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)

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Classic Tall Bearded Iris MYSTIC MELODY

Stevens Bros. Bastia Hill, Wanganui. Irises 1951-52 Catalogue.
Novelties 1951-52
MYSTIC MELODY (Stevens)
Proud as we are to have raised Pinnacle and Summit with their sensational and wholly new colour combination,we are equally proud to have raised this less sensational but no less lovely iris. Mystic Melody is a sister seedling of Summit, and while the contrast between the standards and falls is as great, the sharpness of the contrast has been muted and softened by the smooth cream standards and the richer deep gold of the falls. This beautiful mellow quality is intensified by the softer outline of Mystic Melody’s form, which surrenders the dignity of the classic shape for the charm of gentle ruffling. Though the flowers are really large, one is not conscious of their size owing to perfect proportions, and to the smooth purity of the cream and warm rich gold colour. If we were given the choice of one iris, and only one for our garden this lovely iris would be our selection. It has the ethereal beauty of the pale blues, the brightness of the gold’s, the grandeur of the richer colours, and the purity of the finest white iris, and no other iris we have seen possesses all these attributes. We have often been asked which is our favourite iris, and we have not been able to answer the question. But here we have found it, and it is Mystic Melody.

Courtesy Schreiner's Iris Lovers Catalog 1958. 

Schreiner's, Salem,Oregon, Iris Lovers Catalog, 1952.
MYSTIC MELODY M-L 39” This sister seedling to Summit though less striking, is not less glamorous, indeed there is a haunting loveliness about the butter yellow of the enamelled sun-drenched falls a the luminous, shimmering cream of the silken moonlight standards that weaves a spell over the beholder and leaves him rapt. Picture this iris with four open blooms may suggest a bunchiness which in fact does not exist, as the branching starts 8 inches from the ground. If you must chose between this and Summit I would say; If you are a breeder, buy Summit, if a fancier buy Mystic Melody. But if you can 'Buy Both', for each is a distinct and outstanding iris in its own right. HM 52

The Iris Year Book 1952.
Iris Travels in 1952, Mr Harold W. Knowlton.
People who think Pinnacle a trifle coarse can find a beautiful refined yellow bitone in Mrs. Stevens' Mystic Melody.

Fleur de Lis Gardens, Sioux City, Iowa. 1953 Catalog.
MYSTIC MELODY (Stevens) TB 40" M.
Another new bitone, this has rich cream standards, smooth butter yellow falls' Semi-flaring form. HM 1952

The Iris Year Book 1953
Progress in New Zealand, D'Arcy Blackburn.
In creating Mystic Melody, introduced in 1951, Mrs, Stevens has given us a still more finished flower but this time in a pattern of cream and gold. It, too, grows strongly and seems assured of a place in our gardens for many year to come.

Bulletin of the American Iris Society, January 1953, Number 128.
Random Comment.Don Waters, Ohio.
Mystic Melody is very fine both in form of flower and stalk-a refreshing yellow and cream bicolor with much more intensity of color than Pinnacle. In my opinion it is better in every respect than Summit in which I was somewhat disappointed.

Iris Society Year Book 1953 (British Iris Society)
Award to Mrs Stevens 1953 Foster Memorial Plaque, NLC.
One of her latest has perhaps been overshadowed by Pinnacle but it is my favourite, and, I believe her’s: Mystic Melody is from white and yellow amoena breeding but is not so definitely contrasted,the standards being cream and the falls golden yellow, very smooth and gently waved at the edges.It flowers late but very freely, and is good in all ways.

Bulletin of the American Iris Society, October 1954, Number 135.
Report and Varietal Comments From Region Three, Mrs. Wallace J. White .
Amoenas and near Amoenas
Mystic Melody - cream standards, butter yellow falls. Lovely.

Bulletin of the American Iris Society, October 1954, Number 135.
Report and Varietal Comments From Region 5, Ralph E. Lewis.
I saw Summit for the first time. It is much more striking than Pinnacle, but I still like Mystic Melody the best of these three.

Bulletin of the American Iris Society, October 1954, Number 135.
Report and Varietal Comment- Joplin Area, Mrs James A. Sapp, Mo.
Mystic Melody - Most outstanding  of the Stevens iris. Superior to Pinnacle or Summit in our garden.

Lyon Iris Garden, Van Nuys, California. Lyon's Irisland, Iris and Hemerocallis, 1955 Catalog.
MYSTIC MELODY (Stevens, 1951)
This is a sister to Summit. While there is not as much color contrast in Mystic Melody as there is in Summit, we think the form is better, and the petals broader. The enamelled butter-yellow falls create a "melody of sweet music" with the standards of soft cream. An impressive iris. 39" Mid-Late. Honorable Mention 1951.

Eden Road Iris Garden, Wenatchee, Washington. 1956.
Mystic Melody (Stevens) M. 39in. ((Fair Elaine) x ((Lagos) X (Gudrun x Sdlg.)))
Creams standards, and rich butter yellow falls are vet y contrasty. The medium sized flowers are of flaring form, charming and outstanding.

D'Arcy Blackburn 14 Clifford Street, Gisborne. Bearded Irises 1957-1958.
Mystic Melody (Stevens)
With cream standards and butter yellow falls. this sister seedling of Summit has received the Award of Merit of the American Iris Society. Distinct and outstanding and a favourite of the raiser, Mrs. Stevens.  AM '55 (42 inches)

The Iris Year Book 1957
The Iris Show, N. Leslie Cave.
Among the Trade Stands, Waterers put up their annual display. There were a number of New Zealand  irises and I once again admired the refreshing appearance of Mrs. Stevens' trio, Pinnacle,Summit and Mystic Melody.The latter has creamy standards and golden yellow falls, and like Pinnacle is a very good iris; unlike many pampered new irises they grow vigorously and flower freely, apparently a rather vulgar trait these days

Easy Breeze Gardens, Yakima,Washington. Irises 1957.
Mystic Melody (Stevens '51) This has cream standards, and butter yellow falls. Flaring form, nice contrast.

Edenwald Gardens Vincennes, Indiana. Iris, Summer and Fall 1959.
MYSTIC MELODY (Stevens)
Sister to Summit, and although not as contrasty, may prove to be the better. Standards are cream and Falls butter yellow. A lovely Iris.

Waterson's Iris Gardens, Wanganui. Irises 1960-1961
MYSTIC MELODY (Stevens)
 Mystic Melody is a sister seedling of Summit and while the contrast between the standards is as great, the sharpness of the contrast has been muted and softened by the smooth cream standards and the richer deep gold of the falls. This beautiful mellow quality has been intensified by the softer outline of Mystic Melody's form which surrenders the dignity of the classic shape for the charm of a gentle ruffling. Though the flowers are really large, one is not conscious of their size owing to their perfect proportions, and to the smooth purity of the cream and warm rich gold colour. A.M., A.I.S., 1955. 3½ft.

Longs Gardens, Boulder, Colorado. Summer and Fall 1967.
Longs Mile High Quality Iris
Mystic Melody (Stevens) M. 39in.
Cream standards and butter yellow falls combine to make this a very lovely iris. HM '52, AM '55

New Zealand Hybridisers Cumulative Checklist 2014
MYSTIC MELODY  Mrs J. Stevens, Reg., 1949.   Sdlg. 9/T192.  TB, 42″ -48″, M, Y6D. S. creamy white. F. Deep rich gold. Orange beard. Falls to small for standards. 3½ - 4ft.; Description J Stevens Studbook notes,‘1947 flowering’; ((Fair Elaine) x ((Lagos) X (Gudrun x Sdlg.))) Novelties' Stevens Bros 1951-52. Schreiners 1951, HM 1952 AIS, AM 1955 AIS.

It is a privilege to grow Mystic Melody at home and very pleased to have it in my collection. It is a very vigorous grower and flowers freely, shows good Purple bottom foliage (PBF).

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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Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris, LIANNE

 A New Zealand Bred standard dwarf  iris from the '70's. Standards and falls are are a clean lime-wash apricot colouring with darker apricot brown veins around the beard which spill towards the falls . Great increase, and good health. If you can find it , buy it!! Lucy Delany contributed hugely to New Zealand's Iris breeding History registering 20 irises mainly dwarfs and median irises, and her amazing navy blue coloured siberian iris 'Moon Moth' is an absolute stand-out!.

The Iris Yearbook (BIS), 1974, Modern Trends in Dwarfs,page 93, Barbara B. Whitehouse.
The "ray" pattern is similar to the halo pattern but consists of longer veined like streaks of darker or contrasting colours spreading out over the falls around the beard and covering a larger area than does the halo, which is seldom no more than ¾ to ⅜ inch in length. Several very nice irises show this pattern..............................'Lianne' (Lucy Delany '73) light, gold-apricot with brown ray pattern.

The Iris Yearbook (BIS), 1983,Dwarf bearded Iris from New Zealand, page 97, C.E. C. Bartlett.
In the summer of 1981 I received ten rhizomes of some dwarf bearded irises from New Zealand
Lianne (Lucy Delany '72)  Sdlg X Orange Blaze. S.D.B. A most attractive little iris at the lower end of the S.D.B.range. Standards pale apricot gold, falls same with veined halo of brown around the white tipped orange beards. A good grower and increaser and the colour is rather unusual. Its quality is confirmed by it having received 4th place in the Vienna Trails in 1979.

New Zealand Iris Hybridisers Checklist 2014
LIANNE (Mrs L. Delany, R. 1972).   SDB, 11" (28 cm), EML.   S. light gold-apricot blend; F. same, heavily veined brown halo; white beard tipped orange.  Sdlg X Orange Blaze.   4th International Small Iris Comp. Vienna 1979.   Richmond Iris Gardens, 1972/3.

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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New Zealand Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris FOREST GLADE

'Forest Glade' has been blooming its socks off at home and shows no signs of stopping just yet. It produces beautiful two buds per stalk with consistency no matter what the weather conditions throw at it. Strong vigorous growth with hearty clean foliage, all of the great plant habits that we have come to expect from a Jean Stevens introduction.
As an aside, the pollen parent of 'Forest Glade's' is an iris named 'Sulina' and has its own interesting history. It's a 3 inch deep violet seedling pumila, one of two (Carpathia was the other) grown and selected from a collection of seeds Robert Schreiner obtained from the University of Cluj in the Provence of Transylvania. Considered by Robert Schreiner to be a lower Danubian form of the pumila species, 'Sulina' and 'Carpathia' are named after one of the three channels that carry the river Danube to the Black Sea. Another of Robert Schreiners famous dwarf breeding irises was named 'Nana' this variety is a collected form of pumila, grown from seed sent from the Crimea. All three of these irises were never registered but were introduced by Schreiners and all were used extensively by many hybridisers and are noted in the parentage of more than just a few MDB, SDB, and Intermediate Irises.

Waterson Iris Garden, Wanganui, Irises 1960-61
FOREST GLADE
One of the new class of irises called "Lilliputs", raised by the crossing of the tiny pumilas with the Tall Bearded Irises. This little iris is very exotic in colouring, charming in effect. The standards are palest citron yellow - almost cream - while the falls are a clean soft olive brown with green overlay and with a wide margin around them of the same citron yellow as the standards. Free flowering and vigorous. 9 inches..........................17/6

THE IRIS (Australia) 1962, 'Comments from Tasmania', Page 70, Marion Calvert.
Forest Glade. One of the lilliputs (raised by Stevens of N.Z.). Standards palest citron yellow, while the falls are a clean olive brown with a wide margin of the same citron cream as the standards. It is very attractive in the garden and much admired by all who have seen it. 

A.I.S. Bulletin #184, January,1967, 'Varietal Comments, Region 3', Page 61,Charlotte Ganz.
A very striking flower with lemon standards and olive reddish falls edged lemon. It achieved more height here than it had "Down Under" but still was not in proportion, a failing of which Mrs Stevens is aware. It is a pity because the colors are so lovely.

New Zealand Hybridisers Checklist 2011
FOREST GLADE Mrs J. Stevens, Reg., 1960. Sdlg.1/f361. SDB 10″, E, Y3. S. pale citron yellow; F. green-toned olive-brown, edged citron yellow; yellow-cream beard. D127 X Sulina. Waterson Iris Garden 1960-61

Waterson Iris Gardens were the first to introduce 'Forest Glade' in 1960 the same year of its registration not Sunnyside Gardens, 1969/70, as shown in the official AIS Checklist description .
I think 'Forest Glade' is still commercially grown in New Zealand somewhere, but I purchased mine on Trade Me from hctnz (Lyn Nell) a Mid-Canterbury gardener who sends generous plants that have great plant health and who I have no hesitation to recommend highly.


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 Heirloom Iris "NEW DAWN"

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL!!!
I thought this an appropriately named heirloom iris to celebrate the New Year.

NEW DAWN' is an Iris with star quality in both parentage and colouration. In 1928 Emily Jean Burgess (later Jean Stevens) somehow crossed the early flowering William Rickatson Dykes-bred, pearly white coloured 'Moonlight' with Sir Arthur Horts' late flowering purple bi-colour iris ‘Hermione’.  The resultant seedling with no description of colour or form was only ever labelled  'E97' and in 1931 Jean  crossed it with Arthur Bliss’s 'Mrs Valerie West' to produce the clean and finely textured primrose yellow cultivar. On its release in England, 'New Dawn' was often compared with 'Helios' which in the early 1930s, along with W .R. Dykes were the standard-bearers for yellow irises.  These had clean yellow standards with yellow falls that were reticulated, generally in a tone of light purple brown.'New Dawn' was a triumph in light yellow breeding because of its clean colouration on the standards and falls and was without doubt at least the equal to the introductions of the late 1930s in the same colour range, such as 'Happy Days', 'Golden Bear','Lady Paramount', and 'Primrose'. Jean had a firm opinion on striation or reticulation and often noted that it was a fault in Irises, as its presence almost invariably detracted from the purity of the colour tone.  She also used the term 'rough' in reference to veining.
'New Dawn' is an Iris with vigour, large numbers of bloom and has excellent increase, outperforming most of the more modern Irises. The large buds of intense primrose are a feature in themselves. Found growing in a garden in Carterton, my plants were given to me by the garden owner who had surplus plants established over the fence, growing alongside the railway line. Vigour is as good as 'Magnolia". Its the pollen parent to the New Zealand heirloom white iris 'Wychnor' featured on the blog last November.
Last years bloom season (2011) it was no match for the 140 km an hour winds that attacked our gardens in October, the blooms stalks just fell over, but all I had to do was stake the very numerous stalks and  'New Dawn' just continued flowering through the season for another four weeks  -  it was just like nothing had happened. The above photo was taken after the storms

The Iris Yearbook 1937 (BIS)
Seedlings Seen, R.E.S.Spender writes
New Dawn (Stevens)-- A seedling raised in New Zealand. It is a splendid grower, and is much improved Helios in colour,a pale lemon-yellow without streaks, and a fine shapely flower of real merit. It is I am told a Moonlight -Valerie West derivative.

The Iris Yearbook 1940 (BIS)
Some promising New Zealand Irises, Mr G P Baker writes
New Dawn, a straw coloured white, was particularly strong with three very massive flowering stems. The others were not quite of the same substance

The Iris Yearbook 1942 (BIS)
Discursions of an Iris Breeder, R. E. S.Spender writes; [Ref 1]
"The truth is Golden Hind (and its numerous descendants) has now given me all the yellows I could want or even find room for and I for one shall not attempt any further crosses with what is nevertheless the best parent for yellows I have yet come across, so just why it should be so, in view of its distinctly plebeian parentage, is one of those mysteries of  hereditary which is impossible to fathom.
About the same time that I started on these crosses I received the big yellowish-cream New Zealander, New Dawn from its raiser Mrs W. R. Stevens. New Dawn is (Moonlight x Hermione) X Mrs Valerie West, and is therefore, I should judge-assuming Moonlight to have had a good deal to do with the production of W.R. Dykes-not wholly unconnected with Golden Hind. No two yellows could be much more dissimilar, however, in build, and I should certainly not have used it except for lack of other material. It too proved an easy as well as valuable seed parent, though, unlike Golden Hind, it is not apt to produce the shapeliest of seedlings. But they have substance, they are always large and stout growers, and now and then one may get a perfect seedling from it. Crossed with Purple Dusk, it produced a really superb white, spangled with a gold dust, which is different from any other I know. I should think it may prove one of the best seed-parents now available although a good many of the seedlings from it may be inferior in form. But Mr Long, who has used Valerie West far more than I have may very likely have a good reason to challenge that."

Stevens Bros Catalogue, Bulls New Zealand 1937-38
NEW DAWN (Stevens)
Another outstanding seedling of our own raising which already has been highly commented upon in England. Of particularly heavy substance and finest texture, this Iris will stand up to a adverse weather conditions better than any variety we know. It has a vigorous constitution and a long flowering period. The large well formed flowers are a clear lemon entirely unveined. One leading English Iris critic has described New Dawn as "Superb in every respect" 3ft.

The New Zealand Iris Hybridiser's Checklist 2011
NEW DAWN  Miss E.J. Burgess, Reg., 1936. Sdlg.1/H2 TB, 38″, EML, Y4L. Standards and Falls clearest creamy yellow. S.2¾″ X 2½" . F. 2⅝" X 2½"  Beard sulphur yellow. Very good substance and shape. Lightly veined olive green at haft of the fall. Well branched, and stands up well to the weather. 38″  Description E.J.Burgess Studbook notes,‘1935 flowering’; (Moonlight x Hermione) X Mrs Valerie West. 'Introduced'  Stevens Bros Catalogue 1937-38.


[Ref 1] Dis`cur´sion;  a noun; The act of discoursing or reasoning; range, as from thought to thought

Photo Credit and Copyright Iris Hunter

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New Zealand Heirloom Tall Bearded Iris "WYCHNOR"

It may be interesting to some perhaps that the New Zealand heirloom iris 'Wychnor' was thought to be registered for decades, but when researching New Zealand iris history I found this to be not the case. A couple of days ago I dug out the file on 'Wychnor' and included were the toing and froing of correspondence by emails to John Vickers advising him of this oversight prior to John thoughtfully registering the iris in 2006.

A white garden Iris which displays a lot of the colourations of 'Purissima'. Strong grower with flax green foliage, buds display a bluish tinge before opening. Flowers are large and well proportioned, standards are white, falls white with a cream centre and soft light green veining with olive gold striations on the hafts. The underside of the falls shows an olive green midline. A cross of the Morh-Mitchell White 'Purrissima' with Jean Stevens creamy yellow 'New Dawn'.
 
The hybridiser Pattie Levett lived with her sister Olga at the Levett family homestead "Beccles" in a small town called Bulls, in the North Island of New Zealand. Daughters of Mrs E Levett (Nina), the sisters never married. 'Beccles' was one of the earliest New Zealand gardens to grow Irises that Mrs Levett imported mainly from Germany at the turn of the twentieth century creating a unique collection of irises. Bulls is also where Jean and Wally Stevens started out growing Irises together just after their marriage in 1935. The Steven's Bros. Nursery introduced Miss Levett Irises.
This iris is a piece of 'New Zealand history plus' was kindly sent to me by John Vickers and is sourced from the Levett garden. I have grown on some additional Rhizomes which will be sent to Massey University for planting in their grounds early next year.
 
Steven's Bros. catalogue for 1946-47
 WYCHNOR (Levett)
An Excellent pure white of clean cut rounded form and remarkable substance. Of largest size, the flowers have that new quality of clean even texture we are coming to associate with the newest irises. Very free flowering and an excellent doer. 3½ ft.

New Zealand Hybridisers Checklist
WYCHNOR Pattie F. Levett deceased, by John Vickers, Reg., 2006.TB, 41″, (103cm) L. Pure white self, cream around beard, soft grey-green veining on hafts; beards white at end cream in middle, gold in throat; slight fragrance. Purissima X New Dawn. Stevens Bros. Wanganui 1946-47

Photo Credit and Copyright Iris Hunter

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New Zealand Heirloom Tall Bearded Iris 'PINNACLE'

A collection of New Zealand bred Irises is just not complete without a good selection of Jean Stevens Irises, and a Collection of Jean Stevens Heirloom Irises would never be worthy unless it included 'Pinnacle' the Iris that epitomised Jeans imagination of an iris with a unique colouration, coupled with the many years of determination and self belief of her skill in line breeding by staying true to course.

I still firmly believe that most New Zealand Irisarians have no real comprehension of the impact the outstanding iris "Pinnacle" had in the Iris world at the time and still has today, also the logistics of co-ordinating the growing of enough plants to send to commercial growers for sufficient stock for 'Pinnacle' be introduced simultaneously in both New Zealand and America in just 4 years after its first flowering and registration, all achieved with the absent of the logistical support that today we just take for granted, is an truly amazing feat in it self.

Schreiner's, Salem,Oregon. Iris lovers Catalog 1949
INTRODUCING - 1949
PINNACLE (Stevens 1949) M. 38”
It takes an outstanding Iris to carry this significant name but this is an outstanding Iris. Developed in New Zealand, it was instantly apparent when the first flower unfurled that here was one of those significant “breaks” in hybridizing, the creation of something distinctly different. So impressed were we with this Iris that we offer it this year to the Iris public as an American introduction.
Pinnacle is pre-eminent both in beauty of colouration and perfection of form. This distinguished Iris is a unique because of its singular colour combination - absolutely clear white standards and snooze primrose yellow falls. The blooms are wax like and beautifully molded. The good habits, branching, heavy substance and colors of daffodil freshness combine to give us a lovely, lovely Iris.
We greatly regret that we are unable to get a good reproduction of this Iris due to some imperfection in the color film. In our years of experience with Iris we have never seen an Iris like this. In fact so highly do we regard it that we feel it merits placement in the 100 Best Iris. We consider it one of the finest Iris it has been our privilege to offer. $20.00 (Note Pinnacle was featured the next year on the cover of Schreiner's 1950 Catalog see below)

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT NEW ZEALAND IRIS.
 We feel honoured that we have been designated the American Agents for the distribution of the Iris creations of Mrs Jean Stevens of Wanganui, New Zealand. This discerning hybridizer, creator of such fine Iris as Inspiration and Pinnacle, to mention but two has forwarded an extensive collection of her developments to us and we expect to have many in full bloom for the meeting of the American Iris Society in Oregon this spring. Because of the fact that Iris from the southern hemisphere must be adjusted to the inversion of the seasons it generally takes a year or two for the plants to become ‘straightened around.’ Both we and the originator are interested in releasing only those kinds that have intrinsic worth and are distinctly different. We can assure our Iris friends that there are some exceptional Iris on the horizon from this fine hybridizer and we are impatient to increase our stock so we can offer Mrs Stevens’ fine, rose coloured Challenge in another year. We await the coming blooming season with keen interest.

Stevens Bros. Bastia Hill, Wanganui. IRISES 1949-1950.
PINNACLE (Stevens)
Many years ago we set out to raise an Iris with standards of purest white and forms of gold, being moved thereto by our pleasure in this fresh and lovely combination. Little by little as the years went by we have seen these colours developing amongst our seedlings until in November 1944 there unfolded this flower, which by reason of its snow-white standards rising from its primrose yellow falls we have named Pinnacle. It is not the white and gold of our original ambition-this is yet to be introduced-and is a very different combination. Pinnacle is large and beautifully formed and with excellent substance, and the plant has ideal growth habit.
Fresh, cool, flawless in its purity of colouring, and absolutely unique, this Iris has already bought us laurels from that land of fine Iris, America, where it has made its début this year. Pinnacle is to us the seal of success, a source of much gratification since this Iris had to stand against the challenge of irises from the world's best breeders.
Had there not been so great demand for Pinnacle overseas we would have been able to introduce it last year, but all surplus stocks have been sent to Oregon for the last two years so that it might be introduced simultaneously there and here. Reports are all ready to hand of its sensational flowering and acceptance by the American Iris lovers, and it gives us a very real pleasure to offer it to our New Zealand and Australian clients. The price is higher than we like to ask for a new Iris, but it will be years before the are sufficient stocks to meet the phenomenal demand, as more stocks are still required in America and England. We hope to colour plate this Iris next year from blocks made in America last May. 3½ ft. 105 shillings

The Iris Yearbook (BIS), 1949, page 86, “The Oregon meeting and Impressions of the Iris Season” by Harold W. Knowlton.
 “Saturday morning we took the bus to Schreiner's gardens, at Salem, about 50 miles south of Portland. Here we also saw a commercial growing on a large scale. Robert, Bernard, and Connie Schreiner have only recently moved the garden from Minnesota, but you would think the well-established fields had been there a long time..... There we saw what I consider the most outstanding new development that I have seen this year. It was an Iris with beautiful domed white standards and yellow flaring falls. The standards were really white without any infusion of yellow are a colour combination which many have striven for. It is called ‘Pinnacle’ and was bred by Mrs Stevens, a New Zealand hybridiser. The plant had a nicely branched stalk and is a real ‘yellow amoena’ if that is the proper designation.

Courtesy Schreiner's Iris Lovers Catalog 1950

Bulletin of the American Iris Society, July, 1949, Number 114.
'Iris from New Zealand', Robert Schreiner.

“About six years in correspondence with Mrs Jean Stevens of New Zealand, we discussed problems relating to the creation of newer amoenas in which we were mutually interested. She mentioned a break which occurred in her seedlings. This plant 1/P78 was a new type Iris was absolutely pure white standards and rich primrose yellow falls. The very striking feature was the sharp contrast standards being pure white without a touch of or hint of cream or yellow. As soon as a plant could be spared a root was forwarded to us at the United States. In due time allowing for acclimatisation since New Zealand been in the Southern Hemisphere has reversed seasons two hours we flowered the striking and original plant. It took about two seasons of this plant to become oriented to its new home and during this time Mrs Stevens, intrigued by the unusualness of this Iris carried on further extensive crossings. Soon she had 1200 seeds of it and its sisters. However, she too found the troublesome difficulty of germination which we experienced with the blue and white amoena but constant endeavour through constant crossing eventually paid off in the flowering of a much superior plant. This was the Iris Pinnacle, which is indeed a breeding triumph. We flowered this newest development in 1947, and in our estimation it is one of the most original colour creations attained. The dazzling white standards and lemon yellow falls are unique. The combination is chaste yet bright. As a garden subject it carries wonderfully and the perfection of the flower with its fine poise and extra thick leathery substance accentuates its individuality. As far as I can recall I have never seen an Iris at any time with this definite colour pattern. There have been a number of inverted bicolors with standards yellow and falls white but as far as I can recall this is the first time white standards and yellow falls have appeared in such perfection this true white and yellow amoena has the distinctiveness of Wabash combined with yellow tones giving a picture of ensuring loveliness.

Bulletin of the American Iris Society, July, 1949, Number 115.
'Iris Impressions-1949', Jesse E. Wills.
Everyone felt that Bob, Constance and Bernard Schreiner had done a remarkable job considering the comparatively short time they had been in Oregon. Bob's new house on the corner was admired. Everyone looked at the fine expanse of irises as they were growing now and tried to visualize the display garden that is to be. I was most interested in seeing 'Pinnacle' here and there were long rows of it growing well. I like it, but at the same time did not feel that it was finished or complete of its type. The falls are pale Primrose yellow, so that there is not too much contrast between them and the standards, and the haft is somewhat rough with white lines on it. On the other hand the form is excellent and it really is a white and yellow bicolour. So many irises approaching this type have cream standards, with a splash of yellow color at the haft fading out to white or cream at the edge of the falls. Pinnacle has pure white standards in the falls while light in color are a smooth yellow to the edge. I liked it better than 'New Era' of the Sass's which has too much green and too many lines in the falls.

Fairmount Gardens, Lowell, Massachusetts. Irises, Hemerocallis, Hostas, Poppies, 1950.
PINNACLE (Stevens, 1949) M. Heralded as a new break in color combination, this iris has clear white standards and smooth very light yellow falls. I might be described as a white and yellow amoena that is distinctly different from any other iris. It was the centre of attention in the Schreiner garden at the time of the 1949 annual meeting. Stock limited. H.M.A.I.S. 1949. 38in.............................................................................$15.00  

The Iris Yearbook (BIS), 1950, page 69,'Pick your Parents' by Sydney B. Mitchell
Greater contrast between the ground colour and the markings of Plicata's by removal of the cleanliness of the former and a sharpening of the marginal markings is still in the future, and not too easy. In bi-colours too, the greater the contrast between the standards in the falls the better. In this Mrs Stevens's PINNACLE is a real advance over the approach to a white and yellow bicolour I got in FAIR ELAINE. I understand her newer SUMMIT deepens the yellow of the falls while keeping the white standards and is therefore a further step, perhaps the ultimate one in that combination, though it will certainly lead to more and different bicolour combinations. Most breeders, particularly of show flowers, seek to eliminate half venation, which seems to coarsen the effect, although the general public is little bothered by it.

Bulletin of the American Iris Society, October, 1950. Number 119.
Iris Prone and Iris, Progress. John Dolman, Jr.(Pennsylvania)
In the afternoon of June 10 I arrived at Auburndale, to find the Knowlton garden past its peak and the hot sun taking a heavy toll. Mr. and Mrs. Knowlton were away at the Sioux City meeting, but he had asked me to do some crossing for him, and I went right to work in the effort to get ahead of the weather man.
Here I had my first view of Pinnacle, which had not bloomed for me, and got a good deal of satisfaction out of crossing it both ways for Mr. Knowlton. He had a row of seedlings (from a cross involving Bush Kingsford) that showed a strong tendency toward yellow amoena coloring, and I crossed them liberally with Pinnacle. I saw Pinnacle in three New England gardens, and like it very much. As in my own garden, it had made good increase, and looked like a strong grower. Stems were not full height in proportion to flower size, but they were well branched, and will no doubt go higher in the second year. The flowers were large, and of fair form and substance, though not quite as airy as in their cover-girl picture, and not quite as free of veining. Pinnacle is not the ultimate of perfection, but it is a good iris, and quite the nearest thing to a clean yellow amoena yet introduced. It will surely be popular, and its vigorous increase should make it quickly available to iris lovers everywhere.

The Iris Yearbook (BIS), 1950, page 87, “Impressions of the 1950 Iris Season” by Kenneth Romney Towndrow
Mr Pilkington showed for the first time a Westminster I believe, Mrs Stevens's PINNACLE. the white standards and lemon falls are beautifully cool and the plant should prove to be extremely useful as border relief

The Iris Yearbook (BIS), 1950, page 99, “Reflections on Iris Breeding Today” by Geddes Douglas
The greatest single advance that has occurred in years is the New Zealand iris PINNACLE. its standards are pure white, while the falls are yellow, and this iris will without doubt become the parent of a whole race of irises of related colors and patterns.

AIS Bulletin #119 October, 1950, Regional Reports page 90 "Region 16 Mrs Harry Bickle, R.V.P. Canada"
Pinnacle from New Zealand, Mrs Stevens's great achievement with pure white standards and primrose falls, bloomed magnificently. The stem and branching are good, and the foliage strong, while the beautifully formed flowers had all the freshness of spring. It is most desirable.

Bulletin of the American Iris Society, October, 1950. Number 119.
Regional Reports; Region 16- RVP Mrs. Harry Bickle, Canada.
Pinnacle from New Zealand, Mrs. Steven's great achievement, with pure white standards and primrose. falls, bloomed magnificently. The stem and branching were good and the foliage strong, while the beautifully formed flowers had all the freshness of spring. It is most desirable.

Region 17- RVP, Harry Thomas, Oklahoma.
In most of our region we grow the bearded irises as well as I have seen them grown anywhere. Pinnacle looked better in Guy Rogers' garden this spring than it did in Oregon last year. Extravaganza was better in Oklahoma City than it was in Nashville in 1948.
Pinnacle-really different. White standards,· yellow falls. Sharp contrast. One of the best new introductions.

The Iris Year Book (BIS) 1950, "America Re-Visited", H. J. Randall C.B.E.
PINNACLE is perhaps the best introduction we have had from New Zealand; but in spite of the praise lavished upon it I have to express my disappointment. The standards are beautifully white but the yellowish falls have neither good shape nor clear colouring. It is however a notable “break” and should be very useful in breeding. I may add that I should have been very proud to raise it.

Tells Iris Gardens, Provo, Utah, 1952 Iris Catalog and Hybridizers Handbook.
PINNACLE (Stevens 1949). E-M.(Magnolia) X ((Gudrun) x (Lady Morvyth x Rangitira)). Clean contrastin a yellow amoena. Destined to be highly popular and much used in Hybridising.H.M.1949, A.M.1951............$10.00

Bulletin of the American Iris Society, July, 1952. Number 126.
"Dark Horses" of Irisdom, Dr. Frank B. Galyon, Jr., Michigan.
While discussing the unusual bicolors, I can't resist the temptation to mention my feelings about the iris Pinnacle, which is found on both lists of 100. With its introduction there was placed on the market one of the two greatest color breaks of recent years, the other being the tangerine beard. In its newness it was certainly sensational, for there had not yet been marketed before its release an iris with pure white standards and light yellow falls. It may hold great breeding possibilities for developing new types. This will only be proved or disproved with the blooming of numerous seedlings from this variety. Pinnacle has certain obvious faults, and I think these should not be minimised. For one thing, the stalk is short and the flowers tend to be bunched at the top of the stem. (EDITOR'S NOTE: On a two year plant in Nashville in 1952, Pinnacle grew to 36 in. and the branching was adequate.) The color in the falls is not smoothly applied, but rather tends toward being streaked-though the streaking is not prominent. Also the shape of the flower leaves something to be desired. In spite of these failings, it remains an attractive garden iris, being both very floriferous and very vigorous of growth. Let's recognize it for what it is-the first in line of a new color combination in irises. Surely there will be much better irises of this same general color pattern developed in the near future I but meanwhile let's grow it for its originality and attractiveness.

The Iris Yearbook (BIS) 1953, page 78, “Report from America in 1953” by Catherine Hemingway Smith
 Pinnacle (Stevens) performed in exemplary fashion wherever it was grown in New England gardens. The standards were clear white and well domed with broad flaring falls of a good light yellow; it was what it was said to be, a yellow and white bicolor.

Lyon Iris Garden, Van Nuys, California. Lyon's Irisland Catalog, 1953.
PINNACLE (Stevens 1949)
Tranquil in its new color combination. It's standards are clear cool white, contrasted with smooth primrose falls. Luminous enamel finished flowers. Midseason. 35" Award of Merit 1951.

Cooleys Gardens, Silverton, Oregon. Iris Catalog 1965
PINNACLE (Stevens 1949)
Standards of clear sparkling white and well formed broad falls of clean primrose yellow. Bred in New Zealand ; it is a good grower with perfect branching on 3 foot stems. H.M.1949, A.M.1951, A.I.S

Still available today !!!!
Breezeway Iris Garden, Brooklyn, Wisconsin Catalogue 2011
 PINNACLE - 35", M, Jean Stevens, 1945
Large and beautifully formed crinkled white standards over soft yellow falls with yellow beard. Excellent substance, ideal growth habit, fresh, cool, flawless in its purity of colouring and absolutely unique - A true classic! $2.00

New Zealand Iris Hybridisers Checklist
PINNACLE Mrs J. Stevens, Reg., 1945. Sdlg. 9/RA103.TB, 35″ , M, W6M; S. Pure white. F. pale primrose, good form, substance and branching. 3ft.; Description J Stevens Studbook notes,‘1945 blooming’; (Magnolia) X ((Gudrun) x (Lady Morvyth x Rangitira)). (Note seedling number 5/RA103 changed to 9/RA103 refer J.S. 1944 blooming notes) Schreiner 1950, 'Novelties' Stevens Bros. 1949-50 H.M. 1949, A.M. 1951, A.I.S.

Pinnacle was first mentioned in the New Zealand Gardener, September, 1947, Cover story "When is a flower really New"?

The above photo is 'Pinnacle' growing in my garden at home eliminating the need to borrow a photo from an overseas photo collection but I guess Mrs Chair needs to make out that they are sliding around busy doing something.

Photo Credit and Copyright Iris Hunter

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New Zealand Tall bearded Iris "POLAR CAP"

Just the other day completely out of the blue an Iris friend and colleague in America, Carlos Ayento, sent an email “Here are some photographs of two Jean Stevens introductions: ‘FINEST HOUR’ and ‘POLAR CAP’ that bloomed for me this year. Feel free if you wish to use them on your blog”.
Such generosity!!!!!

The photo shows the falls being a much paler colouration than I would have expected when compared with the cover of the Stevens Bros. Catalogue, but these are the advantages of seeing the real thing!!
It is not an Iris I have seen to date growing in NZ, (and in the NZ Iris season I travel extensively throughout both Islands, searching for Historic Irises) so without hesitation it is a privilege to feature “Polar Cap”, and it is with many thanks to Carlos, for the generous use of the above photo.

Stevens Bros. Bastia Hill Wanganui 1956-1957 Catalogue.
Polar Cap
This is the beautiful flower illustrated on our cover. (See below) We chose the name Polar Cap as eminently suitable for this Iris with its huge domed standards of snowy white and circular, almost convex falls of softly cool, pale lavender-blue. It took many years of breeding to develop this combination, a combination which is entirely new to the Iris world. It was therefore with some pride that we heard from America just as this catalogue went to press that Polar Cap was this year given the H.M. of the American Iris society. The flowers are large, of massive substance, and have an exceptionally long individual life, retaining their form to the last. When the bloom first opens the colour in the falls is a soft lavender blue which lightens gradually to a pedestal time which holds throughout the life of the flower, even in strong sunshine. The standards are a real snowy white no hint of cream or blue to mar the purity and form an opulent rigid dome, virgin, cool, and sparkling. H.M A.I.S 1956 2½ ft. 42/-

Schreiners Iris Lover’s Catalog, 1956
POLAR CAP (Stevens 1956) M 36”
This is one of the most original creations that is been our privilege to offer. It is an Iris of vibrant personality, albeit exquisite delicacy- of one of Mrs Stevens best. Pale Iris look washed out if they lack substance and sheen, but this is an Iris of heavy crystalline substance and abundant frosty sparkle. The delicate lavender-blue falls afford a clean, shimmering contrast to the frost-carved standards, like the shadows of winter twilight across new-fallen snow. All this is done in a copiously formed flower of generous proportions with ideal stems and branching and rigid carriage. The classically formed blooms are carried in lavish profusion making this a splendid garden subject. Here with Mrs Stevens the originator of Pinnacle, the first noteworthy the yellow amoena adds another FIRST. $25

D’Arcy Blackburn, Clifford Street, Gisborne.
Bearded Iris Catalogue,1950-1960
Polar Cap (Stevens)
Unique in its colour scheme and fresh and sparkling throughout the life of each flower and with beautiful form and carriage, Polar Cap, delights with its snowy white standards and delicate lavender falls. It is something new in its colouring and altogether an Iris of high quality. H.M.1956 36 inches 21/-

Varietal Notes from America, BIS Yearbook 1956. P;104
Clark Cosgrove and Ben Hager
Mrs Stevens’s, ‘ALPINE MEADOW’ is an interesting new pastel amoena, with white standards and light violet falls similar and colouring and form to ‘STEP UP’ (Muhlestein) but possessing more finish and a taller, better branched stalk. ‘POLAR CAP’ (Stevens) also a pastel amoena, has a much better form than the two above, but the colour in the falls is too pale to be effective as we saw it.

Varietal Notes from America, BIS Yearbook 1956. P;109
Notes from region 13 (Oregon and Washington)
J.H.Hoage, Regional Vice-President.
POLAR CAP (Stevens). From the creator of fine yellow amoena’s comes the sparkling white and light Lavender-blue addition to an already illustrious line. Smooth with good substance and branching. Similar to ‘Step Up’ and ‘Alpine Meadow’, but superior in texture, colour and branching. Many blooms on 36 inch stalks.

New Zealand Hybridisers Cumulative Checklist
POLAR CAP Mrs J. Stevens, Reg., 1955. Sdlg. 4/X444. TB, 33″, M, W4L. S. white; F. pale lavender-blue. Lilac Arbor X (Magnolia x Wabash) x Southern Alps. Schreiner 1956. 'Novelties' Stevens Bros 1955-56. HM 1956 A.I.S

Once again I would like to give a large hat tip to Carlos Ayento, the Web-master of the brilliant Web Site “Brighton Park Iris”, he is also the Historical Iris Preservation Society, Databank Chair.

One thing I will always strive to do when putting articles for this blog together, is to allow all New Zealander's to see the introductions of Jean Stevens, some I have not yet seen growing in New Zealand, but hopefully they are still been grown with lost ID (the later is my much preferred option). Fortunately for New Zealander's some of these Irises are still growing in collections in International gardens, so we get to see what we are missing or what to be on the look out for.


There is also a forlorn possibility that photos of ‘Polar Cap’ and other New Zealand bred irises are in a collection of the New Zealand Iris group and possibly have been there for years,but are only for members viewing which is a pity.

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" YOUR IRIS GARDEN", "Plan it When the Irises are in Bloom"

Your Iris Garden, Plan it When the Irises are in Bloom
By Jean Stevens


The right time to plan the rearrangement of a bed of Bearded Irises is not when one goes to purchase new varieties in December, or when one starts to lift and divide up an old-established bed. To leave the choice of new varieties and new colour schemes until planting time is to rely on a memory of colours. Even when one has a keen colour sense and a good memory, it is next to impossible to avoid at least some mistake, and a single mistake in placing different colours, even if it does not jar badly, will bring a feeling of regret.
Very often one hears the remark, "I wish I hadn't planted THAT variety against THIS variety," or "I wish I had placed a yellow or cream among that group. It would have lightened the whole planting." Such repining and regrets are easily avoided if one plans a little while the irises are in flower in November. If the bed is to be altered in its colour scheme, plan the alterations while you have the blooms to guide you. The modern Bearded Iris has such endless variations of both colour and tone. It is not enough to plan, for instance, to put a blue next to that pink.
Decide while you can, WHICH blue will give the best effect. Done at flowering time the work of planning the new planting is not a task but an enjoyment.
Even when it is not intended to lift and replant the whole bed, one often sees, if one takes the thought to look and compare, just how the planting may be made more attractive, by adding one variety to this corner, planting another lighter tone in the background, or removing one variety to another position. After all, colour is a very comparative commodity. We designate a flower "blue" or "pink." Place the blue against a white and it looks very blue; place it against another blue and it may appear lavender or purple. Again the pink may appear a true pink against a warm cream or a blue, but lavender against a salmon or pink and gold blend. Still again, in the matter of contrasts, a great deal of the ultimate colour effect depends on the TONE of the contrasting colours. Depth or lightness of colour tone is all important in producing colour symphonies.
There are, of course, general rules to guide us, but these rules are far from infallible, and even if they do not lead us into pitfalls, it is just a matter of luck if we avoid that impersonal, characterless grouping one too often sees in garden colour colourful contrast, one must also keep in mind that 'Joanna' on the one side, and 'Golden Hind' on the other, will be in conjunction with other varieties. That is, perhaps, not so hard, but remember also, what is going behind, and what, if any, are going into the foreground.
Tall varieties, as a matter of course, will go into background, where I have found it useful to remember to plant a good quantity of light or pale shades. 'Magnolia' (cream), 'Pink Advance', 'California Gold', 'Cedar' (pinky bronze), 'Golden Treasure' (light gold and cream), 'Pink Opal' (lilac), 'Miss California' (pink), 'Pale Moonlight' (silvery blue), and 'Winter Carnival' (giant flaring white) make ideal background varieties. Rich colours, such as 'Sierra Blue', 'The Red Douglas' (wine red), 'Richmond' (rosy carmine), 'Milson' (brown and crimson), 'Crimson Banner' (crimson), 'Dark Knight' (mahogany) and 'Destiny' (black-purple and bronze), being tall, must also go into the background, but should not be grouped together, but planted with the lighter tones to brighten and enhance their colours.
The middle background gives the gardener the greatest scope, and the planning and selection here will give the main character and colour effect. This is the situation for the bright colours, and here one may let himself go with pleasing contrasts. Trial will confirm some surprisingly good effects. Not having thought of it, I was surprised to find Rangitikei and Inspiration very pleasing planted with 'California Gold', also 'Rangitikei' and 'Golden Hind'. Dark rich tones, such as 'Joanna', 'The Black Douglas', 'Destiny', 'Sable', require very rich gold’s to adequately lighten and display them, while light pinks, lilacs, light blues, and blends, look infinitely better if their foils are also light toned. In other words, in contrasts, light tones require light tones, and deep tones require deep tones in their contrasting neighbours. 'New Dawn', 'Mountain Lake', 'California Gold', 'Capri', and 'King Russet' are useful for lightening effects in the middle background. In planting blues and yellows in contrast, use pure yellows, the depth of tone of the yellow depending on the depth of tone of the blue. 'Brunhilde', 'The Black Douglas', and 'Joanna', for instance, require the deep gold tones of 'Golden Hind' and 'Coromandel', while 'Exclusive' (silver blue) looks very lovely with 'Magnolia' (cream), and 'Shining Waters' and 'Aline' (clear light blues) with 'California Gold'.
In pastel groupings two or three medium-toned blues and pinks will give character to, without destroying the delicacy of the colour effect. 'Harebell' and 'Sandia' are excellent for this purpose.
As varieties, even in the same colour class, differ greatly in their garden colour value, I will give here a list of varieties I have found most suitable for their respective purposes. They are good bases about which to build a planting plan.

Background varieties:
'Magnolia' (the best all round background variety I know), 'Pink Advance', 'Dark Knight', 'Sierra Blue', 'Golden Treasure', 'California Gold', and 'Destiny'.

Foreground varieties:
'Aline', 'Cardinal Wolsey', 'Golden Hind', 'Winston Churchill', 'Firelight', 'Lake Alice', 'Kapiti', 'Surprise', and 'Moonglo'.

Varieties to add Brightness:
'Inspiration', 'Richmond', 'Golden Hind', 'California Gold', 'Firelight', 'Naranja', 'Radiant', and 'City of Lincoln'.

Varieties to add Depth of Colour:
Brunhilde, Cardinal Wolsey, Rangitikei, Joanna, Golden Hind, Wellington, The Black Douglas, The Red Douglas, Red Dawn, Mrs. J. L. Gibson, Crimson Banner, and Beowulf.

Varieties to Lighten the Effect:
'Magnolia', 'California Gold', 'Pink Advance', 'New Dawn', 'Angelus', 'Exclusive', 'Golden Treasure', 'Fair Elaine', 'Lagos', 'Los Angeles’,’Mountain Lake', 'Pale Moonlight', and 'Seduction'.
It will be noticed that many varieties have double utility value. In conclusion, I should strongly advise the planting of a fair proportion of blues and yellows in any planting. Even if one does not care for yellow or blue as a colour, the omission of those colours from a planting of Bearded Irises will deprive the whole planting of its essential character, and the colour scheme will prove to have a sense of something lacking.

~~~~~~~~

Lake Alice, Richmond, Kapiti, Mountain Lake, and Red Dawn, all mentioned in the above article were hybridised by Jean Stevems and introduced by Stevens Bros in their various catalogues in the early 1940s when their nursery was located in the Rangitikei township of "Bulls". None of these cultivars appear in any checklists meaning they were not registered, perhaps the result of correspondence lost during the war years. When colouration is a consideration, this article is just as relevant today as when it was first published and is courtesy of the New Zealand Gardener, October 1945.

Photo credit and copyright Iris Hunter

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New Zealand Arilbred Median Iris 'GREEN DELIGHT'

Arilbred Median 'Green Delight', a New Zealand historic iris.
The registered description of 'Green self ' is somewhat simplistic and lacking in detail. In the Maerz and Paul Dictionary of Color, Citronelle across all the range (98, 99,101,102) is a better colour match for this iris.White beard tipped Spanish yellow. An easy Iris to grow with no problems apart from slow increase. Blooms with the intermediate irises mid-season.

The Aril Society International 2009 Illustrated Official Checklist
GREEN DELIGHT OGB- (Mrs. Frances Love, R. 1977). AB-MED, 24” (61 cm), L. Green self. Yellow SDB seedling X Kalifa Gulnare. Hauauru Gardens, 1978. [APTT]
(Note APTT denotes Aril Bred Mediums with very limited fertility)

Sold in New Zealand from Kingswood Irises link on the left and is listed as an Intermediate (just so you know where to look in the catalogue when you get it)

If you have got a moment to spare Check out The Aril Society International web site.

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

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ALL THE BEST FOR "2010"

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Courtesy of Schreiners 1958 catalog

Happy New Year to you all.
I have been happily helping a Commercial grower sort out the names of irises with lost ID's in the last two weeks, and when researching an Iris "Broadway Star" Robert Schreiner had also made the following comments in the 1957 catalogue
A GLIMPSE OF OUR DISPLAY GARDEN. Pictured below is a portion of our display garden photographed in May 1956. The visitors are Mrs Jean Stevens The President of the New Zealand Iris Society and Marion Walker President of the American Iris Society, Mrs Stevens is the noted antipodean Iris hybridizer whose very original creations (such as Pinnacle, Polar Cap, Mystic Melody), it has been our privilege to introduce in recent years. And we are impatiently awaiting the first bloom here in America of her new red and white amoena, 'Finest Hour'.
Last year at iris time Mr. and Mrs. Stevens made their first trip to the United States, where Mrs Stevens was the honoured guest of the American Iris Society at their annual convention in Los Angeles. Later Mr. and Mrs. Stevens spent a fortnight with us. Their penetrating understanding of Iris, broad knowledge of Horticulture and keen humour made their visit as delightful as it was memorable.

Courtesy of Schreiners 1957 catalog

This made me think to post a article on Jean Stevens Irises MIA (Missing in Action) and there is no better variety to start the new decade with than 'FINEST HOUR'. If you have seen this iris growing in New Zealand please do not hesitate to contact me.

Stevens Bros. Catalogue 1958-59
FINEST HOUR (Stevens)Over the years we have raised and introduced many outstanding Irises, but our speciality has been in the breeding of different Amoenas and many of these are grown widely throughout the world. It has been our pride that we introduced the first Yellow amoena "Pinnacle" ; the first white and pastel lavender, "Polar Cap", the first white and Pastel Blue,"Alpine Meadow". We feel very happy therefore to introduce another "first",a red and white amoena, Finest Hour as a swan song to this our last year in commercial iris growing. Until Finest Hour opened its first blossom on a seedling plant an iris with clean white standards and rich plum red falls had flowered only in the imagination of breeders.The firmly closed standards of this new iris are snowy white except down towards the hafts where they are faintly flushed with lemon chartreuse. The falls are rounded and the glowing colour is rich and even. The branching is excellent, and the whole plant is a vigorous grower and an exceptionally fast increaser. Very early flowering, it is one of the first varieties to open but remains in flower over a long season. 3 ½ ft. 50/-

Schreiners Iris Lovers Catalog 1958
FINEST HOUR (Stevens 1958) E. 38"
For years, hybridizers have dreamed of producing a red and white amoena but with scant hope of success since nature produces amoenas only in the violet and white form. However, Mrs. Stevens of New Zealand, whose magic touch produced the first yellow and white amoenas, has now startled the Iris world with the first red and white amoena. FINEST HOUR possess snow white standards faintly brushed lemon-chartreuse at the base of the midribs, together with plum-red falls of sharply flaring form. A nicely branched Iris that will be very distingue in the garden clump and which will, of course, be of unique interest to hybridizers. $20.00

AIS Checklist 1959
FINEST HOUR (Jean Stevens, R. 1955). Sdlg. 1/cu. TB 36" EM. W4. S. white, F. deep even red; some haft venations. ((Naranja x Redmayne) x (Lagos x (Gudrun x (Lady Morvyth x Rangitira)))) x (Russet Mantle x Three Sisters)., Schreiner, Stevens 1958.

Major hat tip, the first for the New Year to Carlos Ayento of Brighton Park Irises for the 1958 Schreiners Catalog Image and information.

*****

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New Zealand Tall Bearded Historic Iris "NINA LEVETT"

The very late blooming 'Nina Levett' is often confused with a earlier blooming iris which grows at about the same height named, 'Pink Advance". 'Nina Levett' is the pod parent of 'Pink Advance'. Photo above is from the plant gifted to me by the late Shirley Spicer, of Wanganui.

Stevens Bros, Bulls, Catalogue of Irises, 1937-38.
NINA LEVETT
A lovely tall pink of regal carriage.The large flowers are an even shade of lilac pink, and are carried on well-branched 4 1/2 foot stems. Exceptionally vigorous.

The Iris Society Year Book (BIS) 1942.
Awards by the Royal Horticultural Society, Wisley, 1942.
NINA LEVETT (Raised by Miss.P.Levett,NZ) A.M. 20th June 1941.
Vigorous and of rapid increase with erect, glacous-green foliage, 24 inches tall.Flower stems 48 inches tall erect, somewhat zigzagged,8-flowered.
Flowers extra large, stiff and well proportioned.Standards domed approaching Imperial Purple (33/2) Falls pinched, a tone of Imperial
Purple between (33/1 and 33/2) Veins distinct, brownish on haft.Beard Orange. Flowering for ten days from 18th June. (J.B.Dumas X Aurelle.)
(All Reports for Iris trial's at Wisley tend to be very descriptive and accurate)

Jean Stevens in 1950 writes in regards to the Levett's.
'As the years went by the quality of their seedlings kept improving, and the flowering season became even more exciting than hitherto. About 1935 they flowered a large new seedling of a bright lilac pink which they named Nina Levett after their mother. This was introduced in England by Orpington Nurseries who sent plants to the Wisley Trial Grounds. In 1941 Nina Levett was given an Award of Merit by the Royal Horticultural Society'.

The Royal Horticultural Society colour descriptions,Standards Imperial Purple (33/2) and Falls Purple between (33/1 and 33/2) show how completely inadequate the 1939 Check List colour chart was in it's time and also make the 1939 and 1949 Check List colour descriptions for 'Nina Levett' irrelevant. In the 1934 BIS Year Book (in an article by a Dr. Sansome who quotes Marc Simonet), he states that one of Nina Levetts parents, J. B. Dumas is a triploid with 37 chromosomes. Triploids usually aren't the most fertile of parents, so that makes Nina even more interesting!! It should also be noted that The Royal Horticultural Society state that Nina Levett parentage is (J.B.Dumas X Aurelle.) yet the 1939 AIS checklist entry is (...) X (J.B. Dumas x Aurelle) which the later implies that another Iris was in the mix. My opinion is that 'The Royal Horticultural Society' in its colour descriptions and parentage 'trumps all'.

AIS Checklist 1939
NINA LEVETT (Miss P. Levett, R. 1939). TB, VL, B1L; (...) X (J.B. Dumas x Aurelle). Orpington. 1939.

It would not be unrealistic to state that the few irises growing in New Zealand as 'Nina Levett' are wrongly labelled and I am somewhat reluctant to post New Zealand bred Irises on this blog as it leads to a deluge of 'look-a-like' irises, and some not even remotely 'look-a-like' irises, listed for sale on the internet as the real deal, and it it is not in anybody's interest to add to the existing large pile of very expensive miss-named irises that live in the cyberspace known as 'Trade Me'!!!! New Zealander's interested in heirloom irises need to have a confidence in their ability to Identify Irises and not merely accept that because an Iris was received or purchased with the name given it is true to label, after all these are New Zealand raised Irises, surely we should have some idea of our Iris heritage!!!!

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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