New Zealand Bred Aril Median Iris HAIDEE

New Zealand Bred and classified as a Arilbred Median (AB-MED), it also has the classification from the Aril Society as OGB- which is a  a hybrid containing any combination of oncocyclus and regelia and other eupogon irises. To simplify things this iris at 14 inches has the same height requirements as a Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris to give you an idea of size, it just has different mix of iris genetics. 'Haidee' blooms have striking and vibrant rose lavender standards and falls of a darker rose lavender tone. Small lighter violet highlights around a deeper violet beard. Growth is less than average but I am sure this is one of those irises that I will have to find the right spot to grow in order for it to be a success. Difficult to bred with because of its varied chromosome count derived from its parentage.

Richmond Iris Garden, 376 Hill Street, Richmond, Nelson. Catalogue 2006-2007 Issue 56
HAIDEE (Catton 1979) Lavender standards, falls flushed rose. Brown hafts, purple beards......................$6.00

Aril Society International Checklist 2010
HAIDEE  OGB-  (Hilmary Catton, R. 1979).  Sdlg. C731-10.  AB-MED (1/4), 14” (36 cm).  S. lavender; F. lavender, washed rose; light brown hafts; deep violet beard.  Myra X Saracen Warrior.  Wyuna, 1979-80.  [APTT]  

I purchased this iris last year from Richmond Iris Gardens but it has not been listed this season, so maybe next year.
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 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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