Tall bearded Iris PIETY

No mistaking the pleasant light blue cast of the buds before bud break and its Purple based foliage (PBF) two unshakeable identification traits of 'Piety'. Any garden can never have enough white Irises they give a balance that is unbeatable and after all nothing clashes with white. A Classic plus iris that earns it place in the garden.

Dr. Charles E. Branch 329 East Market Street, Piper City. Illinois.
Introducing For 1960
PIETY #5609 ((((Snow Goddess x ((( Winter Carnival x Azure Skies) x White Sentry) x (( Great Lakes x Winter Carnival) x Sib)))) PIETY was so named because it reminds one of quite reverence, devotion and benevolence like the White Angel standing silently in a Christmas tableau. It is a white white with a very light lemon cast to the beard. It is neither plain or fancy, tailored or lacy, but has a full form with semi-flaring, fluted falls and strong domed standards. The hafts are wide and clean. It stands about 36", has fine branching and larger than average flowers. Early-midseason. H.C.1958..........................................NETT $20.00

AIS Bulletin #166, July, 1962,'The Modern White Iris', page 10, Mr.Cahey E. Quinn.
PIETY is Doctor Branch's contribution in 1960 to moonlight statuary. Semi flaring, fluted falls, wide parts, domed standards, very white, a lemon beard and fine branching-so, I read my notes. The name is very apt, but you have to see this one to really appreciate it. This is a personal favorite of mine and it took the garden space of the now old 'NEW SNOW'.

Gilbert H Wild and Son, Inc. Sarcoxie, Missouri.
An Outstanding Selection of quality Peonies- Iris and Daylillies for 1967
PIETY (Branch, 1960)
E.M. 36in. Very pure white with a light lemon cast to the beard. This beauty has full form with domed standards and semi-flaring fluted falls. The hafts are wide and clean. The extra large blooms are shown on well branched stalks.H.M., 1960, A.M., 1963

AIS Checklist 1959
'Piety' (Branch, R. 1957). Sdlg. 5609. TB, 36" (91 cm), E-M. Color Class-W1, . 'Snow Goddess' X sdlg. 5339. Sunnyhills, Branch 1960.H.C 1958, HM 1960, AM 1963.

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Photo credit and copyright Iris Hunter.