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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Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris CHERRY GARDEN

Every spring the iris growers in New Zealand await the opening of the first iris flowers in their gardens. Sometimes, even when the last snow is still on the Mountain Range the little miniatures poke their little heads through and shout out with joy. From the minute that the first flowers appear you know that in just a few short weeks you will be in the middle of peak bloom. Hallelujah!!!

Bennett C Jones, Portland, Oregon. Introductions for 1967.
CHERRY GARDEN-Sdlg. #M134-1 (CAPTAIN GALLANT X pumila Y9C Randolph). Red from purple side, velvet smooth. HC 1966.........$5.00

Richmond Iris Garden, Hill Street, Richmond, Nelson. Bearded Irises 1971-1972
CHERRY GARDEN- Completely a red self, smooth and glowing. A wonderful Iris.

Bulletin of the American Iris Society, October 1971, Number 203.
Median Varietal Comment, Bee Warburton.
When our editor asked me to write some varietal comment, he sent me an example of the sort he wanted, which was in line with the popular motto, "Be Kind." This emphasizes the delicate balance involved in such published description since giving praise where it is not due is anything but kindness in the end. The ancient gambit is to name the good points of the iris, and then follow with the damning BUT. Or one may praise with abandon one quality which is truly good, and damn the mediocre with silence or the classic faint praise. This requires more tact than even the best judges can always muster............
CHERRY GARDEN. (Jones). Registered as pansy purple, but seems more on the red side; a superb glowing color with beard an exact match. Flowers tend to grow a bit large.

Bulletin of the American Iris Society, January 1972, Number 204.
Flightlines ; Varietal Comment, Leda Christlieb, Kansas.
CHERRY GARDEN, SDB, again lovely red velvet, with the terminal bloom too large; later ones in proportion.

Mission Bell Gardens, Melba and Jim Hamblen,  South Roy, Utah. Iris for 1973.
CHERRY GARDEN (B. Jones 1967) M, 15in..
Rich red from the purple side with velvet plush texture. Fine form and vigorous plant. Sensational!! (Capt. Gallant X Randolph pumila 9C) Cook-Douglas Medal 1972.

Riverdale Iris Gardens, Minneapolis,Minnesota. 1980 Price List.
Showy purple red. Cook-Douglas 1974.

4~ Square Iris Gardens, Eau Claire,Wisconsin, Cold Climate Iris, 1982.
CHERRY GARDEN (Jones 1967) Pansy purple self. (more to the red side)
(The reason I have include these short and to the point listings is that the catalogue states 'plants are grown in a very harsh climate. Temperatures from -40°F in winter and up to 100°F in the summer. Coupled with the harsh climate is a short growing season, all of which strongly indicates 'Cherry Garden' is a very hardy iris.)

AIS Checklist 1969
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.


Reproduction in whole or in part of this post, its opinions or its images without the expressed written permission of Terry Johnson is strictly prohibited.
Photo credit and copyright Terry Johnson and Heritage Irises ©.

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Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris, LIANNE

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

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

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

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

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

Reproduction in whole or in part of this post, its opinions or its images without the expressed written permission of Terry Johnson is strictly prohibited.
Photo credit and copyright Terry Johnson and Heritage Irises ©.

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Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris KNOTTY PINE

Widely regarded as significant parent 'Knotty Pine' is in the parentage of hundreds of irises. (Used in breeding SDB Plicatas to give 'better form believe', it or not) Knotty Pine is what I describe as a progressive iris because the longer the bloom season gets going, the blooms get to grow taller and grow out from the foliage from where the earlier blooms seem play peak a bloom. Nice increase with great plant health. Standards are a nice citrus honey when first open, that becomes a more than pleasant honey tone with age. Falls are multi coloured browns with striations on the hafts which the above photo does not do justice to. Style arms a glowing amethyst colour. Extremely floriferous, just covers itself in blooms, coupled with a long bloom season and just seems to get better every year. An absolute must have median!!

John E. Goett, Monroe, Connecticut. Irises 1961.
MEDIANS FOR BREEDING
KNOTTY PINE. SDB, 13". (Minnie Colquitt X Denni~ D551) Tan brown bicolor with very perky form. May have plicata factor from Cretica. Color controversial. $5.00

The Iris Yearbook (BIS), 1964,"Lilliputs and All That", page 72, H. Senior Fothergill.
Varietal comments on tall bearded irises are common place, but the smaller bearded hybrids get far less attention, so let us, on this occasion, review some of those wit h I.pumila blod in them , to the joys of which the iris world awakened when Paul Cook produced GREEN SPOT.
Brown;
 KNOTTY PINE (1959) Here we have a brown, of general cafe-au-lait or lion skin effect. The standards are a smoky, creamy yellow ; the falls are tawny buff with a smoky maroon flush ; the orange tipped beards varies between blue and white below. Those who only like unsophisticated colours are not attracted, but I find it a very  satisfying variety in it's on right, and a most useful foil to show up the hues of nicely selected neighbours. 10 inches.

Bulletin of the American Iris Society, July 1964, Number 174. Flight Lines, Plic Tricks, Keith Keppel.
Back in Monroe, Connecticut, Median Iris Society President Jack Goett is working hard with the standard dwarf plicatas. Most stem from his KNOTTY PINE, a tan bitone standard dwarf. CIRCLETTE, violet on white, is from DALE DENNIS X KNOTTY PINE. Others are from KNOTTY PINE X PAT'S PAL, a Rundlett dwarf plic out of PATRICE X CRETICA. Included in Jack's progeny from KNOTTY PINE and PAT'S PAL are some TIFFANJA-patterned and colored plics.

Region 14 Northern California, Nevada, Regional Bulletin, Spring 1964.
'Carol Says', Carol Walters
.......here are notes of some of the median Iris which bloomed in the Western Median Test garden Rio Linda as they appeared to me. The descriptions of each median class given are taken from the material on exhibition judging of median irises complied by Crescent Deru for the Median Section of the American Iris Society.
Knotty Pine : The garden effect of this one is non-existent, but it is charming to view close, especially looking down into the flower. The standards are open and frilly, pale honey in color, showing off the glowing style arms and the intricately patterned falls of party brown velvet.

4~ Square Iris Gardens, Eau Claire,Wisconsin, Cold Climate Iris, 1982.
KNOTTY PINE (Goett 1961) Standards Tan, Falls Brown.
(The reason I have include these short and to the point listings is that the catalogue states 'plants are grown in a very harsh climate. Temperatures from -40°F in winter and up to 100°F in the summer. Coupled with the harsh climate is a short growing season' strongly indicates 'Knotty Pine' is a very hardy iris.)

AIS Checklist 1959
KNOTTY PINE  John Goett, Reg. 1959. Sdlg. 91-Al. SDB, 13" (33 cm), E. Color Class-YO5D, S. tan; F. brown. Minnie Colquitt x Dennis D 551. Goett 1961. Honorable Mention 1962, Award of Merit 1967, Cook-Douglas Medal 1970.

Once again I have to say that there maybe a slight outside chance 'Knotty Pine' is still commercially grown in New Zealand somewhere (can't say I had any success with this avenue), fortunately I was able to purchase this plant on Trade Me from hctnz (Lyn Nell) a Mid-Canterbury gardener who sends generous plants that have great plant health and I have never had the slightest hesitation to highly recommend to visitors to this blog. 

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

Reproduction in whole or in part of this photo 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 SERENITY PRAYER

It is floriferous, first rate grower and well deserves a place in the Garden.
I do not need to extrapolate the brilliance of this iris and why would I need to when Perry Dyer (The Hybridiser and Iris writer) has summed it up nicely himself.

Contemporary Views, 1988, Perry Dyer– Standard Dwarf Beardeds.
SERENITY PRAYER (Dyer 1989) will be the last Dyer introduction for several years probably, as my own hybridizing endeavors are currently taking a vacation for a few years! From some extensive work for blue-bearded whites, it is actually a glowing cream with undertones of soft butter yellow and a mother-of-pearl sheen. Then, an intense, quite clean azure blue to indigo beard produces a nice contrast. A very stately, elegant median.

Contemporary Views, 1991, Perry Dyer– Standard Dwarf Beardeds.
The early success of SERENITY PRAYER (me, 1989) has been most gratifying. I’m getting great reports from all over the country, and we’re now hearing that it’s a reliable repeat bloomer and rebloomer. One of Paul Black’s releases from the same year is similar in background but distinctive enough from ‘Serenity Prayer’ that they really shouldn’t be compared:SIGH (1989) is a magnificent work of art, with cool icy white flowers blessed with elegant soft blue beards. Needless to say, we’re trying to mate the two! ‘Sigh’ has excellent form and substance supreme, with no other coloration to distract from the glacial effect.

AIS Checklist 1989
SERENITY PRAYER,  Perry Dyer, Reg 1987. Sdlg. L-4. SDB, 13" (33 cm), EM-L. S. creamy white, flushed warm light yellow on midrib; F. mother-of-pearl cream, flushed yellow on hafts; deep blue beard tipped powder blue; light to moderately waved. Hamblen M73-12A: (((Sunny Heart x Blue Canary sib) x Canary Isle) x Tumwater) X Sapphire Jewel. Contemporary Gardens 1989. Honorable Mention 1991; Award of Merit 1993; Cook-Douglas Medal 1995.

Major Hat Tips and to Julie May of 'The Iris Garden' fame for her amazing photo.
As usual, clicking the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version.

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

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Keith Keppel Iris 2014 Catalogue

BOSTON CREAM Keith Keppel Reg. 2014 E 31" (Snow Lion X ((97-88A: ((Handshake x (Cross Current x ((Snowbrook x Blackout) (Snowbrook sib x (Rain Flurry sib x Charmed Life))))) x (Spirit World x Answered Prayers)) x Moonlit Water) x (High Master x (97-88A x (Spirit World x ( Fancy Woman x (( Goddess x (Mistress sib x ((Joy Ride x Roundup) x (April Melody x 68-40)))) x sib )))))
Frothy warm white glaciata that looks good enough to eat. Just a touch of soft apricot shows on the hafts, and white beards a faintly tipped flame orangs. Somewhat blocky, heavily ruffled form. Rapid increaser, stalks with plentiful buds. #07208C  ...............................................................$50.00

Oh yes...... the catalog season in America is off to a brilliant start.
Keith Keppels 2014 catalog arrived in the mail just yesterday and contains 8 Tall Bearded Iris Introductions, one Intermediate from Keith and an amazing new Intermediate 'Love's Moment' by Phillip W. Remare. Catalog back to its previous format with lots of Irises to choose from with back catalog irises from Keith and a great selection of Barry Blyth Irises. Comes with a welcome return at the back of the publication the thoughts and Hybridising advise of Keith.
As you will know if you are a regular visitor to Heritage Irises, I have a strong liking of White Irises so I have featured Keith's amazing and stunning 2014 Introduction 'Boston Cream' Let the good times roll!!!


Be sure to visit Keith Keppel's web site!! 
As always clicking on the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version. 
Photo credit and copyright Keith Keppel.

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Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris 'WILD WESTY'

'Wild Westy' another show stopper from one of New Zealand's premiere Hybridiser of Median Irises , Noel Lapham. Plant was generously included as a bonus plant in an iris order from Mossburn Iris Gardens. Interesting bloom colour combination, and flowers with substance are held on stalks well above the foliage. If you have a New Zealand Iris collection this iris is a must have.

Mossburn Iris Gardens,Mossburn. New Introductions, 2006 Catalogue.
WILD WESTY  N Lapham, 2004 SDB. standards pale pink purple tinge,Falls peach-violet with tan veining, beard white tipped vibrant orange.

New Zealand Iris Hybridisers Checklist 2013
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.

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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Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris BANBURY RUFFLES

Blooming today. The registered colour description of 'Banbury Ruffles' is a rich blue self but really the colour is more of a rich velvet blue violet. The falls are highlighted by a deep rich bold red purple halo that surrounds the white beards that are tipped a in soft amethyst. Superb bloom placement and display  and quickly becomes an excellent garden subject because of its outstanding strong growing habits. Super clean foliage that is proportional with the bloom, all and all a very well balanced and attractive Standard Dwarf Bearded iris.

Schreiner's, Salem,Oregon, 57th Annual, Iris Lovers Catalog, 1982.
LILLIPUTS
BANBURY RUFFLES bounteously ruffled rich blue.

IRISES A Gardener's Encyclopedia, Claire Austin.
Iris 'Banbury Ruffles' (D. Reath, 1970) The rich violet flowers have white beards tipped violet and surrounded by large maroon-purple patches. The petals are serrated around the edges and gently curl outwards. Height 38cm (15in) Bloom very early season. Parentage Seedling X Nylon Ruffles.

AIS Checklist 1979
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. HC 1968, HM 1971.

There is a outside chance 'Banbury Ruffles' is still commercially grown in New Zealand somewhere, fortunately  I was able to purchase my plants on Trade Me from hctnz (Lyn Nell) a Mid-Canterbury gardener who sends generous plants that have great plant health and  I have no hesitation to recommend highly.
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 SAY SO

      More of the New Zealand Bred Standard Dwarf Bearded Irises hybridised by Noel Lapham as promised and available for sale this year from Mossburn Iris Gardens.
Noel has explained 'This iris lucky to be registered after growing it for eleven years, "SAY SO" is an interesting colour, with striking white beards'.
I am sure that an Iris that has been grown at Mossburn Gardens for eleven years has considerable merit

New Zealand Hybridisers Checklist 2011
SAY SO Noel Lapham, Reg. 2011 Sdlg. 01-F. SDB, 9" (23 cm), M
Standards dark blue violet; Falls dark blue violet, cream at hafts; beards white, tipped yellow in throat. Parentage unknown. Mossburn Iris Garden 2011.

Once again a 'Huge Hat tip' to Bev and Noel for the use of their photo.
Photo Copyright and Credit Mossburn Iris Gardens

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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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Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris 'IRWELL HONESTY'

Flowering in Auckland yesterday, this stunning Iris is the first iris bloom of the season from the Ron Busch incredible legacy he left behind. It's aptly named as the bloom has a transparency and the stirations have the colour tone that echo the perennial 'Lunaria annua' more commonly known in this part of the world as 'Honesty'.
Carol Rogerson of 'Kiwi Iris Delights' has a great collection of Ron's Irises sent me the photo and describes this stunning little wonder as  "Very pretty, to me looks a bit like a silk painting with blends of blues, purples and lemon. 'Irwell Honesty' increases well, another very sturdy little one, spicy fragrance. Lightning up here, today is dreadful, managed to get this shot in between hail and thunder."

New Zealand Hybridisers Checklist 2011
IRWELL HONESTY  Ron Busch, Reg., 2010. Sdlg. 3-947. SDB, 12" (30 cm), E. S. pink washed violet; style arms lemon; F. blue washed gold, edged gold, veined wine-red around beard; beards orange, violet at end. Parentage unknown.

A 'Huge Hat tip' to Carol Rogerson for the use of her photo and for her candid comments.
Photo Copyright and Credit Carol Rogerson

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Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris MAGIC RAY

'Magic Ray' a Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris bred by the late Hilmary Catton of Hawkes Bay. An early stand out bloomer with a delightfully tailored form,creamy white standards and falls, hafts softly reticulated chartreuse gold, bright orange beards, its like a very early flowering mini version of Jean Stevens 'Magnolia'. A vigorous grower clumping up well with bright green clean foliage and great plant health. Received the Lucy Delany Memorial Award at the reported to be very wet Taranaki Iris Safari, 1994, which is a testament to 'Magic Ray's' substance and it never lets the weather conditions get the better of it.

2011 New Zealand Hybridisers Cumulative Checklist
MAGIC RAY Mrs H. Catton, Reg., 1987. Sdlg. C79-20-2;. SDB, 12″, (30 cm), M. S. deep cream; lemon styles; F. cream, edged lemon deep chartreuse rays from orange beard. Spring Bells X White Lightning. Wyuna Iris Garden, 1987. Lucy Delany Award. 1994 (NZ).

I've never been on a Iris Safari, I wonder if is like the 'Road to Zanzibar'?? you know driving around Taranaki in open top Landrovers looking at irises through binoculars. Probably not when you come to think of it as that would require a sense of fun and adventure.

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 IRWELL DELIGHT

In 1999 Ron Busch released and registered 5 Standard Dwarf Irises which just disappeared below the Iris World radar. No photos, no reports in Journals,they almost only existed as just 5 entries in a Checklist. I have been very fortunate to discovered that four out of the five beauties have taken up residency at Carol Rogerson of South Pacific Epiphyllums Nursery.

One of the 'discovered' is pictured above, the Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris 'IRWELL DELIGHT'. As I do not grow this iris I asked Carol to share her thoughts on how well this iris grows in her South Auckland garden.

"It delights us with its main flush of flowers in late spring. I have noticed it has a tendency to send out blooms at varying times after the main bloom in my climate. Flowers reach the registered height. It has very pretty flowers with luminous colourings and almost appears to have a metallic sheen on the falls, that are gently ruffled and flared. Blooms hold up well in rain and humidity doesn’t bother it. Exceptionally vigorous and clumps up quickly to form a good healthy clump. Very popular last season and will be offered again next season (2012-2013)..................................each $6.00."

2011 New Zealand Hybridisers Cumulative Checklist
IRWELL DELIGHT Ron Busch Reg., 1999. Sdlg. 93D34-87. SDB, 12″, (31cm), ML. S. pale lavender; F. old gold; beards lavender. Parentage unknown. Irwell Iris Garden, 1999.

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

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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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Keith Keppel Iris 2012 Catalogue

Yesterday the future arrived, doesn't happen often but that's the outcome when Keith Keppel's Iris Catalogue arrives in the post.  Each catalogue received becomes part of the truly amazing continuum from one of the hybridising Giant's of the Iris world. It's just to bad Importing Irises to New Zealand is a wee bit tough at the present time!! Anyway for those visitors to the blog lucky enough to live in the USA go and buy yourselves some classy Irises.
Catalogue also contains a very large listing of Barry Blyth's Irises. Keith does write however, that this is the last year to purchase a wide selection of irises before....if plans are carried through...next year they will transition from a catalogue format to a limited listing.

This has become an annual event for Heritage Irises and I only received an email from Keith 2 days ago telling me among other things that the Catalogue was on its way so no complaints with the postal service this time.

Cover Shot feature Tall Bearded Iris 'VOLCANIC GLOW'
(Montmartre X Lip Service) All that's missing is the smell of brimstone! Smoky, smouldering hot luminata, with aureolin. yellow standards flushed brownish red in the centre portion. Zanzibar red falls, with velvety wash overall, carry a  narrow aureolin edge, while the white hot heart is edged bright golden lemon. Beards are also golden lemon. Ruffled, with terminal and three branches up to eight buds

For a catalogue, please send $3 to: Keith Keppel P.O. Box 18154 Salem, OR 97305

Be sure to visit Keith Keppel's web site listed in the Iris Links on this page

As always clicking on the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version which no doubt you can save and print.

And of course a major hat tip to Keith Keppel once again for sharing the magic

******

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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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Historic Iris "BRIDE"

THE BRIDE or BRIDE is a historic dwarf Iris that grows very well here at home.It is somewhat special to have a very small part of early British iris breeding history in the collection.
Originally classified by John W.Caparne as a 'New Intermediate' in his catalogue 'The Iris Plant and Bulb Co'. St.Martin's Guernsey 1903 Catalogue.
I am not 100% certain that the 1929 checklist pedigree shown below is in fact correct as 'Candida' is listed as 1920 introduction

AIS Checklist 1929
BRIDE Caparne, 1901 DB, 7", E, W4 (Statellae X Candida), AM RHS 1927

From the Journal of the Royal Horticultural Society. Bearded Iris Tried at Wisley 1925-1927 page 120
Class 1. WHITE, or NEARLY WHITE VARIETIES
Dwarf Varieties (5 to 6 inches)
THE BRIDE AM 1927
Of moderate vigour and rapid increase. Foliage green, 5 to 6 inches 2 fld. Flowers small well proportioned, stiff. standards somewhat domed, 2 X 1⅜ inch; falls hanging straight 1⅜ X 1⅜ inch: white with faint bluish tinge. Flowering for a fortnight from May 5th 1927 Raised by Messrs.Caparne Sent by Messrs. Barr

The Iris Plant and Bulb Co. St.Martin's Guernsey Catalogue 1903
BRIDE (Caparne 1899)
Pure white Self, with a white to primrose beard.

Lee R. Bonnewitz 1928 Catalog p25; DWARF IRISES
THE BRIDE
White .......... $0.35

John William Caparne work in median Irises is still today less well-known than it deserves. Long before the British or American Irises Societies were even contemplated he was breeding and promoting Iris. A personal friend of Sir Michael Foster who commissioned illustrations by Caparne for his works and many appear in Sir Michael's 1892 book 'Bulbous Irises' where he states "Those figures which bear the name 'Caparn' were most kindly drawn for me by my friend Mr. J. W. Caparn, of Oundle."
Caparne was a talented artist whose introduction to Irises came from a desire to paint them.
W.R Dykes in 'The Handbook of Garden Irises',1924 "Within the last few years some growers have attempted to enlarge the Intermediate section by including in it such early flowering varieties as florentina, Siwas, Kochii and Karput. The term intermediate was probably first used in this connection by Caparne and he certainly understood by it dwarfer varieties than these. He defined it, in fact, as meaning an Iris of the size and growth of a large chamaeiris but with flowers the size of atropurpurea or Kharput."

"The Bride" is available in New Zealand from Kingswood Irises
Will no doubt post more on John William Caparne at a later date.
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 "AMBER TIPS"

AMBER TIPS is another outstanding New Zealand Bred Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris. Just recently purchased last growing season this iris has certainly made itself at home rather quickly. Showing good increase and good plant health.
New Zealand bred irises are generally poorly promoted and marketed so there is not much past information about this iris available for me to share with you. This is the first time I have seen this iris flowering and I am mighty glad I purchased it. Surprisingly no awards have been registered for this iris
I have assumed that the Iris was named as a play on the brand 'Amber Tips Tea' a product that has been New Zealand households for over a 100 years.
Registered in 1978 makes the iris one of the newest Historic Irises!!











AIS Checklist 1979
AMBER TIPS (Mrs H. Catton, R. 1978). Sdlg. CB2/10. SDB, 10" (25cm), EM. S. pale coffee; F. deep chestnut, edged amber; pale violet beard. Knotty Pine X Cherry Garden. Wyuna Gardens 1982.

While I am on the subject of Dwarf Irises I would like to pose a question I have been meaning to ask for some time, "Why do some commercial catalogue display Dwarf Irises with those unflattering overhead shots?" I personally think they are not a good method for selling or promoting these types of Irises.(Or any other iris type)

*****

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Standard Dwarf Iris "pumila THE GEM"

'Facts do not cease to exist because they are ignored.

Aldous Huxley, "Proper Studies", 1927

PUMILA THE GEM photo taken in the Morning Sun a couple of hours ago. This Iris was first introduced 1933. Often miss-labelled or confused with I.kochii.  The neighbour came over at 6.30am to help shift the cattle and found me lying on some sacks taking photos of dwarf irises including the above, sure had his head scratching for a while! 

A H Burgess and Son, Iris Specialists, 1933, WAIKANAE, WELLINGTON, NZ. 

VARIOUS SPECIES (Rhizomatous) page 29

PUMILA THE GEM -A Dainty little hybrid which is just the thing for the rock garden . Glowing rich Purple. 6 inches.

Stevens Bros, Nurserymen, Bulls. Lilies Irises and Rare Bulbs, Autumn, 1938 Catalogue.
Miscellaneous Irises
pumila The Gem
A Dainty little gem which is just the thing for the rock garden. Glowing rich purple flowers borne profusely in the late winter and also off and on throughout the rest of the year. 8in to 1ft. 1/-

Stevens Bros Catalogue 1949-1950, Wanganui, New Zealand.
THE GEM
This is a little rich red purple of our own raising which we offered in our bulb catalogue some years ago.
It resulted from crossing the old blue germanica of Europe with a red purple dwarf chamaeiris. It has the additional merit of blooming almost all year round, giving several major displays, the first being in very early spring. Ten Inches 1/6

Waterson's Iris Garden, Wanganui 1960-61 Wanganui, New Zealand.
THE GEM
An old favourite which not only flowers in very early spring but has bursts of blossom off and on throughout the whole year. In early spring it contents itself with the height of a true dwarf being then only about 6 inches high, with flowers in proportion but later in the year the stems often attain a height of 12 inches. The colour is a light pure purple. Extremely vigorous. 2/6

As a registration by Jean Stevens was not apparent the following registration occurred ;

AIS Checklist 1999
WANGANUI GEM (registered for Jean Stevens, deceased, by Bay of Plenty Group, 1999). MDB. Stem 6-8", (15-20cm), M & RE. S. dark mauve; F. purple; beards white, tipped yellow; slight fragrance. Summer bloom taller, branched. Purple chamaeiris X Madonna. In commerce in NZ since circa 1930 as “The Gem"

I have spent time checking Jeans Stevens Stud Book from 1924 to 1954 and can find no reference to Madonna or for that matter any crosses that involved I.albicains Blue or White form. If Madonna was used in any cross Jean would of noted it as she kept very accurate records.The cross closely associated with this Iris is a 1925 cross B63 Purpurea grandiflora X primila (Plum). I can find no reason why the Iris could not have been registered with notations from the Stevens Bros Catalogue 1949-1950, that are backed up with the A.H. Burgess 1933, and Stevens Bros. 1938 Catalogues. 

Thanks to a senior member of the Auckland Iris group for sending me a 1953 photo of 'The Gem' taken by Mrs Iris Bradford-Smith growing in her Remuera garden which was used as part of the ID process. I have always considered the older the photo the better the provenance. I will continue to list and label this iris as "pumila THE GEM"

Still commercially grown in New Zealand and occasionally sold on Trade Me

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

Reproduction in whole or in part of the photo without the expressed written permission of Terry Johnson is strictly prohibited.
Photo credit and copyright Terry Johnson © .
Reproduction in whole or in part of this article without the expressed written permission of Heritage Irises  is strictly prohibited. 

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