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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The 'GERMAN IRIS'

When researching Iris history there is always more to learn as I progress the purchasing or gain access to historical writings that may or may not contain articles of interest about 'The Iris'. I recently found this historically informative article, its author I have yet to identify but I thought it noteworthy for the colour description of irises named and the opening paragraph which is surprisingly current. The problem is I still haven't finished the writing of the original article which lead me to this information in the first place but I think you will agree it was a pleasant time out to have.

 THE GERMAN IRIS.

THE GARDENERS CHRONICLE, Unknown Author, 15 June, 1878, Page 757.

Why is it that the varieties of Iris germanica do not find a place in modern gardens? Indeed this question might be very reasonably put in regard to many other fine plants that have fallen out of cultivation to a great extent, just as if fashion—that fickle goddess ruled the horticultural as it does the social world. We have fashions in horticulture, and they are sometimes unjust to grand old plants that are well fitted to make a garden smile with the gladness of a beauty that is like a glimpse of heaven brought down to light our common soil. If any one would see in the German Iris the delicate and striking patches of colour they can be made to produce in our gardens, a visit should be paid to Mr. Robert Parker's nursery, at Tooting. There a collection of fifty to sixty varieties at least can be seen in full bloom—and such bloom, too—not a spike of flowers here and there, but almost countless spikes thick with flowers over canopying the leaves from among which they spring.
  There is an immense bed of these Irises in divisions some 3 feet in width, with blocks of a single variety 5 feet or so in length, forming panels of charming colours facing to the blue sky above. These beds of Iris have been planted out about three years, and this suggests the advisability of forming permanent plantations of these fine decorative subjects for service in the garden. Perhaps it would be best were the roots lifted, divided, and replanted once in three years. When well-established in good soil a rapid and spreading growth is made, and for the sake of keeping the plants in proper bounds periodical replanting's are to be commended. One great feature about the German Irises is their remarkably free and successional blooming character ; the earliest bloom by the third week in March, or the beginning of April, and yet some have not as yet shown colour, thus then- flowering time may be said to cover a space of three months at least.
  Then what an accommodating plant it is : it is one of the best of London plants, growing almost anywhere in the midst of the great Metropolis where there exists an apology for a garden, and flourishing as if no bounty it can bestow could be too large. It will grow in almost any soil and situation, but if 'any person' could imagine one eminently suited to its well-being it would be the light, generous sandy loam in which these plants do so well at Tooting. Some are dwarf, quite dwarf, not more than 18 inches in height; others reach a height of 2 and 3 feet ; and thus a double or treble line might adorn a bold shrubbery border. A ribbon line of Irises would be a new feature, and, if the individual plants were wide enough apart. Delphiniums, Phlox's, Pentstemons, Et cetera, might come in between them for the sake of variety, and to secure a succession of flower ; but whoever plants let him dig the soil deeply, and not scruple to add a little dung and some leaf-mould to it. As these plants are by no means expensive, they can be planted freely at a moderate cost, and here is a list of rather over a quarter of a hundred varieties that represent the cream of Mr. Parker's large collection ; —Abou Hassan, rich golden-yellow, very free ; Arnols, violet suffused with bronze, very fine ; Augustus, azure-blue and violet, very fine ; Bridesmaid, white suffused with lavender, very pretty ; Celeste, lavender with white centre ; Chenedolle, chrome-yellow and white ; Comte de St. Clair, pure white and purple ; Cytherée, lavender-blue and light purple, a most attractive variety ; Darius, chrome yellow and purplish lilac, very fine and free ; Duchesse de Nemours, creamy white, the lower petals beautiful purplish violet—in this charming variety there is amost pleasing contrast presented in these two parts of the flower ; Gazelle, deep lavender-blue mottled with while, very early and extremely pretty ; Hortense, primrose, pale sulphur and orange-yellow ; De Berge,chrome-yellow and rich crimson, line ; Fairy Queen, white and violet-purple, very line and striking ; Hugh Block, dark sulphur and bluish lilac ; Jacquesiana, reddish bronze, dark orange, and velvety crimson, very fine and distinct ; Jordæns, reddish lilac and white, distinct and fine ; Lady Jane, coppery red and reddish brown, distinct and good ; Paquit, light reddish purple and crimson, very fine and striking ; Queen of May, rosy lilac, primrose and white, very pretty; Minico, rich golden-yellow and crimson brown, fine colour and very dwarf ; Pallida and its varieties, Dalmatica and Speciosa, Spectabilis, reddish violet and velvety purple, very early ; Victorine, satiny white and purple, very good ; and Walner, deep shining lavender-blue and light purple, very fine and distinct.
 The colours appended to the foregoing varieties are intended to convey the idea of the prevailing colours, but there are many varying tints and handsome reticulations on the standards and falls, and especially on the latter, that cannot be set forth in a description. The margins to some on the falls are very rich and attractive. A good number of the varieties grown by Mr. Parker are seedlings of his own raising, and it has been found that they flower in two and three years from the time of being raised.

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The above iris photo is of a natural hybrid of the 'type' I.pallida

Photo credit and copyright Iris Hunter

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Tall bearded iris GYPSY RINGS

 "Yes, it is a good-looking iris! Also unmistakably Shoop--or at least Shoop derived". Phil Edinger 2012.

This imposing and colourful iris had me baffled for a while as the photo that accompanied the Iris when it was purchased differed somewhat to the iris when it bloomed at home. A search on the internet came up with zilch, and the only available catalogue descriptions were from Bay Blooms (NZ) Spring/Summer catalogue 1998  which merely stated "This variety has been much admired. All over cream with a pink influence throughout", and a earlier Jean Collins Iris Gardens (NZ) catalogue had telescoped the description to just, "Cream with a pink influence", so not a lot of information overload here. Now as we all know a official checklist description apparently trumps all, but when you ID iris that old adage "Trust but verify" definitely applies, so conformation that we were onto a winner has come from the catalogue and Bulletin advertisement descriptions sent from America, a helpful addition to the knowledge base and are copied below. At 45 years old its colouration is still very much 'today'. Like Jean Stevens, George Shoop was one of the great master's of inbreeding using a limited number of out crosses in his breeding programme.
Blooming with a entrancing colour combination the plant has good vigour, and a iris that will continue to be much admired at home.


GEORGE A. SHOOP, Hybridizer, Portland Oregon. 1967 Introductions.
Gypsy Rings (Shoop 1967). EM. 36". A flaring, ruffled flower with pink standards and white falls with one-fourth inch yellow rim, and a pink-tangerine beard to add to its feminine charm. Well-branched. Fine grower. Gay Whisper X 59-6-1.
 Sdlg. 63-18-1.......................$25.00

Bay View Gardens, Joseph J. Ghio, Santa Cruz, California. Iris 1969
The Elite Ones
GYPSY RINGS* (Shoop '67) Standards are soft pink and the falls are white with a yellowish rim. Unique...........$15.00 

Schreiners,  Salem,Oregon, Iris Lovers Catalog 1972
Gypsy Rings (Shoop 1967) EM. 36"  A charming flared and ruffled iris with pink standards and white falls that have an attractive, one-fourth inch border of yellow and a pink tangerine beard to add to its feminine charm. With its beauty, unusual color pattern and model growing habits it is easy to see why this iris is so well liked.

 Melrose Gardens, Stockton,  California, The Connoisseurs Catalog,1973
Gypsy Rings (Shoop 1967). Pink standards flushed lemon along the ruffled edges and white falls with a wide yellow border all the way around; pinkish tangerine beards--and it all makes a really beautiful flower.

Jean Collins Iris Garden, Cambridge Road, R.D.1 Tauranga.
GYPSY RINGS Cream with a pink influence...........$2.00

BayBloom Nurseries, Cambridge Road, R.D.1 Tauranga. Spring and Summer Catalogue, 1998.
GYPSY RINGS. This variety has been much admired. All over cream with a pink influence throughout......$5.00

AIS Checklist 1969
GYPSY RINGS G. Shoop, Reg 1967 Sdlg. 63-18-1. TB, 36" (91 cm), E-M ; S pink; F white with 1/4" yellow rim; ruffled; pink-tangerine beard. Gay Whisper X 59-6-1. Shoop 1967.

The grower I purchased this iris from is no longer in business so I cannot help as to where you can buy it.
I have recently (yesterday) purchased another George Shoop 1960 vintage iris labelled 'Spanish Gift', reported to be a very bright apricot-orange coloured iris with a deep orange-red beard, hopefully another visual treat when it blooms so I'll keep you posted.

Big hat tip to Phil Edinger for the initial catalogue research from America. 

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 HENRY SHAW

Named after Henry Shaw (1800--1889), a native of Sheffield, England who made his fortune in hardware outfitting trappers and settlers entering the Louisiana Purchase Territory via St. Louis. In 1859 he donated his 79-acre country estate for "all time for the public benefit ". This garden is today the Missouri Botanical Garden, and is the oldest botanical garden in continuous existence in the United States. Cliff Benson introduced the white TB 'Henry Shaw' in 1959. It is a pure white self with a green undercast that follows through and a flawless snowy white beard, winning an Honorable Mention from AIS in 1959 and an Award of Merit in 1961. With Snow Flurry in its pedigree it was more than appropriate that Henry Shaw, was the first winner of the Clara B. Rees Cup in 1965 for an "outstanding white iris". We purchased this heirloom iris many years ago from Lynne Atkins of Greenhaugh Gardens fame, now there is a garden to visit !!!

Cliff W Benson, Route 3, Baxter Road, Chesterfield, Missouri, Introducing for 1959.
HENRY SHAW (Cliffs of Dover x Marion Marlowe)
A heavy ruffled perfectly proportioned pure icy-white self with a snowy beard. Flowers are enhanced with cool green tones. Standards are domed ; Falls wide and foliage is vigorous and blue-green. The ruffling and corrugation runs completely around the broad and heavily substanced blossoms. Proving to be a superb breeder. Named in honor of the founder of the Missouri Botanical "Shaw's Garden". M. 38" H.C. 1958 NET $20.00

'Irises' by Harry Randall, Chapter 9 Famous Tall Bearded Parents.
A fascinating exercise for Iris breeders is to study the records and prepare pedigrees for their favourites. These can be an elaborate form adopted in our history books to press the ancestry of Kings, or in the simpler form adopted in the book of Genesis. Using the simple form, I can recall that Snow Flurry crossed with Katherine Fay produced New Snow. When this was crossed with the pale blue Cahokia it 'begot' Cliffs of Dover, which is been the most popular white in Britain for some years ; and when this was crossed with Marion Marlowe it gave Henry Shaw. From Henry Shaw came Arctic Fury which is producing some wonderfully fine seedlings of which we are certain to hear in the years ahead.
I do not claim nor could it ever be proved that all the good qualities of these five generations of seedlings came from Snow Flurry, and a few people would doubt my contention that they might neither have appeared in our gardens but for her influence. Three of those named above -- New Snow, Cliffs of Dover, and Henry Shaw-- have already won Awards of Merit in the United States, and their descendants will be considered for that honour when they have been on trial for a sufficiently lengthy period and in a wide range of gardens in different States.
The pedigree given could with variations, be duplicated very many times to show the beneficent effect of Snow Flurry on large numbers of modern Irises, and to indicate our indebtedness to Clara Rees.

'Irises' by Harry Randall, Chapter 12 Irises Already Popular.
Henry Shaw, Benson 1957, 36 inch tall bearded. Mid-season. Pure white self with snowy white beard. Green throat. Cliff of Dover X Marion Marlowe  

AIS Bulletin #166, July, 1962,'The Modern White Iris', page 10, Mr. Cahey E. Quinn.
HENRY SHAW is Cliff Benson's white offering for 1959. I think this is his best. As with most modern iris, it has excellent substance. The flower is also heavily ruffled, a pure white with a white beard. Proportion, balance, vigorous blue-green foliage-these are the features that make HENRY SHAW desired by everyone.

REGION 14, Regional Bulletin Northern California, Nevada, Fall 1962.“Varietal comment”,  page 23, Donald L. Artz. 
“Of the many fine whites available I find it hard to beat the not too widely distributed Henry Shaw (C Benson 1959).  It’s a large fluted white with excellent form, substance and branching.”

Schreiners Iris Lovers Catalog 1964
HENRY SHAW C Benson 1959 M. 38" High style and chaste coloring mark Henry Shaw as a top-notch white Iris. Perfectly proportioned, the ruffling and the crimping runs completely around the broad and heavily substance petal. The buds have a greenish cast which sustains in the open flowers and gives a beautiful undercast. All white even to the beard. HM 1959, AM 1961

Gilbert H. Wild and Son. Inc. Sarcoxie Missouri Peonies-Iris-Daylilies 1967
HENRY SHAW  (Benson 1961)
38in. M. A heavily ruffled pure icy white self w with a snowy white tipped beard. The ruffling and the corrugation runs completely around the broad and heavily substance blossoms. A superb breeder for ruffled whites and blues. Named in honour of the founder of the Missouri Botanical "Shaws" garden.  HM 1959, AM 1961

Schliefert Iris Gardens, Murdock, Nebraska, 29th Annual Catalog, 1970
HENRY SHAW C Benson 1959............ $2.00
Perfectly proportioned. The ruffling and corrugation run completely around each heavily substanced petal. All white even to the beard. AM 1961 Rees Cup 1965

Jean Collins Iris Gardens, Cambridge Road, Tauranga
HENRY SHAW White, even to the beards. Older variety but still good........$1.50

Schreiners Iris Lovers Catalog 1982
HENRY SHAW C Benson 1959 M. 38"
A top notch white Iris of high styles ; all white even to the beard. Do not let the modest price demean the high quality of this splendid Iris. Our plentiful stock justifies the low price. AM 1961 $2.00

Bay Blooms Nurseries, Cambridge Road, Tauranga Spring / Summer 1996 Catalogue
HENRY SHAW All white, even to the beards. The ruffling and the crimping runs completely around the broad and heavily substance petal............. $5.00

AIS Checklist 1959
HENRY SHAW (C. Benson, R. 1957) Sdlg. 56-6. TB, 36" (91 cm), M
Pure white self, snowy white beard, green throat. Cliffs of Dover x Marion Marlowe. C. Benson 1959. HM 1959, AM 1961

Whites Irises are fickle to ID and most I do not even attempt to try, but it needs to be said that the current crop of 'Henry Shaw'  photos shown on 'Dave's Gardens' and the much vaunted for its accuracy 'Iris Encyclopedia wiki', are something other than their label. Let me explain, the much commented on stand out feature of the iris 'Henry Shaw' is it's snowy white beard, all the catalogue descriptions also thought this was special enough to mention, so if the beards on your iris includes some other colour, you would have to reach the conclusion that it's not 'Henry Shaw', it's the first stop to elimination and it's that simple. Next step the green throat.............................

Selling this year in New Zealand at 'Amazing Iris Garden' 

Photo credit and copyright Iris Hunter

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Heirloom Iris STAR SHINE

"As pale as the morning star as it flickers in the quickening light of dawn. I have never seen such luminosity, and this sprinkled with the dust of mother-of-pearl."
 STARSHINE  (Jesse Wills)  Commentaries in Variety, Anthony W. Drewett, The Iris Year Book 1949. 

Fairmont Gardens, Lowell, Massachusetts,Irises, Hemerocallis, Hostas, Poppies, 1950.
STAR SHINE (J. Wills 1949) M.L. Deep cream, white, and pearly blue so skillfully combined that the flower has the iridescent of lustrous pearls. An iris of great individuality, it was a cetre of attention in the Wills garden at the time of the Nashville meeting. The deep cream or buff yellow standards are broad and domed, the white flaring falls have a suggestion of blue in the centre, and an edging of the same color as the standards. Very firm substanced flowers and exceptionally sturdy well branched stalks. An iris that never succumbs to the elements. It has great distinction both in quality of flower and arrangement of color.H.C. A.I.S. 1948. A.M. A.I.S. 1949. 36"....................................$12.50

The Iris Year Book (BIS), America Re-Visited H. J. Randall C.B.E. 1950 
STARSHINE Wherever I saw this iris it put on its ‘Sunday best’ for me – upright stems and well spaced flowers of exceptional flaring form. It’s soft colouring needs a artist to describe, but I noted it as pearly-cream. In my own garden I crossed it with ‘TRULY YOURS’ and it will be interesting to see the results.

Tell Iris Gardens, Iris Catalog and Hybridizers Handbook 1952.  
STAR SHINE (J. Wills ‘49) M-L (Hermitage x Hernani) X (Song of Gold). Deep cream standards, falls white with the blue and centre and edged color of standards. In great demand. H.M. 1949 A.M.1951

Lyon’s Irisland, Lyon Iris Gardens, 1953. 
STAR SHINE (J. Wills 1949) (Hermitage x Hernani) X (Song of Gold). Deep cream, white and pearly blue so skilfully blended as to create an iridescent gleam of lustrous pearl. The deep cream standards are broad and domed; the beautifully flared falls, with just a suggestion of blue in the centre of its white ground, is edged around the border with the deep cream of the standards. Here is superb originality. 36”. Mid-late. Award of Merit A.I.S. 1951

Stevens Bros. Catalogue, Wanganui, Novelties 1957-1958. 
STARSHINE (J. Wills U.S.A.) You probably have admired the beautiful indescribable tints of the last twilight rays of the evening sky many times. This Iris embodies these shades in an unusual coalition of pearly blue and deep cream and white with an over-all iridescent gleam. A very subtle pastel, yet retains a distinctive character. Illustrated on our cover (see below). 3½ ft. A.M., A.I.S. 1951.

THE TALL BEARDED IRIS, Nicholas Moore, Chapter six, Yellow Irises
More recent other three equally striking creams, each very different in tone, ARMNDINE (Douglas 1946), which is cream flushed with palest lemon, BELLERIVE (Benson 1949), of the smoothest cream and wonderful form, and DESERT SONG (Fay 1946), which is a sandy cream. They are all excellent plants and three of the finest irises there are. STARSHINE (Wills 1949), which won the recent instituted Romney Towndrow statuette for irises of exceptional beauty of form, is scarcely as good as they. Its colour is basically cream but it has a curious opalescence which gives it a sort of shimmering aura of other colours, and it is certainly a beautiful colour. Of its form, however, the best that can be said is that it is a good example of typical current fashion, was slightly waved and horizontally flaring falls and domed standards. It lacks the dignified formal beauty of CARVED IVORY, and equally it lacks the dragonfly-like poise of PHARAON, or the svelte distinction of MATA HARI. It is nevertheless a good garden plant.

Courtesy British Iris Society Yearbook 1949

The Iris Yearbook, 'The Tall Bearded Iris of 1953' by H.C.Fletcher. 1953
The Josephine Romney Towndrow Trophy was awarded for the first time and much interest was caused by the method adopted for selecting the winner. A small committee was formed including the donor Mr K. Romney Towndrow. Being himself a artist, he stressed the ideal to be aimed at but at times it was difficult not to let colour influence one's judgement. I should think that every bloom in the show was seen by the committee and then a selection of possibles removed from their exhibits and placed in one glorious row ; seven of the most stately irises one could possibly see ; STAR SHINE, PIERRE MENARD, 2006 (Morris), BLUE ENSIGN, CLIFFS OF DOVER, ARCTIC SNOW and 50/105 (Fothergill). Mr Jesse Wills is to be congratulated on raising STAR SHINE, which was finally acclaimed "the Iris of the year", and Mr H. J. Randall on the growing and staging of such a fine specimen.

Cooleys Gardens, Silverton, Oregon. Iris Catalog 1958.
 STAR SHINE (Wills 1949) Subtle pastel shades of cream, buff, and muted blue, blended into a pearly combination for those who like soft colors. Falls flare out horizontally and the branching is wide, giving it a reputation as 'the Iris of most perfect form'

A Useful Eight By W. Brindley ; The Iris Yearbook 1960
STAR SHINE (Wills 1949) With tall stems and tailored flowers with a lovely lilt to the falls, this is a beautiful and aristocratic Iris. The standards are open, but erect, cream on the inside, pale sulphur yellow on the outside. The beard is a bright canary yellow, pale at tip. The falls are an opalescent white, with the faintest pale lavender sheen when newly opened. The shoulders are yellow, with reticulation at the top of the Hafts, and the edges of the falls are banded with the same shade of pale yellow as the outside of the standards. It is appropriately named and it is a beauty

Stevens Bros. Catalogue, Wanganui, 1957-1958

Marble Iris Gardens catalog, 1962.
STAR SHINE (Wills, 1949) 38” M-L . Soft pastel shades of cream, buff, and muted blue, blended into a pearly combination. the falls flare out horizontally and the branching is wide. This is an Iris that never succumbs to the elements and has great distinction in both quality of bloom and arrangement of color.

THE WORLD OF IRISES, Chapter 4  ‘The Pot of Gold’ ; The banner year for yellows was 1949 with the release of two remarkable varieties that received international recognition. Jesse Wills introduced Starshine, a dreamy Iris in subtle pastel cream, buff and muted blue. Starshine came from a Hermitage-Hernani seedling crossed to Song of Gold and soon gained a worldwide reputation as an Iris with perfect form. Fay’s ‘Truly Yours’, with large ruffled flowers, its heart bright yellow blending to almost white at the petal edges, received the Dykes Medal in 1953.

IRISES, Judith M. Berrisford, Newer Irises for the Exhibitor and Collector.
STAR SHINE (Wills, 1949) 38” M-L. This Iris was adjudged the Iris of the Year in 1953. It is really a bicolour. The standards are deep cream with white falls faintly tinged was blue. There is also a faint blue edging to the standards. ‘Star Shine’, is a first-rate Iris for exhibition but it needs all the sunshine you can give it to make it flower freely. An Iris for your sunniest spot.

Bulbs, A complete handbook of Bulbs, Corms and Tubers, Roy Genders.
STAR SHINE Tall growing, its flowers have a delicate beauty unlike that of any other variety, being a subtle blending of soft blue, cream and buff, producing a pearl-like appearance.

AIS Checklist 1949
STAR SHINE J. Wills, 1947 TB 38" M-La-W6L rev. ((Hermitage x Hernani) X Song of Gold), HC 1948, HM 1949, AM 1951.

This Iris was known and Catalogued as STAR SHINE and STARSHINE both listings are the same plant. The iris shows various levels of Purple coloured foliage at the base of the plant. I say this as I have seen several plants from different sources which show strong PBF and some with seasonal PBF but all the same variety. In New Zealand it was listed a couple of years ago by a seller on Trade Me but is definitely not a grower I would recommend to anyone.

Photo credit and copyright Iris Hunter

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Intermediate Bearded Iris "SHAMPOO"

I have very limited information regarding the 1970-80 period of median irises,( As you can see below more information has come to hand since the original post date.) and I can find nothing about the Intermediate Iris 'Shampoo,' there is no mention of it in the AIS bulletins (I own a limited collection so lacks depth for this and other periods). I also just purchased 35 American Iris Catalogues from the sixties and seventies and eighties and surprisingly there is no listings of it in them. Now I find this unusual as the Iris received an Honorable Mention 1978, Award of Merit 1980, and the Hans and Jacob Sass Medal  1984, someone must of given it a great review somewhere. It is a vigorous Iris which handles neglect and I know this is true as it was originally growing in a 'heel in' bed over by the Woolshed and that I had thought I had lifted everything and transferred to some other gardens closer to the house. I went back the the temporary 'heel in' bed  during the bloom season and there she was, pushing up through the weeds, (over at the Woolshed weeds are referred to as pasture) flowering its socks off, almost like a desperate plea, 'WHAT DO I HAVE TO DO TO GET YOUR ATTENTION??? THIS IS MY BEST SHOT!!!'  So its a keeper no doubt about that, and yes its another of those 'Historic Iris' with ruffling.

Cottage Gardens, Hayward, California, 1977 Catalog.
SHAMPOO  (Virignia Messick, 1977).  IB, E, 18"   Yes, a ruffled intermediate bearded of a different color.  A very ruffled bronzed gold self, with a perfect branch.  It really is the color of a popular brand shampoo, and its new to this class  (Cambodia X Gingerbread Man)  HC '76.  $10.00

Eden Road Iris Garden,Wenatchee, Washington, 1979 Catalog.
SHAMPOO (Messick '77)  E. 18 in.  (Cambodia X Gingerbread Man).  Ruffled bronzed gold self.  Should be great to cross back to TB browns.  We want to use it with Melted Chocolate.  H.M. '78.....$6.50

4~ Square Iris Gardens, Eau Claire,Wisconsin, Cold Climate Iris, 1983.
 SHAMPOO (Messick 1977) Ruffled bronze-gold self
The reason I have included this short and to the point listing 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' this would most likely indicate 'Shampoo' is a hardy iris.

The Iris Yearbook (BIS), 1990,  “Shorter Bearded Irises in 1990”,  page 61, C.E.C. Bartlett.
Another older variety which is always good is 'Shampoo' (Messick '77). It's strange greenish khaki colour is not to everyone's taste but bud placement and flower form are impeccable. In the right place in the garden where its colour can be complementary to soft yellows, limes and greens it is superb. Needless to say its immaculate form and placement make it perfect for Shows and floral art.

IRISES, A Gardener's Encyclopedia, Claire Austin.
Iris 'Shampoo' (V. Messick 1975)
The flowers are a colour that is difficult to describe, a rather strange greenish brown, or yellow-bronze overlaid with smears of green and grey. The petals are crystalline, and a purple-maroon flush surrounds the hafts. The flower is Scented. Height 40cm (18½ in.) Blooms early season.

AIS Checklist 1979
SHAMPOO Virginia Messick, Reg 1975, Sdlg. 68-70. IB, 18" (46 cm), E. Ruffled bronze-gold self. Cambodia X Gingerbread Man. Cottage Gardens 1977. HM 1978, AM 1980, Sass Medal 1984.

This Iris can only be purchased in New Zealand for the very reasonable price of $8.00 this season from Dublin Bay Irises ( A link is listed in the left hand column  Recommended New Zealand Iris Growers.)

A big Hat Tip to Keith Keppel for his candid observations and the above catalogue listings.

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 "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 Heirloom Iris "NEW DAWN"

HAPPY NEW YEAR TO YOU ALL!!!
I thought this an appropriately named heirloom iris to celebrate the New Year.

NEW DAWN' is an Iris with star quality in both parentage and colouration. In 1928 Emily Jean Burgess (later Jean Stevens) somehow crossed the early flowering William Rickatson Dykes-bred, pearly white coloured 'Moonlight' with Sir Arthur Horts' late flowering purple bi-colour iris ‘Hermione’.  The resultant seedling with no description of colour or form was only ever labelled  'E97' and in 1931 Jean  crossed it with Arthur Bliss’s 'Mrs Valerie West' to produce the clean and finely textured primrose yellow cultivar. On its release in England, 'New Dawn' was often compared with 'Helios' which in the early 1930s, along with W .R. Dykes were the standard-bearers for yellow irises.  These had clean yellow standards with yellow falls that were reticulated, generally in a tone of light purple brown.'New Dawn' was a triumph in light yellow breeding because of its clean colouration on the standards and falls and was without doubt at least the equal to the introductions of the late 1930s in the same colour range, such as 'Happy Days', 'Golden Bear','Lady Paramount', and 'Primrose'. Jean had a firm opinion on striation or reticulation and often noted that it was a fault in Irises, as its presence almost invariably detracted from the purity of the colour tone.  She also used the term 'rough' in reference to veining.
'New Dawn' is an Iris with vigour, large numbers of bloom and has excellent increase, outperforming most of the more modern Irises. The large buds of intense primrose are a feature in themselves. Found growing in a garden in Carterton, my plants were given to me by the garden owner who had surplus plants established over the fence, growing alongside the railway line. Vigour is as good as 'Magnolia". Its the pollen parent to the New Zealand heirloom white iris 'Wychnor' featured on the blog last November.
Last years bloom season (2011) it was no match for the 140 km an hour winds that attacked our gardens in October, the blooms stalks just fell over, but all I had to do was stake the very numerous stalks and  'New Dawn' just continued flowering through the season for another four weeks  -  it was just like nothing had happened. The above photo was taken after the storms

The Iris Yearbook 1937 (BIS)
Seedlings Seen, R.E.S.Spender writes
New Dawn (Stevens)-- A seedling raised in New Zealand. It is a splendid grower, and is much improved Helios in colour,a pale lemon-yellow without streaks, and a fine shapely flower of real merit. It is I am told a Moonlight -Valerie West derivative.

The Iris Yearbook 1940 (BIS)
Some promising New Zealand Irises, Mr G P Baker writes
New Dawn, a straw coloured white, was particularly strong with three very massive flowering stems. The others were not quite of the same substance

The Iris Yearbook 1942 (BIS)
Discursions of an Iris Breeder, R. E. S.Spender writes; [Ref 1]
"The truth is Golden Hind (and its numerous descendants) has now given me all the yellows I could want or even find room for and I for one shall not attempt any further crosses with what is nevertheless the best parent for yellows I have yet come across, so just why it should be so, in view of its distinctly plebeian parentage, is one of those mysteries of  hereditary which is impossible to fathom.
About the same time that I started on these crosses I received the big yellowish-cream New Zealander, New Dawn from its raiser Mrs W. R. Stevens. New Dawn is (Moonlight x Hermione) X Mrs Valerie West, and is therefore, I should judge-assuming Moonlight to have had a good deal to do with the production of W.R. Dykes-not wholly unconnected with Golden Hind. No two yellows could be much more dissimilar, however, in build, and I should certainly not have used it except for lack of other material. It too proved an easy as well as valuable seed parent, though, unlike Golden Hind, it is not apt to produce the shapeliest of seedlings. But they have substance, they are always large and stout growers, and now and then one may get a perfect seedling from it. Crossed with Purple Dusk, it produced a really superb white, spangled with a gold dust, which is different from any other I know. I should think it may prove one of the best seed-parents now available although a good many of the seedlings from it may be inferior in form. But Mr Long, who has used Valerie West far more than I have may very likely have a good reason to challenge that."

Stevens Bros Catalogue, Bulls New Zealand 1937-38
NEW DAWN (Stevens)
Another outstanding seedling of our own raising which already has been highly commented upon in England. Of particularly heavy substance and finest texture, this Iris will stand up to a adverse weather conditions better than any variety we know. It has a vigorous constitution and a long flowering period. The large well formed flowers are a clear lemon entirely unveined. One leading English Iris critic has described New Dawn as "Superb in every respect" 3ft.

The New Zealand Iris Hybridiser's Checklist 2011
NEW DAWN  Miss E.J. Burgess, Reg., 1936. Sdlg.1/H2 TB, 38″, EML, Y4L. Standards and Falls clearest creamy yellow. S.2¾″ X 2½" . F. 2⅝" X 2½"  Beard sulphur yellow. Very good substance and shape. Lightly veined olive green at haft of the fall. Well branched, and stands up well to the weather. 38″  Description E.J.Burgess Studbook notes,‘1935 flowering’; (Moonlight x Hermione) X Mrs Valerie West. 'Introduced'  Stevens Bros Catalogue 1937-38.


[Ref 1] Dis`cur´sion;  a noun; The act of discoursing or reasoning; range, as from thought to thought

Photo Credit and Copyright Iris Hunter

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Tall Bearded Heirloom Iris "EASTER BONNET"

Bred by Luke Norton and Alexander Maxwell both of Yakima Washington, "Easter Bonnet" is a no fuss heirloom iris I found in a paddock growing alongside an old dilapidated house that is still been used for storing hay, it was fighting for survival amongst the tall grass an indication of its will to survive. Sun fast flowers on tall branched stems, with high health glaucous green foliage. It's a sixty eight year old Iris, that inherited its classic form from both its classy parents, the pod parent bred by Dr P.A.Loomis' is the large rose-pink self, "Morocco Rose" this was crossed with "Alastor" the deep cyclamen pink with an underlay of gold bred by R.E Spender who was the Editor of the Iris Year Book (BIS) 1932-1939, and also co-authored the book,' Iris Culture for Amateurs' (Country Life Ltd,1937).

Often photos of Easter Bonnet are sent to me enquiring if it is a lost "Jean Stevens" iris which it obviously is not, but I have no doubt she would have been very proud to raise it.
 A bright and elegant historic Iris that you’ll find yourself drawn back to time and time again.

From National Iris Gardens 33rd. Catalog 1949
EASTER BONNET (Maxwell 1946) M. 38" H.M. A.I.S. 1946 : Put on your Easter Bonnet with the bands of gold upon it! Truly a beautiful blush pink with an unbelievable gold band on both standards and falls. A must have for the unusual. $3.00

Tell Iris Gardens Iris Catalog and Hybridizers Handbook 1951
EASTER BONNET (Maxwell-Norton,1944) M (Morocco Rose' X 'Alastor) Rodenite pink edged gold. H.M.46. $1.00

From Lyon's Irisland Catalog 1951
EASTER BONNET (Maxwell 1946) An enticing color, rhodenite pink, bordered with a half-inch margin of burnished gold on both the standards and the falls. A golden flush to the heart of the flower combines with a gold beard to make this startling new color combination very attractive. Mid-season. 36". $2.00

AIS Checklist 1949
EASTER BONNET (Maxwell-Norton, R. 1943). TB, 40", L.S7M, Morocco Rose X Alastor. Maxwell & Norton 1943. HM A.I.S. 1946

Photo Credit and Copyright Iris Hunter

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Tall Bearded Iris "LUNAR FIRE"

American Iris breeder Dave Hall was renown for his breeding of irises with tangerine beards. 20 years after he introduced his first flamingo pinks with tangerine beards  'Lunar Fire' was introduced. It's a beautiful flower, good substance and very full, the petals are just slightly laced at the edges, and of medium size when compared to more modern irises. The colour is best described as pale apricot with tangerine red beards. Height is 90 cm or 36 inches with average branching. Grows well at home with moderate increase but can sometimes miss a bloom season. A solid and stunning coloured Historic Iris which was sold until recently commercially in New Zealand, I purchase my plants  in 2006.

 AIS Checklist 1969  
LUNAR FIRE    (D. Hall, R. 1963). Sdlg. 59-107. TB 36" M. YO5.    Golden amber self. From two yellow sdlgs., Cooley 1963. HM 1964.

Gilbert H. Wild and Son. Inc. An Outstanding Selection of Quality Peonies- Iris- Daylilies
LUNAR FIRE (Hall 1963)
36in. A big spreading lace-edged flower of golden amber hues, the sharply contrasting beard a blazing tangerine red. In addition to form and size it has petals of extra heavy thickness and very stout well branched stems.H.M. 1964

Courtesy Cooley's Iris Gardens

Cooley's Gardens catalog for 1963
 Featured in color on our cover. . . . a big, spreading, lace-edged flower of golden amber hues, the sharply contrasting beard a blazing tangerine red. Dave Hall worked for years breeding this series and this one has been singled out as superior to all its kinfolk. In addition to form and size it has petals of extra heavy thickness and very stout well-branched stems. No. 59-107 . Each $25.00"

Photo Credit and Copyright Iris Hunter

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New Zealand Heirloom Tall Bearded Iris "WYCHNOR"

It may be interesting to some perhaps that the New Zealand heirloom iris 'Wychnor' was thought to be registered for decades, but when researching New Zealand iris history I found this to be not the case. A couple of days ago I dug out the file on 'Wychnor' and included were the toing and froing of correspondence by emails to John Vickers advising him of this oversight prior to John thoughtfully registering the iris in 2006.

A white garden Iris which displays a lot of the colourations of 'Purissima'. Strong grower with flax green foliage, buds display a bluish tinge before opening. Flowers are large and well proportioned, standards are white, falls white with a cream centre and soft light green veining with olive gold striations on the hafts. The underside of the falls shows an olive green midline. A cross of the Morh-Mitchell White 'Purrissima' with Jean Stevens creamy yellow 'New Dawn'.
 
The hybridiser Pattie Levett lived with her sister Olga at the Levett family homestead "Beccles" in a small town called Bulls, in the North Island of New Zealand. Daughters of Mrs E Levett (Nina), the sisters never married. 'Beccles' was one of the earliest New Zealand gardens to grow Irises that Mrs Levett imported mainly from Germany at the turn of the twentieth century creating a unique collection of irises. Bulls is also where Jean and Wally Stevens started out growing Irises together just after their marriage in 1935. The Steven's Bros. Nursery introduced Miss Levett Irises.
This iris is a piece of 'New Zealand history plus' was kindly sent to me by John Vickers and is sourced from the Levett garden. I have grown on some additional Rhizomes which will be sent to Massey University for planting in their grounds early next year.
 
Steven's Bros. catalogue for 1946-47
 WYCHNOR (Levett)
An Excellent pure white of clean cut rounded form and remarkable substance. Of largest size, the flowers have that new quality of clean even texture we are coming to associate with the newest irises. Very free flowering and an excellent doer. 3½ ft.

New Zealand Hybridisers Checklist
WYCHNOR Pattie F. Levett deceased, by John Vickers, Reg., 2006.TB, 41″, (103cm) L. Pure white self, cream around beard, soft grey-green veining on hafts; beards white at end cream in middle, gold in throat; slight fragrance. Purissima X New Dawn. Stevens Bros. Wanganui 1946-47

Photo Credit and Copyright Iris Hunter

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New Zealand Heirloom Tall Bearded Iris 'PINNACLE'

A collection of New Zealand bred Irises is just not complete without a good selection of Jean Stevens Irises, and a Collection of Jean Stevens Heirloom Irises would never be worthy unless it included 'Pinnacle' the Iris that epitomised Jeans imagination of an iris with a unique colouration, coupled with the many years of determination and self belief of her skill in line breeding by staying true to course.

I still firmly believe that most New Zealand Irisarians have no real comprehension of the impact the outstanding iris "Pinnacle" had in the Iris world at the time and still has today, also the logistics of co-ordinating the growing of enough plants to send to commercial growers for sufficient stock for 'Pinnacle' be introduced simultaneously in both New Zealand and America in just 4 years after its first flowering and registration, all achieved with the absent of the logistical support that today we just take for granted, is an truly amazing feat in it self.

Schreiner's, Salem,Oregon. Iris lovers Catalog 1949
INTRODUCING - 1949
PINNACLE (Stevens 1949) M. 38”
It takes an outstanding Iris to carry this significant name but this is an outstanding Iris. Developed in New Zealand, it was instantly apparent when the first flower unfurled that here was one of those significant “breaks” in hybridizing, the creation of something distinctly different. So impressed were we with this Iris that we offer it this year to the Iris public as an American introduction.
Pinnacle is pre-eminent both in beauty of colouration and perfection of form. This distinguished Iris is a unique because of its singular colour combination - absolutely clear white standards and snooze primrose yellow falls. The blooms are wax like and beautifully molded. The good habits, branching, heavy substance and colors of daffodil freshness combine to give us a lovely, lovely Iris.
We greatly regret that we are unable to get a good reproduction of this Iris due to some imperfection in the color film. In our years of experience with Iris we have never seen an Iris like this. In fact so highly do we regard it that we feel it merits placement in the 100 Best Iris. We consider it one of the finest Iris it has been our privilege to offer. $20.00 (Note Pinnacle was featured the next year on the cover of Schreiner's 1950 Catalog see below)

SPECIAL ANNOUNCEMENT NEW ZEALAND IRIS.
 We feel honoured that we have been designated the American Agents for the distribution of the Iris creations of Mrs Jean Stevens of Wanganui, New Zealand. This discerning hybridizer, creator of such fine Iris as Inspiration and Pinnacle, to mention but two has forwarded an extensive collection of her developments to us and we expect to have many in full bloom for the meeting of the American Iris Society in Oregon this spring. Because of the fact that Iris from the southern hemisphere must be adjusted to the inversion of the seasons it generally takes a year or two for the plants to become ‘straightened around.’ Both we and the originator are interested in releasing only those kinds that have intrinsic worth and are distinctly different. We can assure our Iris friends that there are some exceptional Iris on the horizon from this fine hybridizer and we are impatient to increase our stock so we can offer Mrs Stevens’ fine, rose coloured Challenge in another year. We await the coming blooming season with keen interest.

Stevens Bros. Bastia Hill, Wanganui. IRISES 1949-1950.
PINNACLE (Stevens)
Many years ago we set out to raise an Iris with standards of purest white and forms of gold, being moved thereto by our pleasure in this fresh and lovely combination. Little by little as the years went by we have seen these colours developing amongst our seedlings until in November 1944 there unfolded this flower, which by reason of its snow-white standards rising from its primrose yellow falls we have named Pinnacle. It is not the white and gold of our original ambition-this is yet to be introduced-and is a very different combination. Pinnacle is large and beautifully formed and with excellent substance, and the plant has ideal growth habit.
Fresh, cool, flawless in its purity of colouring, and absolutely unique, this Iris has already bought us laurels from that land of fine Iris, America, where it has made its début this year. Pinnacle is to us the seal of success, a source of much gratification since this Iris had to stand against the challenge of irises from the world's best breeders.
Had there not been so great demand for Pinnacle overseas we would have been able to introduce it last year, but all surplus stocks have been sent to Oregon for the last two years so that it might be introduced simultaneously there and here. Reports are all ready to hand of its sensational flowering and acceptance by the American Iris lovers, and it gives us a very real pleasure to offer it to our New Zealand and Australian clients. The price is higher than we like to ask for a new Iris, but it will be years before the are sufficient stocks to meet the phenomenal demand, as more stocks are still required in America and England. We hope to colour plate this Iris next year from blocks made in America last May. 3½ ft. 105 shillings

The Iris Yearbook (BIS), 1949, page 86, “The Oregon meeting and Impressions of the Iris Season” by Harold W. Knowlton.
 “Saturday morning we took the bus to Schreiner's gardens, at Salem, about 50 miles south of Portland. Here we also saw a commercial growing on a large scale. Robert, Bernard, and Connie Schreiner have only recently moved the garden from Minnesota, but you would think the well-established fields had been there a long time..... There we saw what I consider the most outstanding new development that I have seen this year. It was an Iris with beautiful domed white standards and yellow flaring falls. The standards were really white without any infusion of yellow are a colour combination which many have striven for. It is called ‘Pinnacle’ and was bred by Mrs Stevens, a New Zealand hybridiser. The plant had a nicely branched stalk and is a real ‘yellow amoena’ if that is the proper designation.

Courtesy Schreiner's Iris Lovers Catalog 1950

Bulletin of the American Iris Society, July, 1949, Number 114.
'Iris from New Zealand', Robert Schreiner.

“About six years in correspondence with Mrs Jean Stevens of New Zealand, we discussed problems relating to the creation of newer amoenas in which we were mutually interested. She mentioned a break which occurred in her seedlings. This plant 1/P78 was a new type Iris was absolutely pure white standards and rich primrose yellow falls. The very striking feature was the sharp contrast standards being pure white without a touch of or hint of cream or yellow. As soon as a plant could be spared a root was forwarded to us at the United States. In due time allowing for acclimatisation since New Zealand been in the Southern Hemisphere has reversed seasons two hours we flowered the striking and original plant. It took about two seasons of this plant to become oriented to its new home and during this time Mrs Stevens, intrigued by the unusualness of this Iris carried on further extensive crossings. Soon she had 1200 seeds of it and its sisters. However, she too found the troublesome difficulty of germination which we experienced with the blue and white amoena but constant endeavour through constant crossing eventually paid off in the flowering of a much superior plant. This was the Iris Pinnacle, which is indeed a breeding triumph. We flowered this newest development in 1947, and in our estimation it is one of the most original colour creations attained. The dazzling white standards and lemon yellow falls are unique. The combination is chaste yet bright. As a garden subject it carries wonderfully and the perfection of the flower with its fine poise and extra thick leathery substance accentuates its individuality. As far as I can recall I have never seen an Iris at any time with this definite colour pattern. There have been a number of inverted bicolors with standards yellow and falls white but as far as I can recall this is the first time white standards and yellow falls have appeared in such perfection this true white and yellow amoena has the distinctiveness of Wabash combined with yellow tones giving a picture of ensuring loveliness.

Bulletin of the American Iris Society, July, 1949, Number 115.
'Iris Impressions-1949', Jesse E. Wills.
Everyone felt that Bob, Constance and Bernard Schreiner had done a remarkable job considering the comparatively short time they had been in Oregon. Bob's new house on the corner was admired. Everyone looked at the fine expanse of irises as they were growing now and tried to visualize the display garden that is to be. I was most interested in seeing 'Pinnacle' here and there were long rows of it growing well. I like it, but at the same time did not feel that it was finished or complete of its type. The falls are pale Primrose yellow, so that there is not too much contrast between them and the standards, and the haft is somewhat rough with white lines on it. On the other hand the form is excellent and it really is a white and yellow bicolour. So many irises approaching this type have cream standards, with a splash of yellow color at the haft fading out to white or cream at the edge of the falls. Pinnacle has pure white standards in the falls while light in color are a smooth yellow to the edge. I liked it better than 'New Era' of the Sass's which has too much green and too many lines in the falls.

Fairmount Gardens, Lowell, Massachusetts. Irises, Hemerocallis, Hostas, Poppies, 1950.
PINNACLE (Stevens, 1949) M. Heralded as a new break in color combination, this iris has clear white standards and smooth very light yellow falls. I might be described as a white and yellow amoena that is distinctly different from any other iris. It was the centre of attention in the Schreiner garden at the time of the 1949 annual meeting. Stock limited. H.M.A.I.S. 1949. 38in.............................................................................$15.00  

The Iris Yearbook (BIS), 1950, page 69,'Pick your Parents' by Sydney B. Mitchell
Greater contrast between the ground colour and the markings of Plicata's by removal of the cleanliness of the former and a sharpening of the marginal markings is still in the future, and not too easy. In bi-colours too, the greater the contrast between the standards in the falls the better. In this Mrs Stevens's PINNACLE is a real advance over the approach to a white and yellow bicolour I got in FAIR ELAINE. I understand her newer SUMMIT deepens the yellow of the falls while keeping the white standards and is therefore a further step, perhaps the ultimate one in that combination, though it will certainly lead to more and different bicolour combinations. Most breeders, particularly of show flowers, seek to eliminate half venation, which seems to coarsen the effect, although the general public is little bothered by it.

Bulletin of the American Iris Society, October, 1950. Number 119.
Iris Prone and Iris, Progress. John Dolman, Jr.(Pennsylvania)
In the afternoon of June 10 I arrived at Auburndale, to find the Knowlton garden past its peak and the hot sun taking a heavy toll. Mr. and Mrs. Knowlton were away at the Sioux City meeting, but he had asked me to do some crossing for him, and I went right to work in the effort to get ahead of the weather man.
Here I had my first view of Pinnacle, which had not bloomed for me, and got a good deal of satisfaction out of crossing it both ways for Mr. Knowlton. He had a row of seedlings (from a cross involving Bush Kingsford) that showed a strong tendency toward yellow amoena coloring, and I crossed them liberally with Pinnacle. I saw Pinnacle in three New England gardens, and like it very much. As in my own garden, it had made good increase, and looked like a strong grower. Stems were not full height in proportion to flower size, but they were well branched, and will no doubt go higher in the second year. The flowers were large, and of fair form and substance, though not quite as airy as in their cover-girl picture, and not quite as free of veining. Pinnacle is not the ultimate of perfection, but it is a good iris, and quite the nearest thing to a clean yellow amoena yet introduced. It will surely be popular, and its vigorous increase should make it quickly available to iris lovers everywhere.

The Iris Yearbook (BIS), 1950, page 87, “Impressions of the 1950 Iris Season” by Kenneth Romney Towndrow
Mr Pilkington showed for the first time a Westminster I believe, Mrs Stevens's PINNACLE. the white standards and lemon falls are beautifully cool and the plant should prove to be extremely useful as border relief

The Iris Yearbook (BIS), 1950, page 99, “Reflections on Iris Breeding Today” by Geddes Douglas
The greatest single advance that has occurred in years is the New Zealand iris PINNACLE. its standards are pure white, while the falls are yellow, and this iris will without doubt become the parent of a whole race of irises of related colors and patterns.

AIS Bulletin #119 October, 1950, Regional Reports page 90 "Region 16 Mrs Harry Bickle, R.V.P. Canada"
Pinnacle from New Zealand, Mrs Stevens's great achievement with pure white standards and primrose falls, bloomed magnificently. The stem and branching are good, and the foliage strong, while the beautifully formed flowers had all the freshness of spring. It is most desirable.

Bulletin of the American Iris Society, October, 1950. Number 119.
Regional Reports; Region 16- RVP Mrs. Harry Bickle, Canada.
Pinnacle from New Zealand, Mrs. Steven's great achievement, with pure white standards and primrose. falls, bloomed magnificently. The stem and branching were good and the foliage strong, while the beautifully formed flowers had all the freshness of spring. It is most desirable.

Region 17- RVP, Harry Thomas, Oklahoma.
In most of our region we grow the bearded irises as well as I have seen them grown anywhere. Pinnacle looked better in Guy Rogers' garden this spring than it did in Oregon last year. Extravaganza was better in Oklahoma City than it was in Nashville in 1948.
Pinnacle-really different. White standards,· yellow falls. Sharp contrast. One of the best new introductions.

The Iris Year Book (BIS) 1950, "America Re-Visited", H. J. Randall C.B.E.
PINNACLE is perhaps the best introduction we have had from New Zealand; but in spite of the praise lavished upon it I have to express my disappointment. The standards are beautifully white but the yellowish falls have neither good shape nor clear colouring. It is however a notable “break” and should be very useful in breeding. I may add that I should have been very proud to raise it.

Tells Iris Gardens, Provo, Utah, 1952 Iris Catalog and Hybridizers Handbook.
PINNACLE (Stevens 1949). E-M.(Magnolia) X ((Gudrun) x (Lady Morvyth x Rangitira)). Clean contrastin a yellow amoena. Destined to be highly popular and much used in Hybridising.H.M.1949, A.M.1951............$10.00

Bulletin of the American Iris Society, July, 1952. Number 126.
"Dark Horses" of Irisdom, Dr. Frank B. Galyon, Jr., Michigan.
While discussing the unusual bicolors, I can't resist the temptation to mention my feelings about the iris Pinnacle, which is found on both lists of 100. With its introduction there was placed on the market one of the two greatest color breaks of recent years, the other being the tangerine beard. In its newness it was certainly sensational, for there had not yet been marketed before its release an iris with pure white standards and light yellow falls. It may hold great breeding possibilities for developing new types. This will only be proved or disproved with the blooming of numerous seedlings from this variety. Pinnacle has certain obvious faults, and I think these should not be minimised. For one thing, the stalk is short and the flowers tend to be bunched at the top of the stem. (EDITOR'S NOTE: On a two year plant in Nashville in 1952, Pinnacle grew to 36 in. and the branching was adequate.) The color in the falls is not smoothly applied, but rather tends toward being streaked-though the streaking is not prominent. Also the shape of the flower leaves something to be desired. In spite of these failings, it remains an attractive garden iris, being both very floriferous and very vigorous of growth. Let's recognize it for what it is-the first in line of a new color combination in irises. Surely there will be much better irises of this same general color pattern developed in the near future I but meanwhile let's grow it for its originality and attractiveness.

The Iris Yearbook (BIS) 1953, page 78, “Report from America in 1953” by Catherine Hemingway Smith
 Pinnacle (Stevens) performed in exemplary fashion wherever it was grown in New England gardens. The standards were clear white and well domed with broad flaring falls of a good light yellow; it was what it was said to be, a yellow and white bicolor.

Lyon Iris Garden, Van Nuys, California. Lyon's Irisland Catalog, 1953.
PINNACLE (Stevens 1949)
Tranquil in its new color combination. It's standards are clear cool white, contrasted with smooth primrose falls. Luminous enamel finished flowers. Midseason. 35" Award of Merit 1951.

Cooleys Gardens, Silverton, Oregon. Iris Catalog 1965
PINNACLE (Stevens 1949)
Standards of clear sparkling white and well formed broad falls of clean primrose yellow. Bred in New Zealand ; it is a good grower with perfect branching on 3 foot stems. H.M.1949, A.M.1951, A.I.S

Still available today !!!!
Breezeway Iris Garden, Brooklyn, Wisconsin Catalogue 2011
 PINNACLE - 35", M, Jean Stevens, 1945
Large and beautifully formed crinkled white standards over soft yellow falls with yellow beard. Excellent substance, ideal growth habit, fresh, cool, flawless in its purity of colouring and absolutely unique - A true classic! $2.00

New Zealand Iris Hybridisers Checklist
PINNACLE Mrs J. Stevens, Reg., 1945. Sdlg. 9/RA103.TB, 35″ , M, W6M; S. Pure white. F. pale primrose, good form, substance and branching. 3ft.; Description J Stevens Studbook notes,‘1945 blooming’; (Magnolia) X ((Gudrun) x (Lady Morvyth x Rangitira)). (Note seedling number 5/RA103 changed to 9/RA103 refer J.S. 1944 blooming notes) Schreiner 1950, 'Novelties' Stevens Bros. 1949-50 H.M. 1949, A.M. 1951, A.I.S.

Pinnacle was first mentioned in the New Zealand Gardener, September, 1947, Cover story "When is a flower really New"?

The above photo is 'Pinnacle' growing in my garden at home eliminating the need to borrow a photo from an overseas photo collection but I guess Mrs Chair needs to make out that they are sliding around busy doing something.

Photo Credit and Copyright Iris Hunter

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