Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris ALEXANDRA TWILIGHT

Another of the beetroot red colour so popular or is the word prevalent within the Standard Dwarf Iris class. 'Alexandra Twilight' has a parentage like a double dose of Cherry Garden. Bred by Helen Falconer a well known New Zealand gardener from Central Otago. Produces a good measure of blooms, that display themselves well above the foliage. Hardy. Helen Falconer received the NZIS Lucy Delany Award for 'Alexandra Twilight' when it was displayed as a seedling at the Central Otago Iris Safari in 1993. (The NZIS Lucy Delany Memorial Award is presented to the raiser of the most outstanding New Zealand Bred Dwarf or Median Iris seen at a Iris Safari for that year.)

Waimate Iris Garden, Waimate,  2000.
Alexandra Twilight: Falconer 1999. Plum standards with black thumbprint. Early........$4.00

New Zealand Hybridisers Cumulative Checklist 2014
ALEXANDRA TWILIGHT (Helen M. Falconer, R. 1997.) Sdlg: 1/90. SDB. 11" (27cm), E. S. plum;  style arms orange, streaked plum; F. deeper plum, plum black thumbprint spot; beards purple; slight fragrance.  Cherry Garden X Barnstormer. Waimate Iris Garden 1999/2000. Lucy Delany Award 1993 (NZ).

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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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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New Zealand Tall Bearded Iris IRWELL THANKSGIVING

Stunning Iris from New Zealand's late Ron Busch. For those who do not know I did communicate with Ron Busch regularly and in 2008 we discussed several of his about to be registered irises. One of the discussed was the iris 'Irwell Thanksgiving' and its pedigree. I have scanned Ron's handwritten notes regarding 'Irwell Thanksgiving' which indicate the genetic material used to produce the iris, and whilst not in the format of the official checklists it is hugely better than just a checklist entry 'Parentage Unknown'. 
The 2012 written prediction by one member in particular of the NZIS that Rons Irises "will pass into obscurity as unknowns" is quite frankly risible, and shows the predictors complete lack of knowledge and respect of Ron's Iris breeding history. (Maybe an apology will be forthcoming Peter?? You can write it in the comments if you like) 
  

Ron Busch Handwritten pedigree 'Irwell Thanksgiving', May, 2008

AIS Checklist, 2009.
IRWELL THANKSGIVING
(Ron Busch, R. 2008) Sdlg. 1733-3167. TB, 34" (86 cm), M
S. lemon; style arms lemon, purple midrib; F. rose purple, ³⁄₈˝ lemon border, white veins on shoulders, purple blush below lemon beard. Parentage unknown. Te Ohanga 2008/09.

2013 New Zealand Iris Hybridisers Cumulative Checklist
IRWELL THANKSGIVING (Ron Busch, R. 2008). Sdlg. 1733-3167. TB, 34" (86 cm), M. S. Lemon; style arms lemon purple midrib; F. Rose purple ⅜" lemon border; white veins on shoulders, purple blush below lemon beard. Involved Irwell seedling lines. ((Brookside x Honky Tonk Blues) x Snowspoon) X Ringo, Emma Cook, Latin Lover, Lula Marguerite, Velvet Robe, Laurie, Taholah.

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 Tall Bearded Iris EARLY EMBERS

Back home for the weekend from my work in Christchurch, and this morning I walked the garden at first light one of the most enjoyable times of the day for me. Still a few weeks away yet for peak bloom which I will not be here for so it was a delight to see a New Zealand bred Iris shinning like a beacon in the garden. It's David Nicoll's 'Early Embers' which I have always had a lot of time for but only get to see it at it's best when the Nor-Westerly winds stay away in the early season.

Plant has good healthy foliage with average rhizome increase, medium size but proportional blooms, with bloom stalks height in our garden is around the 77cm (30") . Can't say I agree with the hybidisers description of the beard colour as just red its more of an orange-red. In cold weather standards can sometimes show some subtle signs of a rose purple colour that some 'iris experts' call virus flecking.  Most likely will never win an award as it is past its peak bloom by time the 'Iris Shows' come around, but it is a stand-out award winning Iris in our garden. Comes with a pedigree of Bill Maryott's stunning velvety maroon 'Cherry Glen' a great garden Tall Bearded crossed with Barry Blyths 1995 amoena  'Yes', a very early blooming TB that has long bloom season.
 'Early Embers' is  listed this year in the Nicolls 'Richmond Iris Garden 2014-2015 Catalogue' and I think it is still traded elsewhere so if you want a early blooming Tall Bearded that puts on a great show with the intermediates make sure it's on this season's Buy-It List!!.

Richmond Iris Garden, 376 Hill Street, Nelson. Issue #64, 2013-2014 Catalogue.
EARLY EMBERS E. Peachy apricot rose colours with a red beard.

2013 New Zealand Iris Hybridisers Cumulative Checklist
EARLY EMBERS D.B. Nicoll, Reg. 2004. Sdlg. D00T6-l. TB,36" (91 cm,), E. Standards, medium peach-apricot lightly infused with rose; style arms medium apricot; Falls, medium light, apricot-tan with a rose blush merging from the centre to light tan-apricot edges; beards red. Cherry Glen X Yes. Richmond Iris Gardens 2005/06.

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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Jean Stevens on the raising of tangerine bearded pink amoenas Irises

Pictured above are Mrs. Jean Stevens, President of the New Zealand Iris Society and Marion Walker, President of the American Iris Society visiting the Schreiners display gardens, Salem, Oregon, May, 1956. Photo courtesy of Schreiners.


LETTERS FROM NOTED HYBRIDIZERS, Region 14 Northern California Nevada Bulletin, Fall 1959.
The Banquet at Region 14 convention in Porterville last spring was highlighted by the reading of letters from a number of nationally prominent hybridisers, all written in response to a request from W.B. Schortmann.

............During the last 10 years I have been concentrating my main breeding efforts to wards the raising of tangerine bearded pink amoenas. In the primary crosses I used yellow amoenas of the Pinnacle series lines with Pink Cameo and a pink bud break I obtain very many years ago from variegata breeding. Although I have had quite a large number of pink amoenas for several years, no single seedling has yet appealed to me as carrying all the vitues I am seeking. Those with large flowers of perfect form do not have dead white standards, and those with dead white standards and pink falls either are small or lack the tangerine beard I consider essential to make such a delicate contrast truly effective.
In 1957 a number of seedlings came so close to my ideal, however, that I feel confident that the crossing of the unrelated best cannot fail to bring the desired results. In the meantime, the 1958 crop of seedlings has flowered- from crosses made previous to the 1957 seedlings. These one generation back from the 1957 crop, surprised me with an expected progress. One seedling in particular happily opening during Harold Knowlton's visit here has dead white standards and very clear,smooth, apricot falls. On a seedling plant the flowers were not larger than the medium-sized and may not prove large enough to be worthy of naming. Two other distinctly related seedlings gave pink amoenas of large size and pleasing flared form, but were too dwarf. So the medium-size apricot amoena was crossed to these as well as to the best of the 1957 selections. Amongst other pink amoena crosses- which comprise about two thirds of my 1958 seedling crop-occurred about 20 other pink or apricots amoenas, but though I use these for further breeding they all lack at least one of the many virtues we now ask of a new Iris.

Unusual By-Products
I think it is safe to say that long continued line breeding one colour and particularly for one colour combination, produces some unusual byproducts. This has been very noticeable in my line breeding for pink amoenas. It was natural to expect an apricot amoena as a by-product, but several most unusual colours and colour combinations are emerging from pink bud amoena breeding. Possibly this is due to the fact that the yellow amoenas and the pink used in the primary crosses are most recess of characters, and the study care I have taken to avoid introducing any other bloodlines was bound to develop distinctive results other than amoenas.

Amongst my seedlings have shown up white and pastel  blue amoenas with red beards, but other unexpected developments have been strangely will Lucent pearly grey with a pinky blue cast, almost white, but shimmering with ice dust, denoting a texture as well as colour development. These all have self coloured beards.

A number development is rich clear pink standards and soft violet falls. This is lovely where the fall is clear and the colour defined. The standards are always a clear rich pink and the beard is usually tangerine or red. A strangely different pink which has a warm brown cast, making it a cocoa pink, has also appeared- sometimes as a self, and sometimes with a cream standard. Of course if these colours are to be gained in flowers of large size, Heavy substance, and perfect form, much concentrated breeding work will need to be undertaken. But the interesting point is that it is obvious that there are still a long way to go before we can say we have exhausted the possibilities of new colours, and new colour combinations, which are based within the tangerine bearded pink complex.

Must Line Breed
I should emphasise that the development of these new recessive combinations and colours have a one almighty "must" attach to them. Whoever develops any one of these new colours which are emerging must attack the problem by means of line breeding. In no other way can I see these, until recently hidden, recessives being given the attributes of first-class garden irises. There will be no shortcuts via the introduction of other irises of dominant colours- and don't forget that any orthodox colour is dominant in relation to a recessive combination.
Outside the pink amoena breeding, and amongst my brown amoena crosses, has shown up another development which should not entailed much further breeding to give a perfect flower and a new colour combination. This is an Iris with pale blue standards and rich walnut brown falls- a sort of brown neglecta. The only faults one of the seedlings has which prevents me from naming it is rather close branching and flowers which are hardly large enough. However, with a nearly related brown amoena of good size and excellent branching available for use to correct these faults it should not be too difficult to get results.
Mrs W.R.Stevens, Bastia Hill, Wanganui New Zealand.

The above insightful letter from Jean Stevens was written to be read at the Region 14 convention in Porterville, Spring 1959. Letters from noted breeders were selected by Bill Schortman. The above extract was published in the Region 14 Fall 1959 regional bulletin.

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New Zealand Tall Bearded Iris 'IRWELL GOLD STRIKE'

I thought it was time for an update for the post 'Irwell Gold Strike' with a new photo and a few additional encouraging words.
 This iris just will not and has not stopped blooming this season and I think a note should be made to its registered bloom season to change from Mid to Mid to Late. Large blooms on solid as iron rod stalks that more than help make a bold and brilliant garden statement, plant habits that never fail to impress with good clean foliage and great increase. 'Irwell Gold Strike' was the stand out iris and the winner of the 'Begg Sheild' at the Lake Tekapo Iris Conference 2005. Described by Ron as "Cream standards faintly overlaid with yellow stippling, falls are amber gold. It has a gold beard with striations of cream and tan at the hafts. Standards are wide and flaring and shows good branching and bud count."

Will make a spectacle in anyone's garden, and being pollen fertile, makes it a more than interesting parent. Among the first irises that Ron purchased over 40 years ago were the white and yellow Amoena 'Pinnacle', and 'Summit', and its good to see a New Zealander continue with this colour line with such a high class Iris. This iris can be purchased this 2012 season from 'Kiwi Iris Delights' (Link above New Zealand Iris Growers) Buy it! you'll love it.
Another Brilliant New Zealand Bred Iris that Everyone gets to see!!!! Me, I'm just so glad to help.

Digital Image scanned from a regular 6 x 4 photo taken by Ron Busch.

New Zealand Hybridisers Cumulative Checklist 2011
IRWELL GOLD STRIKE Ron Busch Reg., 2007.Sdlg. X200. TB, 40″, (102cm) M. S. White flushed gold, deeper at midrib; style arms gold, white crest; F. Gold, brown veining on shoulders; beards yellow. Parentage; Infinite Grace X inv.Bang, Commentary, Coronation Gold, Latin Lover, Emma Cook, Pipes of Pan, Rich Melody, Imperial Crown, Melodrama, Gaylord, Pinnacle. Waimate Iris Garden 2007. Begg Shield 2005.(NZ)

This iris is listed in the printed 2009 Iris Check List, it also has a listing on the American Iris Society on-line iris registration database, but as at today's date the Iris Encyclopedia wiki 'Irwell Gold Strike' does not even rate a mention and never has. When I go for looking for accurate iris information where do you think I go, anyone care to guess?

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 Ron Busch, Terry Johnson and Heritage Irises ©.

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New Zealand Tall Bearded Iris IRWELL TRIBUTE

IRWELL TRIBUTE is a very fine blending of old gold standards with very smart burgandy plicata on  creamy orange ground falls. Attractive sanded and dotted pattern much in the style of the great 'COLORTART' (Innerst 83). Magnificent form, substance and texture that is simply presented with only light waving, no lace or other clutter. In only one season it is already much admired in the garden for it's vigorous clean growth and the unusual color pattern. Registered as parentage unknown but I have filled in the parentage from Ron's breeding records for your information.

New Zealand Iris Hybridisers Cumulative Checklist 2011
IRWELL TRIBUTE  Ron Busch, Reg., 2007. Sdlg. 91-114-2. TB, 40″, (102 cm), M. S. and style arms yellow gold; F. white ground flushed gold, rose brown plicata markings; beards yellow.  (Easter Tide x Southern Potentate) X involved parentage that includes Porta Villa, Chinqupin, Majorette, Wild Apache, Youthful Charm, Radiant Apogee, Wild Ginger, Rococo, My Honeycomb. Waimate Iris Garden 2007. CM.2005 

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 AURORA LIGHTS

'Aurora Lights' a great looking plicata that you see a lot growing in the more established gardens in the Wairarapa. Key point in identification is the purple base foliage inherited from the pod parent. Nice clean foliage and robust growth. This plant has often been mislabelled  as 'Harlequin' which it does not even remotely look like but the most telling fact that eliminates it as 'Harlequin' is that it does not have the PBF trait referred to above.

Stevens Bros, Bastia Hill, Wanganui.  Irises 1949-1950 catalogue
Novelties 1949-50
AURORA LIGHTS  (Stevens)
Even those of us who are nor enamoured of the new plicatas find this one lovely. The broad and beautiful textured falls have a slight flare and ruffling, cinnamon dotted on cream velvet. The standards are a rosy bronze flushed over cream. Falls are crimson dotted on cream velvet, broad and beautifully textured and have a slight flare and ruffling. A deep gold beard enriches the whole combination. Large flowers excellent branching and good height places this in the top rank. 4ft. ....................................................................42 shillings

New Zealand Iris Hybridisers Cumulative Checklist 2011
AURORA LIGHTS  Mrs J. Stevens, Reg., 1948.  Sdlg. 7/T147. TB, 48″, M, Y8M.S. rosy bronze over cream. F. cream and rosy bronze, good form, deep gold beard. 4ft.; Description J. Stevens Studbook notes,‘1946 flowering’; Plicata.  Manchuria X Tiffany. Stevens Bros 1949-50

 This photo was taken last year in a country garden I visited.
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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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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Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris IRWELL GRACE

Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris 'Irwell Grace' flowering for me today.  Standards painted a bright blended salmon pink that compliment the apricot melon falls that have a burgundy brown wash on the edge of the hafts which continues in lighter tones around the edge of the falls. Brilliant light blue beards heavily tipped a luminous red tangerine. Two or three well sized flowers per stem and a sweet light perfume. The form is impeccable and 'Irwell Grace' will quickly become a garden favourite no matter who's garden it grows in. By the looks of things Jean Stevens 'Forest Glade' will be next maybe tomorrow.  Both these irises are growing in terracotta pots so are early compared to the garden growers.

New Zealand Hybridisers Checklist 2011
IRWELL GRACE  Ron Busch, Reg. 2010 Sdlg. 1-952. SDB, 12" (30 cm), M S. bright pink; style arms pink; F. pink washed cream; beards tangerine. Parentage unknown.

I purchased this iris last year from Mossburn Iris Gardens it wasn't catalogued but I asked them nicely and they obliged, so maybe if you ask nice.....

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 'NORMA OF IRWELL' wins the Dykes Medal 2012

Tall Bearded Iris 'Norma of Irwell' has been awarded the Dykes Medal (NZ) for 2012, hybridised by New Zealand's wizard of Tall bearded Iris breeding Ron Busch and named after Ron's lovely wife. Introduced by Julie May from 'The Iris Garden' who has always raved about this iris. Well substanced blooms with dark violet ruffled and slightly open standards with even darker violet slightly flared and ruffled falls that has an eye catching small white area beneath the violet tipped bronze beards, oh and not forgetting the very good branching and great plant health that we have all come to expect from the Busch breeding lines.
A magnificent Iris from an magnificent breeder and my heartfelt congratulations to Ron.

2012 New Zealand Hybridisers Cumulative Checklist
NORMA OF IRWELL Ron Busch, Reg., 2008. Sdlg. 91-200. TB, 34″, (86 cm), M. Standards and style arms deep purple; Falls, Violet purple, white around beard; Beard bronze tipped violet. (Vigilant X Edith Wolford) X ( Honky Tonk Blues X Brookside) The Iris Garden, 2008. Dykes Medal 2012 (NZ).

It is appropriate to use Ron's own photo of his award winning Iris
As always clicking on the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version.
Photo credit Ron Busch. Copyright Iris Hunter.

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My procurements for 2012

This is the list of my procurements for 2012, all one hundred and fourteen of them, and I have separated them into two lists one list for New Zealand Irises and one for Internationally Bred Irises did you notice I used the word  International and not 'Foreign'.
Some selections are second glances but most will be grown at home for the first time.

 Its a reasonable list of New Zealand bred Irises and those of you that know me will see a few that some mischief  could be had with, but of most concern is the huge difficulty in finding New Zealand bred irises.
Its been a good buzz meeting people in New Zealand that grow Irises and it was a real privilege to visit Wanganui and get to meet two lovely ladies of the New Zealand iris scene, there was Kerry O'Neil of the Iris Company fame who has recently downsize her commercial Iris growing, and then there was Shirley Spicer, who has a wealth of iris knowledge and is a New Zealand Dykes Medal recipient in the Tall Bearded Iris class,with her iris 'SALUTE D'AMOUR'. Have you ever seen a great photo of this iris in any garden publication?? I have yet to see one, and if the registered description is anything to go by her 'Bright Fine Gold' could be a visual treat so there's  another Iris to look forward to . Generally speaking finding New Zealand Irises is like pulling teeth. Disagree?? Ok then let me give you just one example ; In the September 2000 NZIS Bulletin 152 "Anniversary Issue" there is an Iris featured on the front cover labelled "Anniversary Iris 'HIKURANGI' TB Rita Harvey 1999" does anyone know its whereabouts???? Surely the NZIS 'anniversary iris' would be promoted and featured somewhere within the gardening fraternity. No? It is certainly not listed with any commercial enterprise.To post one Variety of Iris per week for the blog requires 52 Irises per year so the list is enough to keep the blog going for 2 years.

And then there is the thirty or forty NOID's, some that I have purchased or mainly come from other  irisarians who have generously sent them to me to ID which will no doubt give me the most problems but also a huge amount of satisfaction. Great to see I still have a low profile that several Iris sellers sent me "Notes on planting irises" or do they know something I do not?, but that aside its good to see a lot of sellers including growing information and if it is sent digitally it costs only cents to do so.

List includes 6 Dykes Medal winners, 39 New Zealand Irises of which 4 are Arilbred, 2 are historic irises and 75 International Irises of which 31 are historic, and includes 'Winter Olympics' which was the winner of the Clara Rees Cup in 1966 the year after 'Henry Shaw' another incredible white recently featured on this blog.

NEW ZEALAND BRED IRISES

ATAVUS Alison Nicoll, Reg., 2006. Sdlg. A00T2-2. TB, 28″, (72 cm), ML ; S. cream flushed lilac in centre; style arms cream and lilac; F. strongly washed violet, tan hafts and border; beards red; flared; slight spicy fragrance. Prince George X Outrageous Fortune. Richmond 2007/08. Begg Shield 2009 (NZ).

BRANDON ROSE Helen Falconer, Reg., 2000. Sdlg 1/95. TB, 43″, (110cm), L ; S. orange, pink and rose blend; style arms orange, fringed; F. deep rose red, peach border; beards tangerine; lightly ruffled, flared; sweet fragrance. Parentage unknown Waimate Iris Garden, 2000/01

BRIGHT FINE GOLD Shirley Spicer, Reg., 2001. Sdlg. SS/20. TB, 33″, (85cm), M ; S. dull gold, edge deeper, reverse violet with deeper dull gold edge; style arms bright gold, centre violet; F. violet, edge gold, bright gold markings on haft, reverse violet; petal edges with sparkling gold flecks; beards bright gold, white base; lightly ruffled, laced; slight fragrance. Taj Rani x Gypsy Belle.

CABBAGES AND KINGS Alison Nicoll, Reg., 2005 Sdlg A01T5: 3. TB, 32″, (82 cm), M ; S. purple blush in centre merging to lemon at edges; style arms lemon; F. lemon edges merging to cream centre, more intense lemon at hafts; beards lemon tipped white, gold in throat; frilled and crimped; pronounced sweet fragrance. (Knock ‘em Dead x Keppel seedling LLFBKK: 2: (Lotus Land x Fogbound)). Richmond Iris Gardens 2006/07.

DUNAVERTY Mrs R. Harvey, Reg., 1990. Sdlg. 80/R/59. TB, 38″, (96 cm), M ; S. oxblood red; F. deeper, distinct brown haft infusion; beards self, tipped blue; slight fragrance. Superstition X Dutch Chocolate. Wyuna Iris Gardens 1991.

EARLY BEAUT D.B. Nicoll, Reg., 2004. Sdlg. D98T12-l. TB, 33″, (85 cm), VE ; S. light violet blue with a light infusion of green-gold from the centre midrib; style arms light creamy mustard with a touch of violet on the lip; F. veined violet centres merging and fading to light creamy mustard edges, under surface of central midrib green; beards bright orange; slight sweet fragrance. Thornbird X Chinese Empress. Richmond Iris Gardens 2004/05.

EARLY EMBERS D.B. Nicoll, Reg., 2004. Sdlg. D00T6-l. TB,36″, (91 cm,), E ; S. medium peach-apricot lightly infused with rose; style arms medium apricot; F. medium light, apricot-tan with a rose blush merging from the centre to light tan-apricot edges; beards red. Cherry Glen X Yes. Richmond Iris Gardens 2005/06.

ERIC'S DREAM Eric Braybrook, R. 2004 Sdlg. 94/14/A. TB, 31" (80 cm), M ; S. tan; F. tan and orange; beards orange; moderate fragrance. Fort Apache X Spanish Leather. HM 2003 NZIS.

GENTLE SONG Alison Nicoll, Reg.,2006. Sdlg. AO2D1/3. AB (OGB-), 13″, (33cm), M ; S. Light purple veined violet; style arms blue edged purple. F. violet centre merging to mushroom at edge; beards ginger tipped brown. Chubby Cheeks X Tabriz. Richmond Iris Gardens,2009-2010

GONDWANA D.B. Nicoll , Reg., 2005. Sdlg. D99 T34-1. TB, 39″, (100 cm), EM ; S. and F. medium cream yellow; style arms cream yellow; beards orange yellow; slight sweet fragrance. Sweet Musette x Joan McClemens. Richmond Iris Garden 2006/07.

HAIDEE Mrs. H. Catton, Reg., 1979. Sdlg. C731-10. AB-MED (¼), 14″, (36cm). S. lavender; F. lavender, washed rose, light brown hafts; deep violet beard. Myra X Saracen Warrior. Wyuna Iris Gardens 1979/80.

IN BETWEEN Shirley Spicer, R. 2009. Sdlg. SS/17/90. IB, 38-42" (97-107 cm), E ; S. pale blue; F. pale blue flushed deeper blue, greenish striations on hafts; beards pale violet hairs tipped yellow; slight sweet fragrance. Little Bridget X Glacier Magic

IRWELL BARON Ron Busch Reg., 2007. Sdlg. X10. TB 36″, (91cm) EM ; S. Light red-purple; style arms orange yellow; F. Velvety red-black, white veining from beards to half way down petal, orange shoulders; beards red. Parentage unknown. Rossmore Iris Gardens 2008.

IRWELL COURAGE Ron Busch Reg., 2007. Sdlg. 01587-2149. TB 40″, (102cm). M ; S. lemon, red purple midrib and blush at base: style arms yellow, purple centre; F. Red-purple, ¼″ paler edge, yellow shoulders; beards bronze. Parentage unknown. Amazing Iris Garden 2011

IRWELL DESERT SANDS Ron Busch Reg., 2007. Sdlg. 316-9559 TB. 38″, (97 cm), M ; S. and style arms lemon; F. lemon ground, light cinnamon plicata markings over all, cinnamon shoulders; beards cinnamon orange. Parentage Unknown. Rossmore Iris Gardens 2008

IRWELL ELEGANCE. Ron Busch Reg., 2007. Sdlg. E925. TB 36″, (91 cm). M ; S. wine red; style arms orange and wine red; F. velvety wine-red, ⅛″ plain wine red border, white veining in throat; beards red orange. Parentage unknown.

IRWELL GAMBLER Ron Busch Reg., 2007. Sdgl.8888/1 TB, 38″, (97cm), M ; S. and style arms lemon; F. plum red,¼″ paler edge; 1″ area of white veining around lemon beard. Snow Spoon X Extravagant. Waimate Iris Garden 2007.

IRWELL GOLD STRIKE Ron Busch Reg., 2007.Sdlg. X200. TB, 40″, (102cm) M ; S. White flushed gold, deeper at midrib; style arms gold, white crest; F. Gold, brown veining on shoulders; beards yellow. Parentage; Infinite Grace X involved parentage which includes Bang, Commentary, Coronation Gold, Latin Lover, Emma Cook, Pipes of Pan, Rich Melody, Imperial Crown, Melodrama, Gaylord, Pinnacle. Waimate Iris Garden 2007. Begg Shield 2005.(NZ)

IRWELL GRACE Ron Busch, Reg., 2010. Sdlg.1-952. SDB, 12" (30 cm), M ; S. bright pink; style arms pink; F. pink washed cream; beards tangerine. Parentage unknown.

IRWELL THANKSGIVING Ron Busch, Reg., 2008. Sdlg. 1733-3167.4 TB, 34″, (86 cm), M ; S. Lemon; style arms lemon purple midrib; F. Rose purple ⅜″ lemon border; white veins on shoulders, purple blush below lemon beard. Involved Irwell seedling lines.

IRWELL TRIBUTE Ron Busch, Reg., 2007. Sdlg. 91-114-2. TB, 40″, (102 cm), M ; S. and style arms yellow gold; F. white ground flushed gold, rose brown plicata markings; beards yellow. Parentage unknown. (NZ). Waimate Iris Garden 2007. CM.2005 (NZ).

KOTARE Frances Love, Reg 1991 MTB, 18" (46 cm), E ; Wine self. Gingerbread Man X Picayune.

LACE AND VIOLETS Alison Nicoll, Reg., 2005. Sdlg A01T9:1. TB, 31″, (80 cm), M ; S. lavender wash over frosty pale blue; style arms lavender; F. violet wash over blue with white glow around beard, hafts veined violet; beards white, yellow in throat, cream in middle; laced and ruffled; pronounced sweet fragrance. Fancy Woman x A99T10:6: (About Town x Honky Tonk Blues). Richmond Iris Gardens 2006/07.

LAKE CHRISTABEL D. B. Nicoll, Reg., 2005. Sdlg. D99 T9-2. TB, 35″, (90 cm), E ; S. and style arms white, slight blue tinge; F. medium purple-blue, lighter edges; beards red orange, white at end; slight musky fragrance. Soprano x Chinese Empress. Richmond Iris Garden 2006/07.

LEAH ISABEL Mrs S. Spicer, Reg., 1996. Sdlg. SS 10/4/85. TB, 37″, (94cm), M ; S. lemon, ruffled cream edge; F. pale cream, soft lemon, frilled edge and reverse, dark lemon hafts, blue flush below yellow beard; slight sweet fragrance. Summer Sun X May Melody. Waimate Iris Garden 1997/98.

MAGIC MUSHROOM Alison Nicoll, Reg.,2006. Sdlg. AO2D5-4. AB (OGB-), 17″, (43cm), M ; S. beige, purple flecking; style arms old gold, bluish centre line; F. old gold over washed purple, maroon-red veining around gold beard. Adoring Glances X Tabriz. Richmond Iris Gardens 2008/09.

MARION BALL Mrs R. Harvey, Reg., 1989. Sdlg. LM/PK/83. SDB 9-10″, (23-25 cm), M ; S. clear primrose yellow; F. same with deeper zone under light blue beard. Lime Rhapsody X Knotty Pine. Wyuna Iris Gardens 1990.

MAUNGATI Judith Neilson Reg., 1998. Sdlg JN/1. SDB, 8½″, (21cm), M ; S. pale blue, green infusion; F. tannish brown infused yellow, fine ¼″ pale blue rim; beards blue; pronounced sweet fragrance. Parentage unknown. Otepopo Garden Nursery, 1999/2000. Lucy Delany (NZ) 1997.

MOUNT MELITA Alison Nicoll, Reg., 2006. Sdlg. AO2D1-7. AB (OGB-), 15″, (39cm), M-L ; Dark blue self, style arms tipped purple, F. washed purple; beards lemon. Chubby Cheeks X Tabriz. Richmond Iris Gardens 2008/09

PIKI Mrs F. Love, Reg., 1993. Sdlg. 25/10/3. IB, 19″, (48 cm), M. ; S. white; F ; white with touch of yellow deep in hafts; beards white, yellow in throat. Parentage unknown. Te Ohanga Iris Gardens, 1998.

PRECISION Alison Nicoll, Reg., 2004. Sdlg. LLFBKK99-3. TB, 28″, (72 cm), M ; Violet self, F. lighter around beard; beards tangerine, violet blue at end; ruffled; slight fragrance. Fogbound X Lotus Land; seed from Keith Keppel. Richmond Iris Gardens 2005/06

SALUTE D'AMOUR Shirley Spicer, Reg., 2001. Sdlg. SS/29. TB, 33″, (84cm), L ; S. light pink blush; style arms soft coral pink; F. warm pink blush, soft white haft marking; beards coral; sweet fragrance. Elysian Fields x Flirtation Waltz. Dykes Medal 2003 NZ.

SMOKEY BABE Mrs L. Black, Reg., 1996. Sdlg. 89-54-H. SDB, 10″, (26cm), ML ; Smokey lavender plicata markings on cream white ground; beards blue lavender; ruffled; pronounced sweet fragrance. Muchacha X Court Magician. Netherby Gardens, 1996/97.

SOUNDZ OF COUNTIES Peter Berry, Reg., 2010. Sdlg. SA 98-6. BB 26" (65 cm), E ; S. and style arms maroon; F. same, white lines at haft; beards white base, hairs tipped ginger in throat and middle, white base tipped maroon at end; slight fragrance. Cascade Pass X Cherry Garden. Limavady Irises 2011

SPHAGNUM D.B. Nicoll, Reg., 2005. Sdlg. D99 T9-8. TB, 33″, (85cm), E ; S. white shaded lemon; style arms same, veined, light olive edges; F. medium strong olive; beards oranges; slight sweet fragrance. Soprano x Chinese Empress. Richmond Iris Garden 2006/07.

TOWER STREET Ron Busch, Reg., 1991. Sdlg. 7763/4. TB, 38″, (97 cm), M-L ; S. light plum red; F. velvety plum red, edged lighter plum; beards orange wine. Latin Lover X Rich Melody. Irwell Iris Gardens, 1992.

WILD WESTY Noel Lapham, Reg., 2004. Sdlg. Orange Tiger B/P-2. SDB, 13″, (32 cm), M. S. pale pink with purple tinge; F. peach and violet overlaid with tan veining; beards white tipped vibrant orange. Parentage unknown. Mossburn Iris Gardens 2006/07.

INTERNATIONALLY BRED IRISES ;

AMETHYST FLAME Robert Schreiner, Reg. 1957 Sdlg. M-289-A. TB, 38 (97 cm), ML ; Amethyst-orchid self. Crispette X (Lavanesque x Pathfinder). Schreiner 1958. HM 1958, AM 1960, Dykes 1963.

ARMAGEDDON Chet Tompkins, Reg. 1992 Sdlg. 87-35. TB, 36" (91 cm), ML S. vivid blend of clover and amaranth pink; F. deep red maroon, 1/4" picoteed amaranth pink edge; beards shrimp red; ruffled. Reverse sib to Heavenly Body X ((Dusky Dancer x Camelot Rose) x ((Kin-na-Zin x Camelot Rose) x (Crystal Ribbon sib x Cimbay))). Fleur de Lis 1992.

AURA LIGHT Barry Blyth, Reg. 1993 Sdlg. A106-4. TB, 34" (86 cm), EM S. pure white; F. brilliant gold; beards mustard; ruffled. Imprimis sib X Chocolate Vanilla. Keppel, Tempo Two 1996, 1996/97. HM 1998, AM 2000.

AZURE ANGEL Graeme Grosvenor, R. 1993 Sdlg. R6-2. TB, 36" (91 cm), EM ; S. light blue, violet midrib; F. dark blue, light blue rim; beards white; ruffled. Silverado X Snowbrook. Rainbow Ridge 1993/94.

BANBURY RUFFLES D. Reath, Reg. 1970 Sdlg. A-6-64. SDB, 15" (38 cm), VE Rich blue self with darker blue spot on F.; ruffled. A-6-60 X Nylon Ruffles. Schreiner's 1970. HM 1971.

BEAUMONDE L. Hodges, Reg. 1985 Sdlg. TG 83-43. TB, 36" (91 cm), M S. greyed blue violet; F. white ground heavily lined greyed blue violet; bright orange beard. Smoke Rings X (Cabaret Royale x Porta Villa). Tempo Two 1986/87.

BIG LEAGUE Schreiners, Reg. 1969 Sdlg. A-176-C. TB, 36" (91 cm), M Violet-blue self (RHS 3) with clean unveined hafts; beard light white with hint of blue. (W 118-A: (R 510-A: (M 1006-A: (J 240-B: (Pierre Menard x G 151-A: (Blue Rhythm x Chivalry)) x Harbor Blue) x K 594-A: (Pierre Menard x I 234-1: (Danube Wave x F 679, unknown)))) x R 615-A: (Bluebird Blue x M 1011-2: (Biscay Bay x Harbor Blue))) X V 137-A; (R 614-4: (Bluebird Blue x ?K 587-B: (H 75-A: (Cahokia x Jane Phillips) x I 237-3: (Quicksilver x Jane Phillips))) x R 1122-10: (Swan Ballet x M 971-1; (Harbor Blue x G 10-C; (44-41: (Missouri x Snowking) x 7-46: (Winter Carnival x Snow Carnival))))). Schreiners 1969. HM 1970.

BIG SQUEEZE Paul Black, Reg. 1999 Sdlg. A59F. TB, 33" (84 cm), L S. peach pink, crystalline gold rim; style arms medium orange; F. medium orange, inconspicuous white haft veining; beards bright orange; heavily ruffled, lightly laced; pronounced sweet fragrance. Victorian Frills X Good Show. Mid-America 1999. HM 2001.

BLACK DIAMOND B. Schreiner, Reg. 1950, TB, 34" (86 cm), M. ; Dark-violet self. Sib. Black Forest x Down East. Schreiner 1951. HM 1952.

BLUE POOLS Bennett Jones, Reg. 1972 Sdlg. M202. SDB, 12" (30 cm), M ; S. white; F. white with large medium blue spot; white beard. M73: (Nylon Ruffles x Truce) X M139: ((Great Lakes x I. mellita) x Lilli Amoena). B Jones 1973. HM 1974, AM 1976.

BLACK PRINCE Amos Perry listed 1900 IB-M-La- B3D One of the most handsome we have ever seen in this class the falls been a rich purple almost black, with light purple standards. Fragrant. A.M. RHS 1900.

BLUE PERSUASION J. T. Aitken, Reg. 2005 Sdlg. 96T46. TB, 36" (91 cm), M S. light brass flushed blue on midribs; F. light blue, ¼˝ band of light brass on rim; beards yellow tipped orange. Unknown parentage. Aitken 2005. HM 2008.

BLUEBERRY BLISS Schreiner, Reg. 2004 Sdlg. JJ 590-1. TB, 40" (107 cm), EM Medium blue self (RHS 89A); beards blue, yellow in throat. GG 77-A: (DD 128-1: (Olympiad x Honky Tonk Blues) x Royal Intrigue) X Tokatee Falls. Schreiner 2004. HM 2006, AM 2009.

BOLD VISION Frederick Kerr, Reg. 1999 Sdlg. 936307. TB, 29" (74 cm), EML S. dark yellow; F. dark yellow, lighter around gold beard, wide brownish red band; ruffled, flared. Citoyen X 9111A, Dear Jean sib. Rainbow Acres 2000. HM 2002, AM 2006.

BROADWAY STAR R. Schreiner, Reg. 1957 Sdlg. L 721-1. TB, 38" (97 cm), ML S. smooth cream, F. rose with magenta cast. (Maytime x Extravaganza) X sib. of Opal Beauty. Schreiner 1957. HM 1957.

CHERRY GARDEN Bennett Jones, Reg. 1966 Sdlg. M134-1. SDB, 15" (38 cm), M ; Pansy purple (Wilson 928/3) self. Captain Gallant x pumila Y9C (Randolph). Jones 1967. HC 1966, HM 1968, JC 1968, 1969, AM 1970, Cook-Douglas 1972.

CLARENCE Lloyd Zurbrigg, Reg. 1990 Sdlg. ZZZ. TB, 35" (89 cm), M & RE (Aug/ NC & VA) S. white, tinted violet at top; F. light blue violet, white center and hafts; cream beard; sweet fragrance. Parentage unknown. Avonbank 1991. HM 1995, AM 1997, Wister 2000.

COMO SURPRISE L. Donnell, Reg. 1976 Sdlg. 72-4-1. TB, 32" (81 cm), EM ; Dark violet (RHS 83B) self; orange beard tipped violet. Apropos X Stepping Out. Tempo Two 1977/78.

CRIMSON SNOW Barry Blyth, Reg. 1987 Sdlg. S210-1. TB, 30-32" (76-81 cm), E-M S. orchid pink (nearly white); F. plush ruby rose, 1/4" pink white band; white beard tipped tangerine. Ambiance X (Tomorrow's Child x (Love Chant x Festive Skirt)). Tempo Two 1987/88.

DANCING DIVA Kerryn Turner, Reg. 1996 Sdlg. KH91-3-4. TB, 36" (91 cm), M S. rose; F. plush burgundy rose, 1/4" lighter edge; beards tangerine orange. Bama Berry X Holiday Lover. Tempo Two 1996/97.

DAZZLING GOLD D. C. Anderson, Reg. 1977 Sdlg. DA-RA-6. TB, 29" (74 cm), M ; Golden yellow with red-brown wash and golden-yellow edge on F.; fluted; orange beard. Radiant Apogee X West Coast. Melrose Gardens 1981. HM 1983, AM 1985.

DEEP DARK SECRET Paul Black, Reg. 1998 Sdlg. A26C. TB, 34" (86 cm), M S. dark blue purple, waxy sheen, blending to medium violet blue edge; style arms medium violet blue; F. dark blue purple, pale violet white diffused band, darker plum brown hafts; beards gold; heavily ruffled; pronounced sweet fragrance. In Town X Witches' Sabbath. Mid-America 1998. HM 2000, AM 2002.

DOT AND DASH D. Hall, Reg. 1960 Sdlg. 56-13. TB, 32" (81 cm), M ; S deep violet; F white, wide border same as S. 53-30 X 53-25. Cooley 1960. HC 1957, HM 1960, JC 1961, AM 1962

EARL OF ESSEX L. Zurbrigg, Reg. 1979 Sdlg. M 46 PL. TB, 35" (89 cm), E & RE (late Sept in VA) ; Lightly ruffled and fluted white, heavily veined and stippled orchid violet on S. and with precise 1/3" orchid-violet border on F.; pale orange beard infused pale violet. (((Crinkled Ivory x Autumn Sensation) x Grand Baroque) x (Sky Queen x Grand Baroque)) X Violet Classic. Avonbank Gardens 1980. HM 1983.

EMMA COOK P. Cook, Reg. 1957 Sdlg. 11155. TB, 34" (86 cm), M S. white; F. white with 1/2" border royal purple; beard, white on outer end, yellow under stylearm. Sdlg. 12552: (((blue sdlg. x Progenitor x Shining Waters)) x Distance x (Progenitor x Shining Waters))) x sdlg. 14152: (Dreamcastle x (blue sdlg. x (Distance x (Progenitor x Shining Waters)))). Cook 1959. HM 1959, AM 1961.

EXOTIC BLUE Randolph, Reg. 1957 Sdlg. 51-223-5. TB, 28" (71 cm), M ; Light lavender-blue self, with darker center; brown beard, tipped blue. (Mata Hari x Black Forest) x Wedgwood. Randolph 1958. HM 1958.

FIERY TEMPER Keith Keppel, Reg. 2000 Sdlg. 95-68L. TB, 36" (91 cm), M ; S. dahlia purple (M&P 55-J-12); style arms dahlia purple, shaded and edged apricot yellow; F. red black; beards bittersweet orange to tile red (3-BCD-12). 92-83S: (Night Game x 88-140A: ((Tomorrow's Child x Gatty K41-1: (Show Biz x Villain)) x Gallant Rogue)) X Romantic Evening. Keppel 2001. HM 2003, AM 2005.

GAME PLAN Keith Keppel, R. 2002 Sdlg. 95-39A. TB, 37" (94 cm), M ; S. topaz (M&P 12-I-8), deeper (12-I-9) base; style arms buff (11-K-7); F. burnished gold (12-L-7/8) shading to buff (11-K-7) center; beards tile red (3-D-12); foliage purple-based. 92-84A: (Night Game x 89-152A: (((Winemaster x Congratulations) x Faraway Places) x (Faraway Places x Heathen))) X 90-98A: (Jolt x 88-99A: (Florida Orange x (Flashpoint x 79-56E, pollen parent of Popularity))). Keppel 2002. HM 2004.

GOING MY WAY (J. Gibson, R. 1971) Sdlg. 36-8A. TB, 37" (94 cm), M ; S. white ground with purple rim; F. same; beard half orange and half blue; ruffled. Border Happy X Stepping Out. Gibson 1972. HM 1973, AM 1975.

GOLDEN CHANCE (DeForest, R. 1958) Sdlg. 57-200. TB, 38" (97 cm), M ; Rich yellow self. ((Mexico x Argus Pheasant) x (Indian Nation x Colonel Primrose). Irisnoll 1962. HM 1964.

HAUT LES VOILES (Cayeux, R. 1999) Sdlg. 9392 C. TB, 33" (85 cm), ML S. light butter yellow; F. light blue lavender; beards yellow, blue lavender at end, inconspicuous. Edith Wolford X Honky Tonk Blues. Cayeus 2000.

HEAVEN'S EDGE Chet Tompkins, Reg. 1995 Sdlg. 93-6. TB, 36" (91 cm), EML S. white, faint blue flush; style arms pale blue white; F. snow white, narrow blackish indigo blue edge; beards white. Eagles Flight x Armada. Fleur de Lis 1996.

HONK YOUR HORN Paul Black, Reg. 2000 Sdlg. C59E. TB, 45" (114 cm), L S. silvery medium violet blue with darker base, paling with age to leave darker rim; style arms dark violet blue edged pearl; F. silvery white shaded violet blue darkest at beard, paling near edge but with darker rim; beards dull gold to gold, violet blue at end, fuzzy dark blue horn; ruffled, lightly laced; slight spicy fragrance. Lookout Point X Honky Tonk Blues. Mid-America 2001. HM 2003, AM 2005.

HOUDINI W. Maryott, Reg. 1984 Sdlg. G1738LK. TB, 35" (89 cm), M Ruffled velvety deep red black; self beard. Midnight Special X E34C: ((Prophecy x Gypsy Belle) x Intuition). Maryott's Gardens 1985. HM 1987.

INAUGURAL BALL Joseph Ghio, Reg. 1987 Sdlg. 82-124-J3. TB, 40" (102 cm), EM-L Metallic red purple; blue beard. Titan's Glory X Bubbling Over. Bay View Gardens 1988. HM 1990.

INDIAN TERRITORY Joseph Ghio, Reg. 1979 Sdlg. 74-64V. TB, 38" (97 cm), EM ; Red-brown self; red-brown beard. Malaysia X 71-19C: (Show Time x (Ponderosa x New Moon)). Bay View Gardens 1980. HM 1982.

JEWEL TONE Schreiners, Reg. 1966 Sdlg. W 459-A. TB, 37" (94 cm), EM Rich glossy ruby-red self; F with heavier nap; dull brown beard. R 348.-A (((L 572-1(((1 338-1 (Casa Morena x Burmese Ruby)) x ((I 244-1 (Orelio x Pacemaker))) x Trim X Tomeco. Schreiners 1966. HM 1967, JC 1968, Cook-Lapham Bowl 1968, AM 1970.

KNIGHTED T. Blyth, Reg. 1987 Sdlg. TD16-A. TB, 36-38" (91-97 cm), M-ML S. pure white; F. royal violet, 1/8" lighter violet edge; gold beard. Mossenova X Noon Siesta. Tempo Two 1987/88.

LADY FIRE James Gibson by Cooley's Gardens, Reg. 1993 Sdlg. 6-0B. TB, 32" (81 cm), EM S. brick red; F. white ground with brick red markings and 1/8" wide stripe extending from orange beard. Parentage unknown. Cooley 1992.

LIAISON Joseph Ghio, Reg. 1986 Sdlg. 81-36V. TB, 36" (91 cm), M ; S. pink with peach midrib; F. deep velvety purple, pronounced 1/8" pink band; orange beard; lightly ruffled. Ringo X Magic Man. Maryott's Gardens 1986. HM 1988.

LILAC WINE B. Blyth, Reg. 1977. Sdlg. J78-4. TB 36" (91 cm) E-M. S. lilac, deepening to beige at midribs; F. velvety plum red; lemon yellow beard. (Barcelona x Outer Limits) X (Snowlight x Visionary sib)., Tempo Two 1977/78.

LOUDOUN CHARMER B. Crossman, Reg. 1972 Sdlg. 6834. TB, 39" (99 cm), M S. cream (RHS 159C); F. violet (84C); tangerine beard. Lady of Loudoun X Pretty Carol. Gene & Gerry's Iris 1973. HM 1974.

MASTERY Barry Blyth, Reg. 2000 Sdlg. E120-1. TB, 36" (91 cm), L-VL S. clear butterscotch; F. ruby red brown, 3/4" tan beige band; beards old gold; slight sweet fragrance. B246-1: (Sooner Serenade x Latin Melody) X Plume d'Or. Keppel, Tempo Two 2001, 2001/02. HM 2003, AM 2005.

MINNESOTA MIXED-UP KID Jack Worel, Reg. 2003 BB, 25" (64 cm), EM ; S., style arms and F. light cream ground with irregular purple blotches and specks; S. with yellow at base extending on margin ⅓ distance upward, continuing as yellow marginal tinge; F. similar, yellow slightly more pronounced and extending halfway, continuing as yellow tinge; beards yellow, slightly darker in throat; slight sweet fragrance. Parentage and origin unknown. in distribution Ca 1970, often as "Mixed Up Kid".

MOLTEN EMBERS Schreiners, Reg. 1969 Sdlg. W 593-B. TB, 38" (97 cm), ML Suffused red heavily shot and influenced deeper copper and brown tones; molten underglow; F more velvety looking slightly darker; self beard. Olympic Torch X T 302-A ((R 445-A (Caldron x L 299-3: Sunset Blaze x Inca Chief) x 585-1 (Trim x Bronze Bell)). Schreiner 1969. HC 1968, HM 1970.

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

MORNING MAIL Barry Blyth, Reg. 1998 Sdlg. E148-3. TB, 38" (96 cm), EM Orchid lilac self; beards tangerine. Cloud Berry X About Town. Tempo Two 1998/99.

NIGHT OWL Schreiner's, Reg. 1970 Sdlg. A 705-1. TB, 38" (97 cm), ML S. rich dark violet-blue-black; F. same with velvety texture; self beard. Prince Indigo X Nightside. Schreiner's 1970. HM 1971, AM 1973.

OCELOT Joseph Ghio, Reg. 1997 Sdlg. 93-2Q. TB, 36" (91 cm), EM S. peach; F. maroon with blackish sheen; beards tangerine. Chinese New Year X Romantic Evening. Bay View 1998. HM 2000, AM 2002.

PAINTED PICTURES Richard Ernst, Reg. 1992 Sdlg. 84X-61. TB, 42" (107 cm), M S. blue; style arms blue tipped gold on crests; F. royal purple edged lighter; beards yellow; ruffled. B187-1: ((Bayberry Candle x Hi Top) x Ringo) X Ringo. Cooley 1991.

PAUL BLACK Tom Johnson, Reg. 2002 Sdlg. R103A. TB, 42" (107 cm), ML Medium dark purple blue; beards dark orange; pronounced spicy fragrance. Tom Johnson X Star Fleet. Mid-America 2003. HM 2005, AM 2007, Wister 2009, Dykes 2010.

PAY THE PRICE Graeme Grosvenor, Reg. 1999 Sdlg. V103-X. TB, 34" (86 cm), M S. white, heavily overlaid light blue; F. white, darker blue rim; beards white, tipped blue. T9-1: (Marriage Vows x Snowbrook) X Zipper Stitch sib. Rainbow Ridge 1999/2000. 

PEACH PETAL PIE  O. D. Niswonger, R. 1992 Sdlg. SDB 35-91. SDB, 11" (28 cm), M ; S. ivory with pink infusion; F. ivory, increased pink infusion near white beard. Straw Hat X Ballet Slippers. Cape Iris 1992. HM 1996, AM 1999 .

PHEASANT FEATHERS Larry Johnson, Reg. 1999 Sdlg. JO91-67A. TB, 45" (114 cm), ML S. tan; F. violet, brown shoulders and rim; beards gold; slight sweet fragrance. Jovial Vagabond sib X Impressionist. Cooley 1999. HM 2001.

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. HM 1975.

PRANK Keith Keppel, Reg. 2000 Sdlg. 94-19B. SDB, 9" (23 cm), EM ; Aureolin yellow (M&P 10-L-2) shaded pyrethrum yellow (11-L-2), F. faintly darker; beards periwinkle blue (43-B-8); pronounced sweet fragrance. Spanish Empire X Easter. Keppel 2000. HM 2002.

PRESTIGE ITEM Ben Hager, Reg. 1991 Sdlg. T4875Rs. TB, 34" (86 cm), M Glowing salmon rose; self beards. T3890MvRs: (Entourage x Strawberry Sensation) X T4271BchDpPk: (T3868PkPk: ((Kindness x (Carved Cameo x Vanity)) x ((Ice Sculpture x Liz) x Vanity)) x T3205Frm: (Vanity x Pink Persian)). Melrose 1992. HM 1995.

PROGRESSIVE ATTITUDE Sterling Innerst, Reg. 1991 Sdlg. 3093-1. TB, 36" (91 cm), EM Re. S. white; F. white, narrow stitched blue edge; beards lemon, tipped white; slight musky fragrance. Instructor X 2237-15: (Burgundy Brown x (Osage Buff x Spinning Wheel)). Innerst 1992. HM 1996.

REGALAIRE Schreiners, Reg. 1969 Sdlg. Y 243-F. TB, 34" (86 cm), EM Rich deep shade of blue-violet self; blue beard. Pod parent tracing to Melissa, Harbor Blue and Blue Sapphire X pollen parent to Seafarer, Pierre Menard, Blue Ensign and Down Beat. Schreiners 1969. HC 1968, HM 1971.

RIO Keith Keppel, Reg. 2000 Sdlg. 96-50B. TB, 38" (97 cm), ML S. maize (M&P 10-G-5), midrib faintly flushed peach (10-A-5); style arms slightly deeper (10-IJ-6); F. soft pinkish purple (53-J-1) wash on maize, lighter 1/8" edge and around beard; beards solid burnt orange (3-G-12). Braggadocio X 93-72W, Sharpshooter sib. Keppel 2001. HM 2003, AM 2005.

ROSALIE FIGGE Jane McKnew, Reg. 1991 Sdlg. 1-2. TB, 39" (99 cm), M & RE ; S. violet (RHS 86B); style arms violet (85C) streaked darker (86A) on midline; F. dark violet (86A), white spray pattern around beard; beards white, tipped violet (86C), yellow in throat; pronounced sweet fragrance. Titan's Glory X Violet Miracle. Rialto 1993. HM 1996, AM 1999 

SHARPSHOOTER Keith Keppel, Reg. 2000 Sdlg. 93-72B. TB, 37" (94 cm), M S. pale lavender blue (M&P 41-AB-5/6), amber tan (12-J-4) basal suffusion; style arms pale lavender blue, crests edged amber; F. vatican purple (45-L-12), faint rubient (55-L-8) haft suffusion, narrow violet (41-J-9) edge, faint darker wire rim; beards navaho (10-C-12), slight violet base; ruffled. 89-79D, Night Game sib, X Romantic Evening. Keppel 2000. HM 2002, AM 2004.

SOLAR FIRE Richard Tasco, Reg. 2002 Sdlg. 96-TB-15-21. TB, 36" (91 cm), M S. golden yellow, golden bronze flush strongest near edge; style arms yellow, midrib golden orange; F. oxblood red (RHS 183B), yellow netting around beard; beards gold, oxblood red flounce or hairy horn; ruffled; slight fragrance. Thornbird X Golden Panther. Superstition 2003. HM 2005, AM 2007.

SPANISH GIFT G.Shoop, Reg. 1964 Sdlg. B60-16-l. TB, 36" (91 cm), M ; Orange self; deep orange beard. Bright Magic X B55-39. Shoop 1965. HM 1967.

SPANISH LEATHER Schreiner's, Reg. 1985 Sdlg. R 815-B. TB, 35" (89 cm), EM Lightly ruffled rose, copper, henna and maroon blend with golden dappling highlighting shoulders and broad hafts; old gold blended beard. I 910-2: (D 824-AA x E 1068-A: (Calypso Bay sib x Y 866-A)) X K 891-B: ((Lime Fizz x Kingdom) x New Moon). Schreiner's 1985.

SPICED CUSTARD John Weiler, Reg. 1987 Sdlg. 81-127-1. TB, 32" (81 cm), M-L S. cream and yellow blend, yellow most prominent near veins; F. burnt orange and cinnamon brown blend; maraschino red beard. 79-83-7: (Misty Moonscape x Miss Goldilocks) X 79-87-1: (Trudy x Roe D-10, greenish amoena). Rialto Gardens 1987. HM 1989.

SPLASHACATA Richard Tasco, Reg. 1997 Sdlg. 93-41-15. TB, 35" (89 cm), M S. pallid violet; style arms same, midrib deeper; F. white ground, allover peppering of purple dots more concentrated at edge; beards white, pale violet cast at end, remainder with hairs tipped golden yellow; lightly ruffled. Purple Pepper X 91-04: (Snowbrook x Jesse's Song). Superstition 1998. HM 2000, AM 2002, Wister 2004, Dykes 2005.

SUN MIRACLE Schreiners, Reg. 1967 Sdlg. W 474-AA. TB, 36" (91 cm), M ; Absolute self of even color pure gold, canary yellow (RHS canary yellow), very smooth; even yellow beard. Olympic Torch X R 272-2: (Golden Blaze x M1158-A: (Country Butter x Golden Sunshine)). Schreiners 1967.

SUNNYSIDE DELIGHT Schreiner, Reg. 2002 Sdlg. HH 1344-1. TB, 37" (94 cm), M S. and style arms mimosa yellow (RHS 8C); F. rosy magenta (78B), narrow buff lavender rim; beards yellow. Jazzed Up X CC 760-B, Bold Fashion sib. Schreiner 2002.

SUPER DANCER B. Blyth, Reg. 1988. Sdlg. U69-A. TB 36" (91 cm) E-M. S. tan-beige apricot, flushed violet at midrib; F. heavily ruffled light plum violet; tangerine beard. Street Dancer X (Nefertiti x Keppel 77-111Q, Gigolo sib)., Tempo Two 1989/90.

SURPRISING WIT James Gibson by Cooley's Gardens, Reg. 1999 Sdlg. 10-2D. TB, 35" (89 cm), E S. tan, veined purple; F. white ground, raspberry plicata markings; beards mustard brown. 28-4I, Inspiration Point sib, X Broadway. Cooley 1999.

TAMBOURINE S. Babson, Reg. 1968 Sdlg. P108-2. TB, 32" (81 cm), M, S bright gold, tinged yellow; F blend of plum-blue and garnet. Apropos X unknown. Melrose 1969. HC 1968, HM 1970.

TEAMWORK Keith Keppel, Reg. 2000 Sdlg. 93-72H. TB, 36" (91 cm), M ; S. light lavender blue (M&P 41-AB-5); style arms same, midrib deeper, crests shaded tan; F. dark velvety purple (47-L-10 to 47-J-11); beards ginger (5/6-D-12); slight sweet fragrance. 89-79D, Night Game sib, X Romantic Evening. Keppel 2001. HM 2003.

TOTAL RECALL Ben Hager, Reg. 1992 Sdlg. RE5079SmkCrBi. TB, 34" (86 cm), EML & RE ; S. light to medium yellow; F. white, edged yellow; beards light yellow; ruffled. Mother Earth X Bonus Mama. Melrose 1992. HM 1996, AM 2000.

WALKING ON AIR Paul Black, Reg. 2000 Sdlg. C18H. TB, 35" (89 cm), L ; S. light violet blue infused blue purple from base through center; style arms light violet blue, violet midrib; F. dark violet blue center shading to light edge, hafts plum with few white veins; beards violet blue to brassy gold, gold in throat; ruffled; foliage purple-based; pronounced spicy fragrance. Honky Tonk Blues X Deep Dark Secret. Mid-America 2001. HM 2003, AM 2005.

WILD BERRY B. Hamner, Reg. 1978 Sdlg. 73-60. TB, 36" (91 cm), M ; S. solid violet-purple (RHS 77A); F. white ground with heavy violet-purple plicata markings. Casino Queen X sdlgs. Hamner 1978. HM 1980.

WINTER OLYMPICS Opal Brown, Reg. 1961 Sdlg. 9-5A7. TB, 37" (94 cm), E-M ; White self; white beard. Poet's Dream X Eleanor's Pride. Brown's Sunnyhill Gardens 1963. HC 1961, HM 1964, AM 1966, JC 1964, 1965, Clara Rees Cup 1966,Nelson Award 1969, Dykes Medal 1967 .

WINTRY SKY Keith Keppel, Reg. 2002 Sdlg. 95-14A. TB, 36" (91 cm), EM ; S. steeplechase blue (M&P 43-HG-11) central area shading to light blue (42-AB-6) edge, midrib flushed foxglove (42-GH-9); style arms light blue (42-AB-3); F. blue white (42-A-1/2), foxglove shading in throat beside beard; beards cream at end, yellow in throat, with blue base; heavily ruffled. Crowned Heads X 91-165A: (Spring Shower x Modern Times). Keppel 2002. HM 2004, AM 2006, Wister 2010.

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New Zealand Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris 'ANA'

This heirloom iris now more than 35 years old and still has grace and charm. Growth is of moderate increase and has good plant health. Blooms have better than average substance, but as the photo shows its chief defect has been that it blooms a bit short which leads to the blooms some seasons getting lost in the foliage. Could make a good parent for someone interested in chasing the green lineage. Colour combination is good and falls shows the dominance of its 'Green Spot' parentage. Plant was purchased some years ago from Richmond Iris Garden and their 1999 catalogue description was simply 'Greenish cream', unfortunately they do not list this iris any-more.

2011 New Zealand Hybridisers Cumulative Checklist
ANA Mrs F. Love, Reg., 1977. SDB, 10″ (25 cm), M. S. white; F. pale green with darker green thumbprint and white edges. (Knotty Pine x R5A) X Green Spot. Hauauru Gardens 1978.

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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Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris 'ALAMOSA'

An absolute stunner!! This is the exciting Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris 'Alamosa' by Noel Lapham who is undoubtedly New Zealand's premier breeder in this class. Blooms have excellent shape, that are displayed on stems that hold the bloom well above the foliage, strong growth with good plant health. It has been reported to me that the bloom colour can vary slightly regionally but that is not unusual. Bred in the Deep South so can handle a good winter chill which helps as a good winter frost seems to be essential for plenty of bloom for the next season with all dwarf irises. Available from Mossburn Gardens.

2011 New Zealand Hybridisers Cumulative Checklist
ALAMOSA Noel Lapham, Reg., 2008. Sdlg.04/59/1, SDB, 11″, (28 cm), M. S. pale lavender, lemon influence, style arms violet; F. pale lavender overlaid coffee in centre around beard, coffee veins in hafts; beards lavender, orange tipped in throat. Yippy Skippy X Low Spirits. Mossburn Iris Garden 2008. Lucy Delany Award 2010 (NZ) Highly Commended 2011 (NZ)

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 Bev and Noel Lapham ©

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