloom stalk in the gale so I'll just have to describe it as it grows in my garden. A single rhizome planted last 'Summer' put up two bloom-stalks and made two nice increases. The foliage was a nice dark green and very vigorous. The thirty-six inch stalk had three modified candelabra type branches plus the terminal and all bud sockets were multiple and well timed. The large flower is well balanced with very ruffled erect pale lavender standards that touch. The broad flaring ruffled falls have a white base and are finely stippled with light violet in a plicata pattern. At the hafts this pattern becomes darker. The beard is an inconspicuous white. Texture is waxy and the substance is heavy and tough. Individual flowers lasted well for several days.
 
The Iris Year Book 1971
VARIETAL COMMENT FROM FLORENCE 1971, H R Jeffs
1st.- no 23 'Foggy Dew' (Keppel 1969) U.S.A. 80 points
Winner of the Premio Firenze for 1971, this is a representative of a new pattern in T.B. irises. Coming from Siva Siva X Diplomacy it is an "amoena plicata", and has taken lessons from its father which came second in the trial of 1969. The tightly coned standards are a soft blue, edged with pale yellow and with no plicata markings, the forms are white widely flared, with a blue stippling round most of the edge, but where the white beard starts the stippling changes to an all over pattern in deep violet making a fine contrast. When the judges arrived the clump of seven stems was in full flower and it says much for it that after a hot week including a thunderstorm ( which left it undamaged) a fine spike with five open flowers was still available for the prize giving ceremony. The stems had well spaced branching on there 32 inch height, with 7 to 10 buds, increase was good and the purple flushed fans a picture of health. The delicate colours were sun proof and the flowers lasted four days each in perfect shape despite the substance seeming to be in no way outstanding.

Mission Bell Gardens, Roy, Utah. Iris for 1973
FOGGY DEW (Keppel, '69)M 38in.
Beautiful pastel bicolor-plicata. Some thing new and completely lovely ! Warm white stands tightly closed; flare ruffled falls with wide soft violet border and deeper violet plic markings toward haft. Vigorous. (Siva Siva X Diplomacy). HM '70

The Iris Yearbook (BIS), 1975,"The Garden at Tanglewood", page 116,George H. Preston.
'Foggy Dew' is one of those new and unusual creations resulting from crossing of a bicolour with a plicata, the flowers were nicely shaped on well branched stems, but it is not easy to describe the colouring, the tightly held standards being of a creamy white and pale lavender blend, and flaring ruffled falls with a wide, soft violet-coloured border and deeper violet plicata markings toward the haft to show off a yellow beard. It is blessed with up to 10 buds, is a unique and interesting colour, but not one to show up well in the garden.

BayBloom Nurseries, Tauranga, The Connoisseurs Catalogue Spring-Summer 1988
FOGGY DEW. A misty and beautiful pastel bicolour plicata. A warm white ruffled flower with a soft band of violet to the edge of the falls............... $3.00

AIS Checklist 1969
FOGGY DEW (Keith Keppel, R. 1968). Sdlg. 64-37Q. TB 38" M. W2VY. S pastel blended greyed cream (M&P 19-B-1) and lavender (43-B-2); F white ground, wide soft violet border with darker plicata markings (42-H-8 to 46-L-8); white beard tipped yellow. Siva Siva X Diplomacy., Keppel 1969. HC 1968. H.M 1970. Premio Firenze 1971.

For the latest from Keith be sure to visit the 'Keith Keppel Iris' web site listed in the International Iris Links above

As always clicking on the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version.

Photo credit and copyright Iris Hunter

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