Siberian Iris SNOW QUEEN

Not sure how the Siberian Iris Society came up with the 18 inches (46cm) height of Snow Queen as it grows 6-8 inches taller than their checklist height and small flowers are reported by HIP in their photo galleries, which most other catalogue listings would indicate small is not a great bloom size description. The 1939 Checklist show a listing for 'Snow Queen' as a Illustration in 'The Garden'  28th July, 1917, page 298, so I have taken this opportunity to show the image as referred, it accompanied an article written by Robert Wallace of Robert W. Wallace & Co. nurserymen, specialist in Irises for many years. I will see if I can dig out the Wallace catalogue of 1902 and look up the listing and see what it says, (I will post this at a latter date).
'Snow Queen' a natural hybrid of  I. sanguinea and is an exceptionally nice example of a historic Siberian Iris. Clumps up quickly, and becomes a welcome addition to any classic or modern garden.

Courtesy 'The Garden', 28th July, 1917.

 The Garden, 28th July, 1917.
June in a Devon Garden, A Garden of Little-Known Shrubs and Hardy Plants, Robert W. Wallace.
COVERING about an acre, the interesting garden of Mr. Eden Phillpotts, the famous Devon novelist, contains within its walls an unusually fine collection of little-known trees, flowering shrubs and plants........................................................
On a slightly lower level a new pond has been prepared, into which, with great care and interest has been placed the greatest of all Water Lilies — the glorious ruby 'Escarboucle' — and as a companion 'Mrs. Richmond', with its magnificent flowers of soft pink. I do not think there are any two finer Water Lilies than these. Again, beyond these in the surmounting beds are masses of Iris orientalis and Snow Queen in a happy contrast, while Primulas and a host of other moisture-loving subjects are planted in close proximity, including the new golden yellow Marsh Primrose.

Robert Wayman, Bayside, New York. Irises 1930-31.
SNOW QUEEN Collected By Peter Barr 1900) this is a very handsome snowy white flower, with rich yellow markings at the throat. It is large enough to be mistaken for a Japanese Iris and is very free flowering. The flower is of a firm waxy texture. It is the best white and should be in every collection.
50c each ; 3 for $1.25 ; 6 for $2.00 ; 100 for $25.00.

The Society for Siberian Irises.
Cumulative Check List of Siberian Irises, 2006.
SNOW QUEEN Collected By Peter Barr Listed 1900 Collected in Japan SIB (dip.) (18" 46 cm) M & re White form of  I. sanguinea.   Peter Barr 1900 AM: RHS: 1902

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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THE SIBIRICA GROUP

Some Lesser Known Irises 

  PART I

THE SIBIRICA GROUP

By Miss J. Burgess, Waikanae.

THE NEW ZEALAND SMALLHOLDER, February 16th, 1935.

During the last eight or ten years we have come to realise the great value of the iris for giving a show of colour in the garden. Most gardeners can boast at least a small collection of the richly coloured and easily grown Bearded irises. The Japanese or Kaempferi section, as well as several isolated species of other sections, too, are fairly well known. There are, however, many other sections and groups of this extensive genus, whose possibilities have been, if not entirely unrecognised, at least overlooked, by the average gardener. This neglect may be done in part to the difficulty hitherto of procuring in New Zealand plants of the lesser known species. This article deals with the Sibirica group and its allied species, few of which are well known in New Zealand, but most of which can be obtained from leading growers.

The Sibiricas are characterised by narrow grassy foliage, and thin-stemmed graceful flowers, very artistic in effect, .whether seen growing in the garden, or used for house decoration. All the members of the group agree in liking a moist loamy soil, and do not like lime, though some of the species, notably Orientalis (I.sanguinea) and its varieties, are such strong growers that they can be grown successfully in any good garden soil and situation. However, to grow even these varieties really well, they should be planted by the waterside. Not only are the conditions there ideal, but water is the perfect foil for their graceful habit and rich colourings. With the exception of one species, Prismatica, which is a native of the Atlantic Coast of North America, they are all natives of Europe and Asia. The species Sibirica, which gives its name to the group, comes from Central Europe and Russia. The slender stems rise to a height of three to four feet, and flower in great profusion. The colour of the type is a rich purple, with brown markings close in to the haft, but there are now many colour variations obtained by hybridising. Three of the best of these" hybrids are ''Dragonfly," with standards of a bright pale blue, and falls rich deep blue; "Kingfisher." a rich deep blue; and "Perry's Blue" a wonderful shade of sky-blue, with a flush of white on the falls.

Sibirica Orientalis (I.sanguinea) is a dwarfer growing Asiatic species, whose stems do not rise really clear of the foliage. It is a native of Manchuria. Korea, and Japan. There is a Japanese form that is taller than Orientalis itself, with large circular falls. This form has been given the varietal name of "Emperor". There is also a fine white form under the name of "Snow Queen." Several Chinese species have been introduced into cultivation, and these must have a really moist situation if they are to thrive. Delavayi. which is distributed through the swampy areas of South-Western China, grows to a height of five feet. It has long drooping falls, and the whole flower is an intense violet- colour. Somewhat similar in habit and form is Clarkei, a native of the Himalayas, where it is found growing at an altitude of 6000 to 11.000 feet. The colour is a pleasing shade of light clear blue, flushed with white on the falls.

Differing in both colour and height from the foregoing ave the two yellow species of the group. These are Wilsonii and Forrestii. both from Western China. Wilsonii, which grows to a height of three feet, has pale yellow flowers, veined and netted brown at the haft. Forrestii is about half the height of Wilsonii. and is deeper yellow, with erect standards. Both of these species are useful in the garden, apart from their own beauty, as a contrast to show up the richer colouring of the other members of the section. One of the most exquisite irises known is Chrysographes. another Chinese species. The flowers vary some-what in colour, ranging from red-violet so deep as to be almost black, to a rich bright violet, the fall in all cases being illumined by a veining of brilliant deep gold at the throat. It grows to a height of two to three feet.

These are the most outstanding species of the Sibirica section, but enough has been written to give some idea of the value of this group to the gardener, who can give them moist or waterside conditions. In conclusion, a word of warning. No iris. unless we except the English water-flag, likes stagnant water, or ill-drained conditions, as a substitute for a stream or waterside, and all irises, even moisture loving species, must have a fair amount of sun.


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

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New Zealand Siberian Iris 'ERNIE'S PINK'

A recent released great looking lavender pink New Zealand Siberian registration that shows good form. Bev and Noel Lapham from Mossburn Iris Garden recently informed me "'Ernie's Pink' was given to us by the late Ernie Davis, grown from seed gifted to him and the parentage is unknown. It is much admired by visitors to our garden so we decided to register it in his memory."
Available exclusively from Mossburn Iris Gardens so make sure this variety is on your order list for an April delivery.

AIS Checklist 2007
ERNIE’S PINK (Mr. Noel Lapham, R. 2007). SIB, 30" (75cm), M. S. Light lavender pink veined purple; style arms yellow, slight purple influence at midrib and tip’s; F. light lavender pink veined purple, tinted purple at the hafts, lemon signal area at center extending around haft’s. Parentage Unknown. Mossburn Iris Gardens 2007

Big hat tip to Bev Lapham for the photo and information.

Photo copyright Mossburn Iris Gardens.

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Siberian Iris "CAESAR'S BROTHER"

'CAESAR'S BROTHER' One of the most popular if not thee most popular landscape Siberian Iris variety . The flowers are medium blue with erect standards, very vigorous and easy to grow. I remember a conversation with a commercial grower of Siberians in New Zealand some years ago who stated "Customers visit the gardens and get to see the latest varieties I have imported from America, yet when they return to the shop nine times out of ten its 'Caesars Brother' which wins as the variety they want to take home to grow"
I grow it at home as a hedge of approximately 300 plants down the drive way, and must admit at peak bloom it looks good, bloom height is 36" which gives the garden visitors a greater appreciation of the flowers form. Bred by F. Cleveland Morgan, a pioneer Canadian breeder of Siberian irises. His best known irises are 'Caesar,' 'Caesar's Brother' and ‘Tropic Night', and all are still popular garden plants today. Photo taken in the morning light, and yes its Historic.

2006 Cumulative Check List of Siberian Irises
CAESAR'S BROTHER Morgan, F. Cleveland Reg. 1931 SIB (dip.) (30" 76 cm) ML S. violet, narrow and upright; rich round violet F.; white signals and gold hafts (description from Adamgrove Catalog). Listed in 1939 CL as Caezar's Brother; spelling changed in 1949 CL. Kellogg 1932 HM 1936; MORGAN AWARD 1953

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

To find out more information on Siberian Irises go to The Society for Siberian Irises at http://www.socsib.org/.

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Siberian Iris "LILTING LAURA"

Anna Mae Miller is one of the living treasures of the Siberian Iris world and is a prolific hybridiser of hardy no nonsense high health Siberians
Lilting Laura is one of the most popular Siberians in New Zealand .The flowers are lavender shaded darker in the centre, accented with white styles. It is very vigorous and easy to grow.

2006 Cumulative Check List of Siberian Irises
LILTING LAURA Miller, Anna Mae Reg 1989 Sdlg 85.20.17 SIB (dip.) (37" 94 cm) M & ML S. pale violet (RHS 87D); pale violet style arms, slightly darker (87C) midrib; F. violet (87A). Aqua Whispers X Lavender Bounty. Old Douglas Perennials 1990

Good size plants can be purchased for a very reasonable price in America from Wildwood Gardens who have a very good selection of Siberian Irises.

In New Zealand Siberian iris are wonderful landscape plants and do very well as cut flowers. The graceful flowers are carried above an elegant clump of grass-like, blue-green foliage which is attractive all season. Siberians bloom just after the bearded iris and just before the Japanese Iris, and can tolerate a wide range of soils, light exposures and moisture levels and are drought tolerant after they are established. They have almost no disease or pest problems. Ideal conditions are a sunny place with moist, rich, slightly acid soil.
They can also grow well next to pools or marshes and after the first frost their foliage turns a rich reddish-brown. Siberians can remain in place for years without division. When necessary, they should be moved and divided in late summer, preferably March- April.

To find out more information on Siberian Iris go to The Society for Siberian Irises at http://www.socsib.org/.

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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Siberian Iris "GOLYBAYA LAGUNA"

When I asked if I could use this photo, Sergey's reply was certainly but he could not understand why as he did not like it much but qualified the statement by adding "but its all a matter of taste". I myself think it most certainly is a mighty good looking Siberian and the dark blue veining on the standards and the falls give the bloom another dimension in taste.

The pod parent is "China Bitone" which has the species Iris I.typhifolia on both sides of it's parentage and is registered as a species X. The pollen parent is unknown.

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

Photo credit and copyright and a big hat tip to Sergey Loktev.

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Siberian Iris "WINE WINGS"

Siberian Irises with the so called modern flaring rounded form is so apparent in Wine Wings. A re-bloomer which clumps up well to make a colourful display. Whilst this iris is more than 30 years old and therefore is Historic, Siberian Iris just do not date like the Bearded Iris.

D.Steve Warner, Illini Iris Gardens Catalogue 1977 Introductions
WINE WINGS. Siberian sdlg.1150 EML 32" (Sensenbach #6 X Illini Encore)
This floriferous, long blooming red with a touch of violet received the most vote for HC in 1976 and make a beautiful clump

2006 Cumulative Check List of Siberian Irises
WINE WINGS Varner, D. Steve Reg. 1976 Sdlg 1150 SIB (dip.) (32" 81 cm) EL & re S. light violet-red; F. violet-red. Sensenbach #6 X Illini Encore. Illini Iris 1977

Can be purchased in America from Tranquil Lake Nursery who have a very good eclectic catalogue of Siberians. In saying that, their Historic collection of Siberians make me wish they where just down the road from me.

For good advice on how to grow Siberian Irises visit The Society for Siberian Irises web site. The information can be downloaded as a PDF file

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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The Siberian Iris

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The Spring 2009 The Siberian Iris has turned up in the Post, and as usual an enjoyable and informative read.
The photo featured on the cover is of Siberian Irises in Norway with the Valderøy fjord in the background. Photo credit Patricia Hamilton.

TSI is distributed to members of the Society of Siberian Irises twice a year, with interesting information and coloured photos dedicated to the amazing Siberian Irises.

Siberian Iris lovers worldwide who wish to receive quality iris information plus the many other benefit's of membership should give serious thought to Join The Society for Siberian Irises it's a great investment, for a very reasonable cost.
For folks living in the U.S. or Canada, Single Annual $10.00, Single Triennial $25.00, Family Annual $12.00, Family Triennial $30.00.For folks living in other interesting places (Overseas), Annual $15.00, Triennial $40.00. (All US Dollars)

For more information on these beardless aristocrat's of the garden or how to join this friendly Society go to the Siberian Iris Society web site or click on the TSI Bulletin above

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Message from the President

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Hi:
Now you’ve seen the great pictures and are itching to add some of these special perennials to your garden beds–why not consider joining the Society for Siberian Irises. $10.00 for US citizens, $15.00 for people overseas will bring you twice yearly info. on the latest cultivars, and a connection with others who grow these lovely plants!
Contact our membership Secretary at ssimemsec@nc.rr.com
Judy Hollingworth, President, The Society for Siberian Iris

*****

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Siberian Iris 'LUCY LOCKET'

Its great to finish the Siberian Iris Feature month with what was once considered unobtainable, a Yellow Siberian and this 2009 introduction 'LUCY LOCKET,' shows the considerable advance made recently by Hybridisers in this colour tone.Congratulations to and Well done Jan and Marty.

LUCY LOCKET . Schafer/Sacks (Seedling No. S01-91-10), 26", E-M. Small, sweet, golden yellow bitone flowers with lovely flaring form. Two branches with six buds and a long season of bloom. Foliage remains beautiful late in the Fall. Very vigorous. (((sib x Pleasures of May) x sib to Sarah Tiffney) x ((Star Cluster x Ruffled Velvet) x Isabelle) x (Kenbee x Alter Ego))) X Lady's Chain.

Big Hat tip to Jan and Marty from Joe Pye Weed's Garden for photo and information

Photo Copyright Schafer/Sacks

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Siberian Iris Back To A Bright Future

Hybridisers are somewhat shy when it comes to show and tell what is in the future breeding patterns so we are really lucky when Jeff Dunlop gave his consent for me to post these brilliantly bright new seedlings of his. Jeff had this to say "As pointed out earlier 'Another Pretty Face' is not only a lovely and pleasing new tet flower but is also proving to be a parent with interesting kids too. 'Another Pretty Face' really has a lot of red in it from both parents: a nice red Dunlop seedling, 96102-3T X Strawberry Fair (Hollingworth '94). Here are just a couple of seedlings out of 'Another Pretty Face' which appear to be especially exciting. Both of these I think of as red/blues as a quick look indicates".

Above is the stunning 02527-8T, a cross of a converted lavender McEwen seedling, S89/108F X Another Pretty Face. The aqua style arms with raspberry rims are especially prominent and increase the wow factor of this seedling. Nice red standards and very wide blended red/blue falls with small white signals are a special plus too. This one has been lined out and may be ready within a few years if it performs well.





The second seedling is 03092-1T, a superb All American colored seedling. Falls and standards are blends of reds and blues with white signals and white wire rims. Styles have tones of light red, aqua and near white. Elements of the flower have nice width and great ruffling making for a pleasing package. This is a cross of Another Pretty Face X Miss Portland (Dunlop '06) a wonderful starchy blue with a white signal and a white wire rim.

Massive hat tip once again to Jeff for Photo and information

Please note that in the 2 photos, all 3 of the flowers have been crossed. The evidence is clearly seen by anthers inserted in the stigmatic lips of all 3 blossoms, to make the new cross, if the pollen takes.

Photo Credit and Copyright Jeff Dunlop

Visitors are welcome to click on any photo to view a larger image

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Siberian Iris 'WEALDEN MYSTERY'

Another species look alike variety which I have gathered by page viewed statistics to date are the most popular Siberian Irises with visitors to this blog.

From Aulden Farm Catalogue
Iris sibirica 'Wealden Mystery' £ 5.00
From the same cross as 'Wealden Butterfly' came this stunning plant. Blue standards and style arms, falls ivory but with exquisite blue veining. Floriferous. Ht 90cm

2006 Cumulative Checklist of Siberian Irises
WEALDEN MYSTERY Wells, Olga Reg. 2005 Sdlg. F0B5 SIB (dip.) (36" 91 cm) EM. S. vivid bright blue-violet,upright; style arms bright blue-violet held at 45°, deeper red-violet either side of rib; F. ivory ground, deep yellow-gold hafts, bright blue-violet signal lines radiate out blending to solid blue-violet at tip; small flower, vertical form. Flight of Butterflies X Cambridge

Photo Credit and big hat tip to Alun and Jill Whitehead of Aulden Farm
 

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Siberian Iris 'SWEET LITTLE SUSIE '

Look its really great to show the latest and greatest Siberian Iris but it would be wrong not to point out to readers that, listed within the 2009 catalogues of Siberian Irises from all growers contains some fantastic varieties with reasonable price tags .(Check out Siberian Links for a grower in your area).
Sweet Little Susie is one of many great selections available in the six to eight dollar price range, an amazing shorter growing iris for the front of the border. So if you are new to growing Siberians or have never tried these Irises you can buy a great perennial priced for way less than a flat of Annuals.

Joe Pye Weeds Garden have an great range which includes a few special priced Siberian Irises which are available for Spring shipping only, and will not be available again after that. These are marked in the catalogue with *Spring only, and all are very fine Siberians. Catalogue can be downloaded.

Joe Pye Weed's Garden 2009 Catalogue
SWEET LITTLE SUSIE - '01, EM, 22". Nice short habit makes it perfect for a smaller garden. Periwinkle blue flowers - lighter in the standards and deeper in the falls. Large cheerful white signals. Medium to small flowers have soft ruffles and archingform. 

3 to 4 flowers per stalk .............................................. $6.00

2006 Cumulative Checklist of Siberian Irises
SWEET LITTLE SUSIE Schafer, Marty and Sacks, Jan Reg. 2001 Sdlg. S94-30-1 SIB (dip.) (22" 56 cm) EM. Medium hyacinth to wisteria blue (RHS 91 A, 92A) self, F. with large round white signal veined violet-blue; ruffled; slight fragrance. S90-45-2: (S86-16-1: (Percheron x Isabelle) x Sailor's Fancy) X S92-65-1: (S89-9-2: (Isabelle x Silver Illusion) x Snow Prince). Joe Pye Weed's Garden 2001.

Big Hat tip to Jan and Marty from Joe Pye Weed's Garden for photo and information

Photo Copyright Schafer/Sacks

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Siberian Iris 'WHITE COLLAR BLUE'

Tempo Two Catalogue 2005-06
WHITE COLLAR BLUE Blyth, Barry EM. 28-30" 71-76 cm Standards tending towards and are red violet and lightening towards the edge. Fall are bluish violet with a very fine wire edge of pale blue. Style arms are white with a slight turquoise midrib and feathering at the end.Schafer S92-97-12: (S90-43-1: (Sailor's Fancy x S86-8-1, Trim the Velvet sib) x S89-9-2: (Isabelle x Silver Illusion)) X Three Hand Star Sdlg No.J252-4

2006 Cumulative Checklist of Siberian Irises
WHITE COLLAR BLUE Blyth, Barry Reg. 2004 Sdlg. J252-4 SIB (dip.) (28-30" 71-76 cm) EM. S. red-violet, pointed;
style arms white, turquoise midrib, feathered at tip; F. bluish violet, pale blue wire edge. Sib to So Be It; seed from M. Schafer cross S97-43. Tempo Two 2005/06.

Massive hat tip to Barry Blyth for sharing the photos and information

Photo copyright B. Blyth

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Siberian Iris 'HUNTRESS '

Tempo Two Catalogue 2005-06
HUNTRESS Blyth, Barry EML, 36" 91 cm Lemon-grey standards with a lighter edge. Falls are coppery -brown with an all over deeper veining and a large gold signal. Stylearms are lavender-grey. An elegant and stately plant with 3-4 buds and some later stems. A great new colour pattern in Siberian Iris. Delightful

2006 Cumulative Checklist of Siberian Irises
HUNTRESS Blyth, Barry Reg. 2004 Sdlg. J245-4 SIB (dip.) (36" 91 cm) EML. S. lavender-grey with lemon-gold bordered
edge, style arms lavender-grey; F. coppery brown with all over deeper brown veining and spreading gold area to halfway
down falls. Sarah Tiffney X Tom Schaefer; seed from M. Schafer cross S97-23. Tempo Two 2004/05

Massive hat tip to Barry Blyth for sharing the photos and information

Photo copyright B. Blyth

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Siberian Iris ' HEARTWAVE '

More Barry Blyth Introductions just catalogue and Checklist descriptions and I'll let the photos do the talking.

Tempo Two Catalogue 2005-06
HEARTWAVE Blyth, Barry VE-M. 28" 71 cm The best shade of pink we have seen to date. Its a soft , pastel raspberry pink with slightly lighter standards and pinkish white stylearms. It has a small golden signal. Very smooth colour and loads of flowers

2006 Cumulative Checklist of Siberian Irises
HEARTWAVE Blyth, Barry Reg. 2004 Sdlg. J253-3 SIB (dip.) (28" 71 cm) VE-M. S. light pink over white; style arms
pinkish white, grey toward base; F. slightly deeper pink over white, small yellow hafts. Strawberry Social X S92-70-18,
Fond Kiss sib; seed from M. Schafer cross S97-62-A. Tempo Two 2004/05.

Massive hat tip to Barry Blyth for sharing the photos and information

Photo copyright B. Blyth
 

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2008 British Dykes Medal Winner, Siberian Iris 'PETER HEWITT'

Photo Credit and big hat tip to Aulden Farm

My congratulations to Jennifer Hewitt for her Dykes Medal Award for the Siberian Iris 'Peter Hewitt' which continues a proud British Iris Society tradition of awarding DM to beardless Irises. Available in England from Alden Farms who have a great catalogue of Iris.

Alden Farm Catalogue 2009 Iris sibirica 'Peter Hewitt' £ 5.00 A dependable iris producing plentiful flowers and deserving its Dykes Medal. A combination of violet-blue against an eye catching deep gold signal. The falls are usually bounded by a gold edge. An attractive addition to any garden.





The Dykes Medal
Siberian Iris ‘Peter Hewitt’
This iris, bred by Jennifer Hewitt and named for her late husband, is the first British cultivar to receive this highest and most prestigious award since TB ‘Alexia’ in 2006 and, before that, TB ‘Darley Dale’ in 2001. Often the award is not given unless an iris is considered worthy of receiving it and ‘Peter Hewitt’ certainly is. Registered in 2003 this iris blooms mid-late season at a height of 37ins (94cm). It is described as having violet blue standards, fading to wisteria blue with darker veins; turquoise style arms and falls of deep blue violet, bluer around the deep gold signal and edged gold. Its parentage is ‘Coronation Anthem’ x ‘Gold Edge’.
Olga Wells

2006 Cumulative Checklist of Siberian Irises

PETER HEWITT Hewitt, Jennifer Reg. 2003 Sdlg. TE 969/B1. SIB (tet.) (37" 94 cm) ML. S. violet-blue (RHS 90A) lightening with age to wisteria blue (92A) veined darker violet; style arms turquoise, edges and crests brownish lilac aging medium violet; F. deep blue-violet (near 83A) aging violet-blue (89C), bluer around deep gold signal, petal edge gold; flared S., semi-flared to arched F., slight fimbriation on style arms. Coronation Anthem X Golden Edge. AGM 2005

It is probably an opportune time to note that the first ever Iris awarded a Dykes Memorial Medal was formally made at the General Meeting of the Iris Society (BIS) on November 30th 1927 to Mr Amos Perry for his hybrid between I.Chrysographes and I. Douglasiana named MARGOT HOLMES.

It was a major logistical exercise to piece this post together. I offer my sincere thanks to the following people for their help, which has allowed the sharing of their information with the visitors to this blog. Jennifer Hewitt, Olga Wells, Editor BIS Yearbook, Clive Russell, Chairman BIS, Julian Browse of Seagate Irises.

To Alun and Jill Whitehead of Alden Farm who have recently become the guardians for the old National Collection of Siberian Iris in England, all the very best for getting the status renewed and a Huge thanks for the Photo and information.

Massive hat tip to Anne Milner for her guidance and steering me in the right direction around English Iris Circles.

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Siberian Iris 'PARASOL'

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The Siberian Iris PARASOL, formerly known as 'HARASUGATA' clumps up well. The style will probably not appeal to traditional Siberian Iris purist, but these spectacular forms of Siberians can add novelty to the perennial border.

SSI Checklist 2006
PARASOL Shidara, Ho Reg. 1999 SIB (dip.) (30" 76 cm) S. absent; style arms white; F. light to medium lavender-pink, small yellow-green signal, multiple (6). Unknown parentage. Ensata Gardens 1997.

Available in USA from Ensata Gardens and Draycott Gardens

Another extraordinary hat tip to Mike Unser for sharing the photo which is an outstanding display of this variety.
Photo copyright M Unser.

*****

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Siberian Iris 'HELICOPTER'

Society for Siberian Irises Checklist 2006
HELICOPTER Shidara, Ho by Ben Hager Reg. 1988 Sdlg HO#6 SIB (dip.) (32" 81 cm) M Six falls (no standards), dark violet. Petals reach out horizontally, and the sharply contrasting gold-leaf signals do suggest the propellers on a helicopter. 3" flowers. Description from Melrose Catalog. Unknown parentage. Melrose Gardens 1988 HM 1990

Available in USA from Ensata Gardens

Extraordinary hat tip to Mike Unser for sharing the photo which is an outstanding display of this variety.
Photo copyright M Unser.

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Siberian Iris 'BELIEVE IN ANGELS'

Emphasis is on form with this new white Siberian iris. Horizontally flaring, flat flowers are ruffled to the extreme! Newly opened flowers have pale yellow falls that become creamy white by the second day with yellow veining streaming from the small lemon-yellow signals. You will believe!

AIS Checklist 2005
BELIEVE IN ANGELS Calvin Helsley, R. 2005 , Sdlg. 04-17. SIB, 33" (84 cm), ML ; White self, signal bright lemon yellow, some veining half way down F., all petals edged with small ruffles; flat form. Ships Are Sailing X Where Eagles Dare. Iris City 2009.

Introduced this year by Iris City Gardens who have an very extensive catalogue of Siberian Irises with a very good price range.

Big hat tip to Greg McCullough for his help, information and Photo's

Photo Copyright Greg McCullough

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