Tall Bearded Iris I'VE GOT RHYTHM

Very early, starts blooming in Mid October and carries on for weeks. Standards are rosy-raspberry with just the right amount of ruffles. Falls are a creamy white with an edge of the standard colour that broadens towards the hafts. An excellent highlight in any garden, vigorous with great plant health making it a delight to grow.

Schreiner's, Salem,Oregon, 74th Collectors Edition, 1999 Iris Lovers Catalog.
I’VE GOT RHYTHM (Schreiner 1998) EM. 38"
One of the first tall beardeds to bloom, this effervescent little darling is pert, petite and a fantastic performer. Note in our photograph how the distinct raspberry-rose plicata edging circles the creamy yellow ground of the falls and dominates the standards. Bright tangerine beards add that extra zip. Best of all, it's tall stems have three to four branches and triple socketed buds yielding 8-12 flowers.

Contemporary Views, 2000/2001, Perry Dyer– Plicatas
Hybridizers continue to explore the pattern and keep coming up with unique variations. On the whole, plants habits and overall dependability in the garden have improved significantly this past decade or so. I’VE GOT RHYTHM (Schreiner 1998) is a colorful warm plicata with flowers much smaller than we usually see from the Schreiners. Variety really is the spice of life, and I like the contrast here in this unique plicata. Standards are a rosy-purple with just a hint of the cream base peeking through. Then, the falls are a creamy-yellow ground, distinctly banded in a colorful lilac-purple and rose. Tangerine beards just set off the flower! The vigor and increase are especially noteworthy.

AIS Checklist 1999
I’VE GOT RHYTHM Schreiner, Reg. 1998. Sdlg. EE 975-A. TB, 38" (97 cm), EM. Standards lilac purple (RHS 70A), slight creamy center; style arms lilac purple; Falls creamy yellow (13D) ground, distinct lilac purple plicata edging; beards tangerine. 'Footloose' X AA 2191-C: (Y 252-1: (('Cozy Calico' x 'Grape Accent') x 'Capricious') x 'Gigolo'). Schreiner 1998. HM 2000.

A big hat tip once again to Julie May for her very fine photo.This photo and others recently displayed on this blog and credited to Julie May were taken at her Christchurch Iris gardens in 2003 with a Canon PowerShot S45 a 4.1 Megapixel compact point-and-shoot camera, now ain't that something.
As usual, clicking the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version.
Photo credit and copyright Julie May.

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Tall Bearded Iris 'LILAC HAZE'

'Lilac Haze' is a really good dependable garden variety with strong tall stalks supporting moderately large flowers with magnificent branching and vigorous plant habits – truly a weed, but tends to make a highly desirable, floriferous clump. Found growing in many New Zealand Iris gardens and still readily available from several suppliers.

Mission Bell Gardens, Utah, Iris for 1973
LILAC HAZE (Schreiners 71) ML. 36" Lilac-orchid with a pearly lustre. The lightly ruffled blossoms are perfectly formed and have heavy substance. Sturdy well branched stems. Vigorous HM '72 ....$12.50

Gilbert H. Wild and Son. Inc. Sarcoxie Missouri Peonies-Iris-Daylilies 1982
LILAC HAZE (Schreiners 71) ML. 36" Lilac-orchid with a pearly lustre. Lightly ruffled blossoms are perfectly formed and have heavy substance, displayed on sturdy well branched stems. Vigorous HM '72... Each $2.00

BayBloom Nurseries, Tauranga, The Connoisseurs Catalogue, Spring-Summer 1988 
LILAC HAZE. The quality and harmony is embodied in this beauties subtle colour of perfect lavender with a pearly lustre. Beautifully ruffled flowers on well branched stems. A Classic..........$3.00

AIS Checklist 1979
LILAC HAZE Schreiner's, Reg. 1971 Sdlg. B 875-F. TB, 36" (91 cm), ML ; Uniform light silvery lilac-orchid; lemon yellow beard. T 1439-1: (Crinkled Beauty x (Amethyst Flame x Alpenrose)) X Rippling Waters. Schreiner's 1971. HM 1972.

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 "PRINCE INDIGO"

An absolutely must have for a sixties historic iris collection is the sensational 'Prince Indigo'  It creates a staggering picture in the garden and one of its most important qualities, in my opinion is its extremely vigorous growth that produces top quality stalks that can carry up to nine buds each of a truly distinctive lustrous purple colour with good form that will not be mistaken for any other Iris.

Schreiner's Iris Lovers Catalog 1964
SUPERLATIVE NEW IRIS FOR 1964
PRINCE INDIGO (Schreiner 1964) L 38"
If space limitations restricted one to growing only 'TEN OUTSTANDING IRIS' one selection ought to be the finest deep violet obtainable. Since the days of Madame Gaudichau, deep violet has been recognized as one of the great color categories among iris. It's a hue found but rarely in the Floral Kingdom. This year, for the first time in many years, we have a magnificent representative of the class to offer Iris Fanciers.  PRINCE INDIGO cannot be called a novelty because of any peculiarity of color or form. It achieves uniqueness through sheer quality. The rich pansy violet hue, the absolute even coloring throughout, the glistening, luxurious pile, the generous size, superb branching and aristocratic bearing stamp this as an iris classic. The illustration here shows only part of its richness, it fails to show the the extra broad form characteristic of this worthy iris. No. R 631-1  $25.00  

Courtesy Schreiners Iris Lovers Catalog 1964

Schliefert Iris Gardens, Murdock, Nebraska, 29th Annual Catalog, 1970
PRINCE INDIGO (Schreiner 1964)
Unique through sheer quality!! Rich pansy violet with even coloring throughout; glistening, luxurious pile, generous size and superb branching. A.M.1967

Richmond Iris Garden, Richmond, Nelson.1971-1972
PRINCE INDIGO- L 38". The rich violet hue, the even colouring, the luxurious pile, the generous size, and the superb branching stamps this as an Iris classic.

Browns Sunnyhill Gardens Milton-Freewater, Oregon 1972 Catalog

PRINCE INDIGO
 (Schreiner 1964) Rich pansy violet self with blue-violet beard. Large, nicely formed flowers on tall well branched stalks. A.M.1967

AIS Checklist 1969
PRINCE INDIGO (Schreiners, R. 1964). Sdlg. R-631-l. TB 38" L. V1D. Pansy-violet self, violet cast beard. First Violet X King's Choice., Schreiners 1964. HC 1963, HM 1965, JC 1965, 1966, AM 1967.

Photo Credit and Copyright Iris Hunter

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Tall bearded Iris" HARBOR BLUE"

This iris is apparently taller than Tom Cruise, and much taller than a Hobbit. Grows 1.4 metres 55" at home, "Harbor Blue" sure packs a punch at the back of the border. It is the tall and imposing child of ‘Jane Phillips,’blooms are a clear and attractive medium self blue, smooth in finish and beautifully formed, consistently open properly and fully on strong tall and well branched stems. Very vigorous growth.

Stevens Bros. Bastia Hill, Wanganui, New Zealand, IRISES 1958-59
Harbor Blue (Schreiner, USA)
True beauty in an Iris demands that if the bloom is unusually large all the other virtues of the flower must also be increased. This is the reason why so very few extra large irises are really beautiful, in fact Harbor Blue is the only exceptionally large Iris we personally rate very high. But here we have a player whose great sizes balanced by very broad vigorous foliage, very tall, stout, and well Branch stems and in the flowers, by very broad and fluted petals, extra good substance, and intense colour. Winner of the Romney Towndrow Memorial for the Iris with the finest form in England in 1955, this is the flower we have illustrated on our cover. Blue irises are notoriously difficult to photograph and the camera has failed here to bring to life the pellucid quality of the blue colour, which is soft, yet clean and intense. Award of Merit, A.I.S. 1957. 4ft.

Schreiner's Iris Lovers Catalog,1954.
HARBOR BLUE Like the pellucid sapphire of a Bermuda harbor at sunset when the wind is stilled is this magnificent derivative of three famous inbred blues: Chivalry, Distance and Jane Phillips. We have raised innumerable blue seedlings from the finest possible blood lines but never before were greeted with such progress as this seedling reveals. Hybrid vigor gives it bamboo-type stems and flawless branching plus a leatheriness of substance that make it practically wind and weather proof. The soul of the flower lover is perennially hungry for soul-satisfying blues and here is one which in massive size, lavish form, glossy texture, richness and exquisiteness of hue, plus freedom form lavender really lifts the heart. A trans-mundane beauty that is truly inspiring in the clump. How can your garden be without it?

Cooleys Gardens Catalog, Silverton, Oregon IRIS FOR ‘57
Harbor Blue (Schreiner, 1954) this new blue, of startling size, has been winning fame both in this country and abroad. The great flowers are born on husky stalks reaching almost 4 feet and they hold up in all kinds of weather. Honourable Mention A.I.S 1955

BIS Yearbook 1955
Iris Show held on 8th and 9th June 1955, Royal Horticultural Society New Hall, Grey Coat Street, Westminster.
The Josephine Romney Towndrow Trophy for, "The iris of best form of the year" was awarded to HARBOR BLUE, raised by Robert Schreiner (USA) and exhibited by H.C. Fletcher.

AIS Checklist 1959
'Harbor Blue' (R. Schreiner, R. 1954) TB, 40" (102 cm), M-L. Self, light blue. 'Jane Phillips' x 'Quicksilver'. Schreiner 1954. HM 1955; AM 1957; AM, RHS, 1958.

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

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Tall Bearded Iris "BLENHEIM ROYAL"

An Iris that is a real privilege to grow at home 'Blenheim Royal' is everything a grower wants in a Iris, it's quick to make a impressive clump that forms a captivating display of award winning blooms on show stalks. It grows along side Schreiners Tall Bearded iris 'Breakers' and Maryotts 1982 Tall Bearded iris, 'Scented Nutmeg' (yes it really has a nutmeg scent).These three would have to be among the greats in the modern, Mid Dark Blue colour tones, making a big splash of blue at bloom time,.

Schreiner's, Salem,Oregon, 74th Collectors Edition, 1999 Iris Lovers Catalog.
BLENHEIM ROYAL (Schreiner 1990) M. 38"
Blenheim Royal offers a peerless combination of rich royal purple coloration and exquistely ruffles flower. Sturdy stems sport 6-7 buds on three branches. HM '92. AM '94.

IRIS Flowers of the Rainbow, Graeme Grosvenor.
MID DARK BLUE
BLENHEIM ROYAL is another Iris in rich mid to dark blue with a cream beard. Flowers are very well formed and of attractive balance between standards and falls. This Iris has an extra something that sets it apart from others, and as seen at Schreiner's Gardens in Oregon in 1994, is a outstanding garden Iris. This was verified by a similar performance at Hillview in 1995 where tall, strong spikes carrying eight or more buds were in bloom from mid-season for an extended period. All garden habits of 'Blenheim Royal' are excellent and it increases quickly. It is from complex breeding involving 'Sailor's Dance', 'Navy Strut', 'Full Tide', 'Master Touch', a 'Miriam Steel seedlings'.

AIS Checklist 1999.
BLENHEIM ROYAL Schreiner 1990 Tall Bearded 38" Mid Ruffled medium blue; beards cream. R 35-1: ((D 1147-A, Miriam Steel sib, x Sailor's Dance) x (Navy Strut x Full Tide)) X R 214-B: (Master Touch x unknown HM'92, AM'94

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 'BREAKERS'

A delightful self of medium-blue colour 'Breakers' flowers on well-branched stems. Blooms late spring and sometimes early autumn. For me the rebloom is a intermittent bonus, but should not be relied on, but that aside its still one of our favorite blue irises. Generally speaking 'Breakers' was readily available a few years ago from a lot of commercial growers but for the life of me I cannot find a listing with a grower in New Zealand that I can recommend. Not sure why this is as it is a very good grower.
 
Schreiner's, Salem,Oregon, 75th Diamond Anniversary, 2000 Iris Lovers Catalog.
BREAKERS (Schreiner 1986) ML & RE 37"
Here is a bubbly and effervescent Iris whose undulating petals create a remarkable billowing effect. The superb blue color is applied with a clean uniformity. Fine size flowers are displayed on four branched stems with 8-10 buds.

AIS Checklist 1989
BREAKERS (Schreiner's, R. 1986). Sdlg. M 39-C. TB 37" (94 cm) M. Fluted and heavily ruffled true blue; dull blue beard tipped yellow ln throat. Victoria Falls X I 43-C: (Shipshape x Sailor's Dance)., Schreiner's 1986. HM 1988, AM 1990
 
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Photo credit and copyright Iris Hunter

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Tall Bearded Iris "LACED COTTON"

Laced Cotton is a Schreiners recessive white with a delicate and ruffled chiffon appearance,which belies its super substance and resistance to moderately bad weather conditions. Considered by some to being a Cool or Cold White its ruffling adds a warmth and another dimension to the bloom. I have listed two catalogue entries from Schreiner, the original Introduction in 1980 where it states pure white, and the 2000 catalogue description that mentions a very faint lavender-orchid tint when blooms first open. Grown at home alongside a reasonable planting of the herbaceous peony, Festiva Maxima, (Mielles, 1851, an historic fragrant white double, with occasional crimson flecks on petals). Our purely accidental planting does make a great visual combination. 

'Laced Cotton' was registered in 1978, so is now unbelievably classified as a Historic Iris.

Schreiner's, Salem, Oregon, Iris Lover's Catalog,1980 .
LACED COTTON (Schreiner 1980 ML. 36"
Nature was in a fanciful mood when she created this heavily laced pure white variety. It is immaculately clean yet so daintily ruffled like exquisite Belgian lace. Endowed with flowers a full six inches high and accross this white spell binder shows no other color. Its beard, haft and center are all a clean pure white. Then the petals, both standards and falls are stiff, waxy and finely ruffled with copious lace. A new high in laced Iris! Laced Cotton couples both purity of color and the fine art of ruffling. Three branches with 5 to 6 buds. A must whose bloom can only be appreciated when seen. HC '79. Seedling #I 551-2 .................................................. $25.00

Tempo Two, Barry and Lesley Blyth, East Road, Pearcedale, Victoria, Australia, Season 1986-87
LACED COTTON (Schreiner '80 USA) ML. 36". Heavily laced pure white, so much lace it is as if it was exquisitely hand tacked like Belgian lace. Good branching. Gives plicata seedlings. (Crinkled Joy x sdlg) x Grand Waltz) HC '79. HM '82. AM '84..................................... $16.00

Schreiner's, Salem, Oregon,  2000 Iris Lover's Catalog, Collectors Edition.
LACED COTTON (Schreiners 1980) ML 36". This heavily laced white is immaculately clean and yet so daintily ruffled like exquisite Belgian lace . The huge 6" flowers actually have a very faint lavender-orchid tint when they first open. With three branches and 5-6 buds. Honorable Mention 1982, Award of Merit 1984.

AIS Checklist 1979
LACED COTTON (Schreiner's, R, 1978). Sdlg. I 551-1. TB 34" (86 cm) ML. Ruffled and laced pure white self; lemon to near white beard. E-275-A: (Crinkled Joy x B 696-AA) X Grand Waltz., Schreiner's 1980. High Commendation 1979, Honorable Mention 1982, Award of Merit 1984.

In New Zealand it can be purchased from Julie May at The Iris Garden Christchurch, and thirty years plus from the date it was first registered in the USA it is still been offered for sale by Schreiners today,which in and of itself is an amazing accolade.

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 "GYPSY ROMANCE"

For the past 6 years the award winning 'Gypsy Romance' has consistently created a great deal of attention in my garden. A rich ruffled violet raspberry self (RHS 77A) with a most attractive beard. Clumps up very well and in no time at all becomes a very impressive display. Flowers of good form and ample size. It's one of the few Irises that makes my bucket list (one you need to grow and see before you kick the bucket) Interesting parentage R 720-D: (Louisiana Lace x Entourage) X T 879-B: (L556-1: (G 510-A x Fabulous Frills) x Starcrest)

CONTEMPORARY VIEWS—1994/1995, Perry Dyer. 
GYPSY ROMANCE (Schreiner 1994) is a rich deep cranberry, deeper and larger than ‘Thriller’ (Schreiner) with much improved plant habits. The hafts are imprinted with a small portion of smooth chocolate. Stalks are a superb modified candelabra, with 4 branches, double budded, with excellent sequencing of bloom and later secondary stalks, further extending its bloom season. Overall form is tighter and improved over the Schreiners’ 1992 offering of similar nature, ‘Mulberry Punch’.

Schreiners Iris Lovers Catalog 2002
GYPSY ROMANCE ML 37"
Wide undulating ruffling creates an enchanting appeal on Gypsy Romance's large well formed flowers. Its blue purple beards seductively contrasts the rich violet-mulberry color of its petals HM'96, AM'98, Wister Medal '02

AIS Checklist 1999
GYPSY ROMANCE Schreiner, Reg. 1994 Sdlg. W 603-1. TB, 37" (94 cm), ML ; Ruffled violet raspberry (RHS 77A), hafts washed bronze; beards blue purple. R 720-D: (Louisiana Lace x Entourage) X T 879-B: (L556-1: (G 510-A x Fabulous Frills) x Starcrest). Schreiner 1994. HM 1996, AM 1998, Wister 2002.

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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A Short Story

In the afternoon sun today, the little Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris "Tonya" giving its all. Reports from up North (Auckalofa) are that the Iris season is early and off to a good start. Massey University in Palmerston North, today have some of their Tall Bearded Iris blooming possibly 'Magnolia'

The question to be asked is 'will this season be over before November starts ??'
No fluorescent lighting was used in the production of these photos.

Photo credit and copyright Iris Hunter

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Tall Bearded Iris 'CRYSTAL GLITTERS'

 

Purchased this iris last year from 'The Iris Garden' only because it was reasonably priced. After flowering I have come to realise that with a $8.00 price tag this iris is more than just great value. I would recommend this impressive iris to everyone so get your order in before Julie runs out!!
 
Tempo Two, Pearcedale, Victoria, Australia. Iris, Daylilies, Hosta Catalogue  1994-1995 CRYSTAL GLITTERS. (Schreiner's 1985 USA) EM 36"
A warm glow of pink and peach highlights the creaminess of this iris.Lovely form and superb branching. We are most impressed with this variety.
(Moon Glimmer X Gold Trimmings) X (Inferno X Brimstone) HM 87. AM 89.

AIS Checklist 1989
CRYSTAL GLITTERS (Schreiner's, R. 1985). Sdlg. S 871-2. TB 36" (91 cm) EM. Lightly ruffled pale peach cream; darker peach pink hafts and styles; peach gold beard. K 814-A: (Moon Glimmer x Gold Trimmings) X K 711-2: (Inferno x Brimstone)., Schreiner's 1985.
 

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 Iris 'TONYA'

TONYA Pictured in the garden this afternoon. The significance of this iris is that information received from Carlos Ayento of Brighton Park Irises an expert on Schreiner Iris introductions, is that it is no longer available in America the home of its hybridiser Robert Schreiner and was until recently considered to be lost. It was recently found growing in Germany and is still grown and sold in New Zealand by Richmond Irises see New Zealand Links above.

Schreiner's Iris Lover's Catalogue 1962.
Early blooming 12" to 14". This cute little fellow can be pictured as an Amigo in miniature. Light blue standards and rich plum purple falls. Plant in the front of the border for a prolific carpet of bloom. A real gem.

Schreiner's Iris Lover's Catalogue 1964.
LILIPUT IRIS
Iris beauty in miniature, An amazing new race of vigorous hybrids. A clump two years old literally covers it self with flowers for weeks. Blossoming early, before the Intermediate Iris on 10" to 18" stems their crisp colours and fragrant blossoms are a show in the early spring garden. They are the perfect answer for edging of beds, walks, or in the rockery. What a wonderful way to start the Iris Season
TONYA cute 2 tone, light blue standards, rich plum falls. A gem

1969 AIS Checklist
TONYA (Schreiners, R. 1962). SDB 12" E. B4V. S light sky blue; F dark petunia violet- purple. Amigo X blue I. pumila sdlg., Schreiners 1962.

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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