There has been much written about this bold and impressive iris. It got itself in a lot of trouble with some growers when it was released because of its plant patent. The patent came with the anomaly that whilst there was no restriction on the use of patented irises in hybridizing, a grower of 'Amethyst Flame' at the time (60's) could not offer any increase to any iris society plant sales or auctions without written consent from Schreiner's to do so, but more on that later.
This vibrant classic iris still has a high level of relevance and deserves a place in today's gardens.
Schreiner's, Salem,Oregon, 1958 Iris Lovers Catalog.
AMETHYST FLAME (Schreiner 1958) ML. 38"
This child of Crispette rivals Violet Harmony, the 1957 Dykes Medal winner, in immensity of size and elegance of form but possesses even heavier substance and more sharply flaring falls. In color, however, it bears little resemblance to Violet Harmony, falling instead into the curiously neglected color band between lavender and light violet variously denominated lilac, heliotrope, or amethyst, where some outstanding Iris have long been needed. Imagine an Iris the blue-lavender color of the common Lilac overlain with a soft pink sheen and you will come close to the novel coloring of this original new Iris. A truly magnificent variety of rugged constitution and classic perfection, AMETHYST FLAME, due to its gorgeous ruffling abounds in highlights like a many-faceted Brazilian amethyst; a true self except for chestnut epaulettes on the shoulders. If you want an Iris of grand championship caliber that will strike a new color note in your garden, don't pass up AMETHYST FLAME! (Sdlg. No. M 289A)
Plant Patent Pending............................$25.00
The Iris Yearbook (BIS), 1961, page 71, "Varietal Comments" by the Kent Group.
Pinkish-Blues
The above heading was the best that could be found for the colours which are derived from blends of pink and blue, that is lavender, orchid pink, et cetera. Breeding may have been directed towards colours of this kind, but the tint obtained must have been uncontrolled in some cases.
AMETHYST FLAME (Schreiner 1958) A large very wide flower in a bright colour which has been described as lilac-lavender. The standards are ruffled and arched, and the falls almost pendant but enlivened by ruffled edges. The stems seen had only two branches, but there may be some improvement when the plant becomes established. It is bold and impressive, and we are beginning to see why some of the eminent judges in the U.S.A. have been excited about it. Height 36 inches.
AIS Bulletin #175, October , 1964, Page 110, 1964 Choices, C. Robert Minnick.
AMETHYST FLAME (Schreiner) There is much that can be said about this iris other than the fact that it has won the highest honor given by the American Iris Society. It is very ruffled, the branching is the best, the color is very pleasing, and it grows many strong stalks that have as many as five open blooms at its peak. It is a vigorous grower.
Cooleys Gardens, Silverton, Oregon. Iris Catalog 1965
AMETHYST FLAME (Schreiner '58)
Immense in size and elegant in form, a curiously tinted blend of lavender or light violet and rosy heliotrope.The 'shoulders' of the falls carry a overlay of chestnut and the beard is almost white.Nicely ruffled. 38 inches tall, medium late.HM AIS 1958; AM, 1960. Dykes Medal , 1963. Plant Patent No. 1793.
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| Colour plate Courtesy of Harry Randall's Book 'IRISES'. |
Wanganui Irises Catalogue, Novelties 1965-66:
AMETHYST FLAME (Schreiner USA)
From the curiously neglected colour range between lavender and light violet comes this arresting beauty.Imagine an iris the blue-lavender colour of the common lilac overlaid with a soft pink sheen and you have the colour of Amethyst Flame. The shoulders of the falls are flushed chestnut and the beard is an inconspicuous white. The individual blooms are huge and gorgeously ruffled, abounding in highlights like a many-faceted amethyst. With tall well branched stems, rugged constitution and heavily substanced blooms it quickly proved its worth in America by winning a Honourable Mention in 1958, its year of introduction, and a Award of Merit in 1960. This culminated in the award of the Dykes Medal in 1963. 3ft.
IRISES A Gardener's Encyclopedia, Claire Austin.
Iris 'Amethyst Flame' (R. Schreiner 1957)
The gentle ruffled deep lavender blue flowers are touched with cinnamon on the hafts. The petals are laced around the edges, and the beards are a soft lavender white. Popular fir over ten years with American Iris Society members, this iris is the parent of many other hybrids. Parentage: Crispette X (Lavanesque x Pathfinder). Dykes Medal Winner USA 1963.
AIS Checklist 1959
AMETHYST FLAME (R. Schreiner, R. 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.
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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