World of Irises

By Bob Hollingworth

I may be stretching a theme a little bit to include "Lemon Veil" on a list of overlooked Siberian irises, because it did win an HM, but still I believe it never received the full recognition that it deserves. It was introduced by Bob Bauer and John Coble at Ensata Gardens in 2000. It's pollen parent was "Shebang", and although this is a multipetal type, "Lemon Veil" has a perfectly normal form. (This is not surprising since 50% of the progeny of such a cross should have the normal three fall and three standard form.) The pod parent was a seedling involving a lot of genes from"Silver Illusion"– an iris aptly named because although it was a truly beautiful silvery-blue, it was an illusion that it would survive for most people.

"Lemon Veil"upon opening (Photo: Ensata Gardens)

"Lemon Veil" is a strong grower, with a pleasing ruffled form and good bud count, but its colors are the main interest. It opens as a pearly, light lavender-pink with strong hints of a pale yellow color underneath that lights up the “pinkness” and ends in a strong yellow signal at the base of the falls. The yellow fades with time, but the final lavender-pink color is itself attractive. Now, 15 years later, this light yellow and lavender-pink combination might attract less attention, but then it was novel and there were some clear hints that the combination could be very attractive and should be explored further. In all, it had its own personality that stood out from the crowd and it still makes a fine garden subject.

Certainly it was interesting to me. I kept coming back to it to try to discover just what it had that set it apart, and decided it could be a promising new parent for the red over yellow combinations that represent the biggest advance in Siberians over the last decade with their orange-brown, brick red and cinnamon colors. So in 2004 I crossed it with a deep yellow ("Laugh Out Loud") and with an existing brownish-red seedling, hoping to see lots of these new color combinations. In fact, that’s just what happened.

"Copper Country"

One result was "Copper Country"– a lovely coppery brown color. We introduced it in 2008. This was a mistake. Perhaps "Copper Country" inherited too much from "Silver Illusion", because it too resents being transplanted and often quits life without much of a fight. We got carried away with the new color and should have watched and waited a bit longer. However, it has a sister seedling, 06U6A8, which is still being considered, and both have given some interesting seedlings which seem to be more ambitious growers, such as 12S3B2.

Seedling 06U6A8

Seedling 12S3B2

Taking a second direction, a group of "Lemon Veil" x "Laugh Out Loud" seedlings were treated with colchicine, which is used to convert diploid plants to tetraploid ones, giving more genetic possibilites for different color results. Several of these proved to be tetraploid, and, critically, they were both fertile and vigorous, though blooming rather short. These are now part of an ongoing breeding program for these newer color blends which is showing promising results, e.g. seedling 11R9B3 with the red-violet color on the fall enriched by the underlying yellow. So, I’m hoping all may not have been in vain with this line of breeding.

Seedling 11R9B3 (tetraploid)

Around the same time that I was admiring "Lemon Veil", so too were Marty Schafer and Jan Sacks. They have done a much better job of producing viable and interesting new varieties from their crosses. These include "Sugar Rush" (2008), "Hot Sketch" (2008), and its sib, "Miss Apple"(2009), all with "Lemon Veil"as the pod parent, all showing red over yellow interactions to give glowing red and pink shades, and all of which received HMs at their first opportunity. I am quite sure there will be more awards to come. The line continues with such newer introductions as "Sweeter Still" (2011), which has "Sugar Rush" as one parent.


"Hot Sketch"

"Miss Apple"

More recently, Zdenĕk Seidl in the Czech Republic saw something he liked about "Lemon Veil" and has introduced several seedlings over the last two or three years. I haven’t seen these in person, but the photographs are interesting. Here is "Colors of Ostrava" (R2012) from a cross of "Lemon Veil" and"Huntress"which reveals a different way of combining lavender and yellow.

"Colors of Ostrava"(Photo: Zdenĕk Seidl)

John Coble and Bob Bauer tell me that they never got anything they liked from using"Lemon Veil" as a parent, which is surprising because it is certainly making an impact as a parent for others. That reminds me of a discussion some years ago with Currier McEwen who told me that he very much regretted not using his lovely "Ruffled Velvet" much in his later crosses after other hybridizers (me included) had received Morgan-Wood Medals by using it as parent. It seems that sometimes you only get fully appreciated after you leave home.

by Jim Murrain

Iris brevicaulis is a Louisiana Iris species. It was first described from a plant found in Jackson County, Missouri on June 6, 1897. It still grows in the same location. That specimen is considered the 'type' or what all descriptions of this Iris are based upon. It was described and named Iris foliosa, the leafy Iris. Iris brevicaulis had previously been named, but the description was changed to match I. foliosa and the currently accepted name is Iris brevicaulis, the short stemmed Iris.

Above and below: I. brevicaulis from the 'type' location in Missouri.

I. brevicaulis is the hardiest and most wide ranging of the Louisiana irises. It has been found from Leavenworth, Kansas all the way to the northeast shore of Lake Erie in Ontario, Canada, as far southwest as The Big Thicket of east Texas and southeast into the Florida Panhandle.

Below is one from Alabama.

Oh course, as with all Louisiana irises (and the reason for the descriptive name) the greatest concentrations are found in and near the bayous of south Louisiana. I. brevicaulis, however, prefers it drier than the other members of its group and is found above the riverbanks and in moist fields.

A purple and a dark blue found in Arkansas.

It readily hybridizes with the other Louisiana Iris species and imparts greater hardiness and a lessened need for wet conditions, so it should be used even more in hybridization.

Below is an interesting color form, named 'Finders Keepers', selected by Frank Chowning and registered in 1961. There is still much of interest in the straight species and they are worth growing on their own merits.

There is also a registered 'All Falls'with six falls and no standards that I would love to see, and several selections of white flowered forms.

Iris brevicaulis is the easiest of all Louisiana Iris species to grow and the latest to flower, thus a fine season extender. Consider adding this iris to your garden.

By Mike Unser

One of the best things about gardening on the west coast of the U.S. is being able to grow Pacific Coast Irises. These are awesome flowers that come in an array of shapes and sizes naturally, and hybridizers here have created even more variety and range from the numerous species found up and down the coastline. While we wait patiently for spring to bring them around again I thought I'd share a few photos of some of my favorites that I have grown.

This first photo of a clump of yellow in full, riotous bloom is one of my best PCI photos. This seedling was one of the most vigorous and floriferous I have ever grown. It was also one of the earliest PCis to come to flower, extending the season a bit.

Next up is a charming shot of I. douglasiana. This variety is native to Thurston County, WA, though this specific color no longer grows wild here, as the area where it was collected has been developed for decades. Lavender and white versions can be found in the south of the county along the interstate, but as far as I know, this orchid pink is only in gardens now.

I did not grow many named varieties, as they aren't easy to come by, don't ship and transplant well, and grow so easy from seed. I did have this lovely variety though-'For Ruth' (Roy Davidson, 1979). Just look a the wonderful colors as it lights up in the morning sun. Just perfect.

Another named variety,'Native Jewel' (Weaver, 1972), shows off the lavender side of the rainbow. This one was well liked for its very upright stems, a trait sometimes lacking in PCIs, which often do like to arc out wide.

I love this photo of 'Poppy' (Edinger/Patterson, 1983). The flower is lovely with wide round petals and a clean clear soft yellow tone, but I also appreciated the beauty of the buds rising together, so I went for this side shot when the opportunity presented.

I'll leave you with a seedling I got at a local plant swap. I am head over heels for the cream and lavender colors on this one. And isn't it pretty with the omphaloides?

I hope you've enjoyed these photos, and if you live in an area with a dry summer- mild winter climate try growing some PCIs in your garden. Seed is readily available from the SIGNA seed exchange each year.

By Andi Rivarola

Apologies for the lateness of this review; we plan, and plan some more, and then one gets a cold. I don’t know about you, but all I can do when I get a cold is... rest, do nothing, and then rest some more. So, even though I had everything necessary to share this post with you about the new issue of IRISES, well it just did not happen.

It is with much sadness that we announce the passing of ex-AIS President Clarence E. Mahan, but with the sadness comes the joy of knowing that the winter edition of IRISES has been dedicated to his memory. A section called “Remembering Clarence Everett Mahan” starts with a touching obituary by AIS’s President, Jim Morris; and it ends with the testimonials of several friends from around the world that you will find to be both enlightening and heartwarming. I didn't know Mr. Mahan well, and only had brief communications via Facebook (yes, we were FB friends) and email. Once, he even wrote to tell me how brave I was to face the social media challenges of the society. I appreciated his gentle compliment

Some of the great topics on this issue:

Riley Probst, the AIS Symposium Chair, gives us a historic review of the AIS Tall Bearded Iris Symposium. Who doesn't want to know how the TOP 100 Tall Bearded Irises list got started, and what are the current stats on TBs around the country? A very educational read.

Going to Déjà vu Dallas 2014? Hope that you are, but even if you are not please read Bonnie Nichols formal invitation to the National Convention. Located in the Dallas area and the site of the 2013 Convention, the gardens are interesting and well presented with beautiful irises, so we're wishing for a wonderful repeat. A convention registration form and the convention schedule are also included. For updates and more information about the Convention visit their website at: http://www.irises-dallas.org

If you don’t know Robert Piątek you will have a change to meet him on an article called, Iris Hybridizer and Author from Poland. From his early beginnings as a forester in the District Zawadzkie National Forest, Poland, to his current work hybridizing irises, you will be enchanted to make his acquaintance even if on paper. Don’t miss the beautiful iris pictures that accompany his introduction to the American public.

A fascinating write up about little irises may also catch your attention. The article called “Small is Beautiful” by Charlie Carver from Orcas Island, Washington.

Don't miss The Winners of the 2013 AIS Photo Contest will also surprise you with their quality, and their display size, which this year is extra large. Check them out and you’ll know what I mean.

The 2013 Honorary Awards Recipients
Herbicide Studies: Weed Control in Irises, by John E. Kaufmann
New Emeritus Judges Announced
AIS Display Gardens: What are they? By Bob Pries
Iris Color Terminology: Luminatas, by our own Rene Fraser
Winners of the 2013 AIS Photo Contest
Sections Happenings, by Gary White
And much, much more…

For those new to The American Iris Society, as a member you receive the printed quarterly edition of IRISES via mail, or if you are an e-member, then you will be able to read the entire publication online. The latter is a very convenient option for overseas iris enthusiasts. For more information, please go to our website's membership information section.

(The printed edition is in the hands of the Post Office, some members included myself have already received it; the e-version is ready for view at its normal location online.)

by Betty Wilkerson

Over and Over

What can I say about 'Over and Over?' In my zone 6b garden, nothing is as dependable for rebloom. In a good year I will get multiple stalks of'Over and Over'from July through the first hard fall freeze. Although it must be planted in a new bed or fertilized to bloom this well, in an old bed that hasn't been fertilized for a couple of years it will still put up a few stalks. (First picture is not mine. It was sent by another grower, but I've forgotten just who. Sorry!)

'Over and Over' (Innerst 2001)

One of my favorite places to use it is behind 'Star Gate.' They create a very interesting play of light and dark. Both irises are good about giving good fall bloom in my garden and bloom at the same time.

'Star Gate' (Wilkerson 2005)
'Over and Over' (Innerst 2001)

Most often, in my garden, the blooms will look like these below. The bloom often droops, not having the good lift of the picture at the top of the page. This could easily be the result of my hot late summer days, or it could be the lack of proper fertilization. But even in new beds, I've not seen the good substance that I see in photographs.

'Over and Over' (Innerst 2001)

What is the value of 'Over and Over' in our breeding programs? It should be a good breeder for rebloom. Although it not happen instantly, I believe that with a large measure of patience, and a few generations of both outbreeding and inbreeding, it will give us a path to tall, well-branched rebloomers with good substance in the colder climates.

For those of you who are not genetic experts, it is important to know that plicatas like'Over and Over' crossed to other plicatas will give more plicatas. There will be occasional selfs (solid colored irises), but most will be similiar to 'Over and Over.'A plicata crossed to a self can give selfs, bitones, or variegatas (irises with yellow standards and red falls). Color must exist in the genetic family to be produced in the children, so my guess is that variegatas will be rare in these crosses.

I've had one reblooming seedling from a cross of one of my older, but weaker, rebloomers by 'Over and Over', and there are several more crosses in the seedling beds that contain 'Over and Over.' Stay tuned for the results. Even better, try some crosses of your own with 'Over and Over!' Have fun!

By Mike Unser

In 2007 Clarence Mahan published a wonderful book titled Classic Irises and the Men and Women Who Created Them which contained a chapter about the Iris that lost its name - 'Sans Souci'. According to Mr. Mahan's thorough research what is commonly growing all over the US as 'Honorabile' is not; its really 'Sans Souci'. Click on the photos to embiggen.

The mixing of names for these two started very early on and were known to be confused when the 1929 Checklist was published. Given the similarity it is easy to see why this error came about. The real 'Honorabile' should have a solid red fall, not a thin layer washed across the yellow, as 'Sans Souci' displays. I've been unable to locate the real 'Honorabile', tho I have collected several of its sports. A sport is a vegetative mutation that is quite rare in irises, but Sans Souci and its brethren are well known for this trait, occasionally growing a new rhizome identical in all ways but color pattern. Here's a few that have been named and introduced over the years:

In 2008 a stalk on my clump of 'Joseph's Coat Katkamier' put out flowers in a most interesting pattern - each terminal bloom was perfectly split in half between the typical 'JCK' pattern and the 'Sans Souci' pattern, with buds on the right side branches being perfect 'SS' and buds on the left branches being perfect 'JCK' blooms.

Surprisingly it did this again on a stalk in 2009. I plan to separate it out this summer and see if it remains stable. I've also heard mention from other collectors of a sport that lost all its yellow pigment and is a perfect amoena, and another that lost all its pigments and was solid ivory.

This is a fun family of iris varieties, and being Miniature Tall Beardeds they don't take up much room in the garden. I highly recommend them as excellent garden plants and they are well known for their hardiness and vigor. The AIS Bulletin published Clarance Mahan's synopsis of his book's chapter on Honorabile and Sans Souci in the 2006 issue #341, which is reprinted here , and there's excellent information on the known sports in an article from ROOTS by noted expert Jean Witt which is also at HIPS' website

'Amber Essence' in Brad's Garden c. Brad Collins

By Renee Fraser

We are a lucky generation of gardeners: there are quite a number of talented photographers across the internet sharing their shots of our favorite flower. In the days before internet sites such as Dave's Garden, All Things Plants, Gardenweb, and of course, the American Iris Society's Iris Encyclopedia, we had to anxiously await the year's catalogs from our favorite iris growing companies to drool over lovely images of irises. So much has changed in the last few years! So today I would like to share a few of the fine photographs of one of my internet heroes, Brad Collins (Aruba), who has designed and planted an extraordinary iris garden in Iowa and who liberally and generously shares his beautiful photographs of irises with the world on AllThings Plants and the Irises Cubit.

'Purple Serenade' c. Brad Collins

I really love Brad's pictures because he often photographs the whole plant or a clump of irises, which gives me a better idea of what the variety will look like in the garden. For instance, 'Petticoat Shuffle' never would have caught my eye (just another purple plicata) but Brad's clump shot sent me straight to the catalog to place the order.

'Petticoat Shuffle' c. Brad Collins

Brad became interested in photography through scuba diving, and when I complimented him on his talent, he dryly noted that taking pictures of irises is easy compared to trying to capture a three-foot-long fish moving like lightning 90 feet below water. But I don't think it's easy to get a shot like this:

'There's No Place Like Home' c. Brad Collins

Brad comes from a long line of iris lovers. It has become a cliché' in this blog, but once again, it was grandma who started it all. Brad's father, Michael, also an iris lover and accomplished gardener, says that when he was a child the whole family would walk over to grandma's iris garden to eat a hearty breakfast cooked by grandpa over an open fire outside. The scent of the first iris each spring brings those memories flooding back, and Michael is proud and happy that his son Brad caught the iris virus and is continuing the family tradition. The first iris Brad planted in his garden was 'Stepping Out', a gift from his dad, who was given that very iris by his grandmother in 1975.

'Drinks at Sunset' c. Brad Collins

Brad has designed several acres of gardens in Iowa. He was inspired to plant his huge curving beds of irises after a tour of the Pacific northwest iris growers in 2009, including visits to Mid America, where he fell in love with the way the irises were set off by the conifers, roses, and small trees. With advice and help from Paul Black, he set about creating his own Eden. Many of his spectacular clump shots are taken in his own back yard. He grows over 500 varieties of irises, mostly newer introductions from Paul Black, Thomas Johnson, Joe Ghio, Barry Blyth, and Keith Keppel, but many from other hybridizers as well.

Brad's garden featuring rare conifers

Year-round interest

Over 500 varieties of irises

Brad says "one of the things I enjoyed from visiting the commercial gardens on the west coast was the seedling beds, and finding something brand new in those gardens every day that I had never seen before. It was a lot of fun- I think I walked all of Schreiner's 200 acres in those few days and made numerous stops at Mid America and Keppel’s, and I really enjoyed seeing all the new colors and patterns. So I decided to try and make some crosses at home just to see if I could get some pods. The result was better than I had hoped and I came up with almost 40 crosses." Over 800 plants are growing, and this year he planted 3,000 seeds. Thank goodness his kind neighbors own a commercial garden, and they have given over part of a greenhouse for his use. He'll need his own greenhouse soon!

Brad's Seedlings lined out

Brad has scheduled a trip to California this spring: he will be visiting Napa Country Iris, Joe Ghio's gardens in Monterey, and Superstition Iris Gardens this April. I look forward to sharing his experience through his generosity with his time and talent and the wonders of the internet. To hold you over until then, here are a few more of his wonderful clump shots.

'Catwalk Queen' c. Brad Collins

'Sweetly Sung' c. Brad Collins

'Romantic Gentleman' c. Brad Collins

Which photo will send you straight to the order forms? Let us know below.

By Ron Killingsworth

'Mississippi Eavesdropper'(Peter Jackson, 2011)

There are many species of irises throughout the world, and you can learn more about all of them by visiting the web site of The American Iris Society. Our discussion today is limited to Louisiana irises, and you can quickly learn more about Louisiana irises by visiting the web pages of The Society for Louisiana Irises.

Peter Jackson of Australia has produced many beautiful Louisiana irises. 'Mississippi Eavesdropper'is certainly a great example of his work. This flower form is very uncommon in modern Louisiana iris hybrids. The yellow style arms standing tall matched by the same color halo around the petals makes this one of my favorite pictures and favorite irises!

'Montegut'(Joe Musacchia - 2010)

Joe Musacchia lives below New Orleans and if you pass his home you drive into the Gulf of Mexico. Joe has recovered from several horrible hurricanes and now more and more of his hybrids are appearing each year.

'Miss Gertie's Bonnet'(Dormon Haymon, 1999)

Dormon lives south of Lafayette, LA, and although he is not active in hybridizing today, he produced many beautiful irises in the past. This iris continues to be one of my favorites -- a beautiful iris -- a beautiful picture -- a beautiful name. What more could you want?

'Nancy Tichborne'(Bernard Pryor, 2010)

Heather and Bernard Pryor of Australia have hybridized and introduced many award winning Louisiana irises. I love this iris because of the yellow style arms, the green coloring at the throat of the style arms, the matching signals on all petals and the ruffling on the petals. The color is very pleasing.

'Our Dorothy'(Bernard Pryor, 1997)

Another beautiful iris well photographed. This iris is the pod parent or pollen parent in many recent hybrids. It passes on some really great genes. It remains one of my favorite Louisiana irises from year to year.

'Seminole Sunrise'(Harry Wolford, 2004)

Harry Wolford lives in Palm Bay, FL, after retiring from Ohio. This iris is one of several in Harry's "Seminole" series and is a great garden iris with very beautiful colors.

'Shizuoka Sunrise'(Pat O'Connor, 2001)

Pat O'Connor lives in Metairie, LA, a northern suburb of New Orleans, and has produced some really wonderful irises -- most named for Louisiana landmarks. This iris is obviously an exception to Pat's habit of naming his irises with distinctive Louisiana names. If you want a red one, this is the one for you!

'Starlite Starbrite'(Marvin Granger, 1985)

One of many "doubles" produced by Marvin Granger of south Louisiana. It is my favorite double and even though it has been around quite a while, it continues to win blue ribbons and even "Queen of Show" when entered in iris shows.

'Tarnished Brass'(Frank Chowning, 1961)

Frank Chowning, Little Rock, AR, produced many hybrids during the 50's and 60's. He liked to produce Louisiana irises that were particularly suited to colder climates. This iris has a distinctive color and although it has the flower form of the older spidery type, it continues to be a favorite among Louisiana iris growers throughout the world.

'Twisted Sister'(Pat O'Connor, 2003)

Registered as "form twisted and fluted, stands erect", this flower is really different! It usually lives up to its name and the "stands stand up -- falls fall down" form is one of my favorite forms.

'Wild Cajun'(Henry Rowlan, 1989)

Henry Rowlan, of north Arkansas, hybridized many irises and I love this one because of the red color and the wonderful name.

'Word of Warning'(Heather Pryor, 2003)

Another great iris by Heather from "down under". It has such striking signals and coordinated colors! It has 'Our Dorothy'as a parent.

I hope you have enjoyed some of these well photographed pictures of beautiful irises. Grab that camera during bloom season and get out there and take some award winners of your own!

By Mike Unser

I've been a member of HIPS for many years now and have had hundreds of folks send me photos of irises they have found which they are looking to ID. I also like to note when I am traveling what varieties I see left in public plantings where they receive little care. From these observations a few have turned up again and again, and it has given me a good appreciation for those varieties that are super hardy and can survive years of neglect. Here's a few of my favorites. (As always, click the photos for larger views).

Flavescens shows up over and over, especially in the northern part of the country where it was spread far and wide by settlers from Scandinavian countries. I see it here in Olympia and surrounding towns all the time in spring, happily blooming away with no care at all. One local clump is in the shade of a big leaf maple and doesn't seem to mind the heavy shade a bit. These survivors are always breaking the "rules" we usually think of when cultivating bearded irises.

Several years ago when visiting my hometown in Illinois I stopped by the farm where my grandparents had lived. My grandmother had sold the place ten years before but her iris garden was still there. The current owners graciously allowed me to take some starts home. Among them I found I. kochii, Blue Shimmer, and Pinnacle. I. kochii in particular seems very widely spread.

Another relative's old homestead turned up Florentina happily growing under a large rhody. Florentina shows up everywhere in the US.

This next one does not have a name. The best HIPS experts have pondered it and come up empty and yet it is everywhere. I see this more often than most any other in people's submissions wanting IDs. I saw it on the AIS Facebook page the other day too, again, someone looking for the name. It is a real charmer too. Small diploid blooms but loads of them They open with the standards tinted lavender but it fades to a soft yellow over the life of the bloom.

These last two are maybe the hardiest of all: Lent A. Williamson and Indian Chief. Both are found all across the US. Here they are growing outside the Court services building in Olympia, WA. Every couple of years the city work crews come thru and dump several inches of beauty bark on them (!!), but they are otherwise left alone.

Indian Chief is growing in shade on the north side of the building and only gets direct sunlight in the summer when the sun moves far enough north to hit it.

I visited Mt. Hood several years ago and came upon a large clearing well up in the mountains. A cabin had been there once long ago but was now long gone, leaving an open grassy meadow. Scattered across the hillside were bearded iris fans. I took one home to see what this might be and, sure enough, it was Indian Chief.

If you are looking for some bearded irises that you'll never have to fuss over you could not find better than these, and they are perfect for tough climates or growing conditions. Hybridizers looking to bring vigor and hardiness into their lines could consider these as well.

By Griff Crump

Éireann go breá! Yes, it's St. Patrick's Day, sowhy not take a look at some of the many irises that have an Irish flavor to their names? For a start, here's 'Isle of Erin', (F. Gadd, R. 1985).

'Isle of Erin'

One of the earliest Irish-themed introductions of which a photo is available was 'Irish Linen' (Fay, R. 1954):

'Irish Linen'

In 1962, Alta Brown registered herminiature dwarf 'Irish Doll'. Whereas most of the Irish-themed irises tend toward a greenish hue, the falls of this one are certainly more yellow. But that's okay. In ancient days, the preferred color for Irish raiment was yellow. The color was obtained from the pollen of crocuses. Imagining how many crocuses it would have taken to produce enough dye to color even one woolen cloak, and thus the cost, one can figure the social status of a wearer who could afford such a garment! Later, Irish milliners found a less expensive source of the color in saffron imported from India. The wearin' of the yellow ended, however, when Elizabeth I, having consolidated her rule over Ireland, prohibited the native Irish from wearing their traditional woolen cloaks and the color yellow. (A culture-eradicating tactic as insidious as those pursued by the Soviets of the 20th Century.)

'Irish Doll'

Betty Wilkerson registered 'Tara's Choice' in 2002 -- the hill of Tara being the place a bit north of Dublin where Ireland's ancient kings were crowned.

'Tara's Choice'

Ireland has long been known as the land of saints and scholars, but to that we would certainly have to add poets and musicians. Gordon Plough in 1978 introduced 'Irish Tune'.

'Irish Tune'

And the late George Sutton introduced his standard dwarf bearded'Irish Chant'in 2001.

'Irish Chant'

While looking at SDBs, I'll add my own 2009 SDB 'Bradan Eolais' (Salmon of Knowledge), so named because of its gold-washed salmon coloring. The Bradán Eolais was a magical fish whose great powers were accidentally acquired by the mythical Irish hero Finn MacCool.

'Bradán Eolais'

From Keith Keppel in 2005 came 'Irish Jig'.

'Irish Jig'

Many of us are familiar with L. Noyd's 'Pride of Ireland' registered in 1970.

'Pride of Ireland'

Larry Lauer gave us 'Irish Gold' in 2004.

'Irish Gold'

And sure, when Irish gold is around, can a leprechaun be far away? R. Fothergill introduced a Pacific Coast Native as 'Leprechaun' in 1959, but no picture is to be found! Well, now, is that surprising, after all? And Hooker Nichols' 1982 'Leprechaun Kingdom' was similarly elusive. Again, perhaps, too close to home. Barry Blyth claimed to have found the big one, 'Leprechaun's Gold', in 1982, but again, no picture to be found, at all, at all. But other things leprechaun-ish do abound.

John Weiler introduced SDB 'Leprechaun's Delight' in 1987.

'Leprechaun's Delight'

C. Boswell presented a'Leprechaun's Eyelash'for inspection in 1989, winning an HM in 1991and an AM in 1995 .

'Leprechaun's Eyelash' SDB

Barry Blyth's 1993 'Leprechaun's Kiss' has also proven elusive. A stolen kiss, perhaps? Or could this image found in our Iris Encyclopedia under another file name be it?

'Leprechaun's Kiss'?

Chuck Chapman found a 'Leprechaun's Purse' in 1999.

'Leprechaun's Purse' SDB

Jim Hedgecock had a 'Leprechaun Fantasy' in 2012.

'Leprechaun Fantasy' Spuria

And, finally, I must admit that I am somewhat partial to the little people, since my great-grandfather Thomas Bernard Weadick (MacMhadoc) was born at an estate in County Wexford known as Parknashogue. At least, that's the way the English rendered the name. It was, in the Irish, Páirc na Sióg, which translates as Fairyland. Here is Fairyland today: (The county government won't let them cut down the two ancient trees.)

Do you think a leprechaun might be found here?

Susanne Holland Spicker

Barry Blyth seedling - Yellow plicata
(Photos courtesy of Roland Dejoux)

Hybridizers Barry Blyth and Keith Keppel have very successful plicata programs, with many award-winning cultivars through the years. They continue to explore plicata patterns, coming up with exciting new variations. With their permission, Roland Dejoux, President of the French Iris Society, shares some of the latest cutting-edge Barry Blyth and Keith Keppel seedlings:

Barry Blyth seedling

Keith Keppel seedling

Barry Blyth seedling

Keith Keppel seedling

There are several forms of plicata irises. Walter Moores, hybridizer and iris expert, tells us there are those that are barely a plicata, with narrow margins; some are almost solid; some are banded; there are amoena plicata irises, others are bi-colored, others look like a seamstress has meticulously applied a hand-sewn edge; and still others look like a pepper shaker has applied the color, like his all-time favorite plicata, the heavily peppered 'Leanna.' I can see why it's a favorite!

'LEANNA' (Meininger 1997)
(Photo AIS wiki)

Plicata irises have been around forever. Shown here, the historic plicata from 1612, 'SWERTI.' It is still grown in the garden of Gordana Stojanovic, and is the oldest documented plicata.

'SWERTI' 1612
(Photo courtesy of Gordana Stojanovic)

Considered one of the best bearded irises of all-time, the beautiful white and blue-violet plicata 'MADAME CHEREAU' (Lemon 1844) is grown all over the world, and is still offered by commercial iris gardens, as seen in this photo from Schreiner's Iris Gardens.

'Madame Chereau' 1844
(Photo courtesy of Schreiner's Iris Gardens)

The first Dykes Medalist was a plicata--'San Francisco' (Mohr 1927), as well as 7 others through the years:

'SAN FRANCISCO' Mohr 1927 DM
(Photo AIS wiki)

'Kilt Lilt' (Gibson) DM 1976
(Photo courtesy of Dawn Mumford)

'JESSE'S SONG' (Williamson) DM 1990
(Photo courtesy of Dawn Mumford)

'SPLASHACATA' (Tasco) DM 2005
(Photo courtesy of Dawn Mumford)

'STAR WOMAN' (M Smith) DM 2008

'DRAMA QUEEN' (Keppel) DM 2011

Jim Hedgecock, of Comanche Acres Iris Gardens, has had a keen interest in the hybridization of plicata tall bearded irises for several years. He says he "knows that many of the future color advancements [in tall bearded irises] will come from the plicata pool of genes." He goes on to say that he sees "multiple bands in different colors on both the standards and falls." To a certain extent these already exist, but he says "they just need more refining." One of the most exciting advancements, he predicts, is the background colors. "We will see orange, pink, and no telling what other colors as background colors in the near future of plicata blooms" he says. Hybridizers have "pulled out the luminata and glaciata patterns from the plicata" and he says "we can only guess what is next!" Pictured here is his 2012 introduction and a few of his innovative seedlings in his emerging line of plicata irises:

'ORDINATION' Hedgecock 2012

This iris is destined to be the front-runner of what Jim hopes will be a line of plicata irises with multi-colored standards.

Hedgecock seedling X-5-1

Hedgecock seedling R-102-X

Hedgecock seedling Z-34

Hedgecock seedling X-32

Iris-lover Gayla Schmidt shares two of her all-time favorite plicata irises from her garden with us:

'WONDERS NEVER CEASE' (P Black 2007) HM 2009 AM 2011
This is one of Paul's favorites in his hardy plicata program--WOW!

Gayla says she loves the bold colors--that they just grab your eye when in bloom! She loves the great balance of color in 'Showcase.'

'SHOWCASE' Schreiner 1975

Dawn Mumford has about 35 plicata tall bearded irises in her garden. She says "she doesn't know how you can narrow it down to just 2-3 favorites," and shares some of her all-time favorites with us from her garden:

'QUEEN IN CALICO' (Gibson 1980)

'RANCHO ROSE' (Gibson 1975)

'CREATIVE STITCHERY' (R Schreiner 1984) HM 1988

'ROSE TATTOO' (Nearpass 1976)

As dramatic new plicata patterns are introduced in the coming years, one can only dream of the stunning creations yet to be introduced. I am anxiously waiting for many new beauties in the iris world.

Watch for lots more Keith Keppel and Barry Blyth seedlings, shared by Roland Dejoux, in my next post!

Do you grow plicata irises? What is your favorite plicata? I would love to hear from you!

NOTE: To read more on plicata tall bearded irises, or "The Plicata Men," Jim Gibson and Keith Keppel, and their amazing cultivars, click on the following links:

"The Amazing Plicatas of Jim Gibson"/Mike Unser, April 2, 2012, World of Irises.

"Illumination - By Keith Keppel"/Andi Rivarola, April 9, 2012,
as featured in the April 2012 issue of IRISES, the Bulletin of the American Iris Society.

"Plicata Tall Bearded Irises"/Jim Hedgecock, January 17, 2012, World of Irises.

SUSANNE HOLLAND SPICKER

Polish iris expert and hybridizer, Robert Piatek, shares the process of his exciting, new plicata hybridizing program. Thank you, Robert, for sharing your passion with us!

MY PLICATAS

by Robert Piątek

The plicata pattern displayed on bearded irises is spectacular and every grower aspires to create a plicata pattern that does not yet exist.

The most distinguished grower of this group of irises is Keith Keppel. His work is unsurpassed. He is always one step ahead of his contemporaries.

My strategy was never to grow just one group of iris. That is why my seedlings are diverse. But I digress. Back to plicatas!

I created my first plicatas in 2007 by crossing 'RUSTLER' with 'ACOMA':

I immediately recognised the quality of this seedling and I registered it in 2010 in AIS as the QUEEN OF DEW. It is a flower of warm colours with standards like dark honey and perfectly white falls, with a pale plicata pattern of honey coloured freckles. The plant is robust but not too many shoots are produced each year.

QUEEN OF DEW

Two years later, in 2009, I crossed 'SLOVAK PRINCE' with 'BLACKBERRY TEASE':

From this crossing I had a dozen or so seedlings but only three were plicatas. 'D' was not nice and I discarded it. The next two were okay, but 'A' grabbed my attention. The uprights are lavender with a light brown rim. The rim comprises of a number of brown lines that constitute the plicata pattern. The seedlings grow slowly but are quite prolific with 4 to 6 new shoots each year.

'A' from the SLOVAK PRINCE and BLACKBERRY THEASE cross.

In 2010, I decided to cross two plicatas and the results are illustrated below:

From this cross I like only ‘A’ with its unique shape of flower and dark burgundy colour. The plicata pattern is quite typical but on the uprights you can see a light brown rim.

'A' from 'KRAKOWIANKA' and 'WHISPERING SPIRITS' cross.

‘B’ has a well developed beautiful rich plicata pattern but the morphology of the plant is such that it will probably be discarded.

'B' from 'KRAKOWIANKA' and 'WHISPERING SPIRITS' cross.

I continue to monitor ‘C’ and am still undecided in regard to whether it will be registered in the future.

These are all my plicatas that I have created in the last four years but I still have 1,500 seedlings that are yet to flower. In pots I have 7,000 seeds resulting from many different crossings. I think in a year or two you could see my next plicatas. Maybe among them is something of a similar quality to 'QUEEN OF DEW'.

By Kathleen Sayce

Written February 17, 2014

I started growing Pacifica Iris more than fifteen years ago, when the West Coast was in a warmer, drier weather cycle, so it took several years for my plants to experience even a little snow. In the past few years, a few snow days each winter have been more common than not, so I can now report knowledgeably on what happens to Pacificas in the snow.

Iris chrysantha under light snowfall

First, some species in my garden, including Iris hartwegii ssp.australis, I thompsonii andI. tenax, normally go completely dormant. In warmer snow-free years, they may or may not brown down until February. It's not uncommon for all of these species to keep green leaves for most of the winter, and then in early March, suddenly the old battered but still greenish leaves vanish, and a few weeks later the small, stubby new leaves appear.

Now add snow to the mix, even just a few days, and wham, the leaves brown off, and the plants vanish from the surface.

The second group, of species, includes Iris innominata, I. chrysophylla andI. douglasiana, and also hybrids, hangs on and keeps some green leaves all winter long, though those leaves can look pretty battered, and many are browning off, by late February. Hybrid Pacificas are a mix of many species, largely from around the Bay Area of the central California coast and nearby mountains. These tend to have more I. douglasiana genes, which is a sturdy evergreen species with large leaves.

Iris 'Cape Ferrelo' under light snowfall.

So the hybrids stay evergreen, come snow, hail, ice storms or torrential rains.

These traits, evergreen leaves or not, and a tendency to go fully dormant in snow or not, have helped me sort out the likely genetics of Pacificas that may come to a gardener without a label, or with an erroneous one. I. douglasiana andI. innomnata have durable evergreen leaves; I. douglasianaleaves tend to be thicker, longer, and wider, while I. innominata leaves tend to be a very dark green, narrower, and shorter.

Seedling Pacifica Iris emerging from snow in the garden.

My I. hartwegii ssp. australisplants were grown from seeds collected by a SPCNI member, Richard Richards, who lives in southern California. The first winter they experienced snow, I sent Richard a photo to show the plants well buried in white stuff. He wrote back that there was a drought that winter in the San Bernardino Mtns, and these plants might be the happiest individuals of that species anywhere on the West Coast that year. This was the first year that I noticed just how differently Pacificas go dormant under snow.

Iris hartwegii ssp. australis emerging from snow cover.

The last photo in this post is a Pacifica iris that was labeled I. innominata 'Burnt Sugar' when I bought it many years ago. The leaves are too wide and long to be solely I. innominata, which is the mostly likely species based on flower color. There's not a hint of dormancy when ice storms and snow arrive. This one has some I. douglasianagenes too. By the fairly narrow falls and standards, it is not too far from a yellow-flowered species selection, and is not a modern hybrid. ['Burnt Sugar' is not a registered name] Thanks to an industrious Steller Jay, the original tag, including source, is long gone.

Iris 'Burnt Sugar', an unregistered selection, in full flower.

Knowing now how Pacifica species behave in snow, it's clear that 'Burnt Sugar' has both I. douglasiana and I. innominatagenes, hence the lovely yellow color with red veining on a sturdy plant with dark green leaves, and no sign of dying back under snow.

To learn more about these irises and others, visit SIGNA, the Species Iris Group of North America's website.

I am always interested in the names that hybridisers chose for their iris cultivar seedlings. Many of these names can tell you a lot about the hybridiser - his or her likes and dislikes - and their sense of humour, interests and other aspects. For example, in 2012 Bernard and I were asked by The Royal Horticultural Society of New South Wales Inc. to name one of our Louisiana iris seedlings for the 150th anniversary of the Society. The RHS of NSW was the first horticultural Society in the new colony of New South Wales and was founded in 1862 - some 40 years before the federation of the Australian colonies into the Commonwealth of Australia on 1901. The Society's members over the decades have read like a 'who's who' of early pioneers in horticulture in Australia. The Governors of New South Wales (the represenative of His or Her Majesty over the years) have been the Patron of the Society since 1862. This was pretty heddy stuff for a couple of Louisiana iris hybridisers from Sydney, I can tell you, but we rose to the challenge and provided a delightful seedling for the task. A celebratory rose was also chosen for this special event. The colours of the Society are 'ruby and gold', so the name 'Bennelong Gold' was chosen for the golden-coloured rose and the name 'Bennelong Ruby' was chosen for the two-toned ruby Louisiana iris pressed into service for this special event. But why was the prefix 'Bennelong'used? 'Bennelong' was one of the first indigenous Australians to make meaningful contact with the first Governor, Governor Arthur Phillip when the first European-based settlement was established in Sydney Cove in 1788. Governor Phillip was a bit of a linguist, having mastered many European-based languages before taking on the task of governing and co-ordinating the new settlement in what was then known as 'Terra Australis' or 'the great southern land'. Despite his linguistic talent, Phillip could not make much progress with the local Aboriginal dialect, but the young indigenous aboriginal, 'Bennelong' was a natural at languages and he soon learn rudimentary English. He acted as a translator (both culturally and linguistically). His efforts were rewarded with a Governor providing 'Bennelong'with a small hut of wattle and daub construction on a small headland in Sydney Harbour, where he lived out his life in relative luxury. This headland is now known as Bennelong Point - and is the current site for the famous Sydney Opera House. The word 'Bennelong' therefore had great historical and cultural importance for Sydney, New South Wales and ultimately the Commonwealth of Australia. Most tourist to Sydney either visit the Opera House or at least take a strole around Bennelong Point during their visit. The combination of the name 'Bennelong' with the colours of The RHS of NSW Inc. (ruby and gold) seemed like a perfect fit for us. 'Bennelong Ruby' is a new release for Iris Haven this year, having been first made available via The Royal Horticultural Society of NSW Inc. in 2012. Rhizomes of 'Bennelong Ruby' are growing in the gardens of Government House, which itself sits just above Bennelong Point in Sydney. So, what's in a name? A powerful lot of interesting history, if nothing else!

by Ron Killingsworth

'Heather Pryor'(John Taylor 1993)

Louisiana irises got their name from the state of Louisiana, but they are grown around the world. The Society for Louisiana Irises has members in many nations outside the United States. Louisiana iris hybridizers living "down under" in Australia have produced, registered and introduced many award-winning Louisiana irises. We are fortunate here at the AIS World of Irises to have Heather Pryor, a hybridizer of award-winning LA irises, join our team of bloggers. Be on the lookout for posts by Heather coming your way soon. In her honor, we feature the iris that carries her name, by another Australian hybridizer, John C. Taylor.

John was born in Sydney on the 4th of July. As an adult he became interested in growing irises and perhaps his birthday on the United State's independence day led to his interest in Louisiana irises.

'Heather Pryor'

'Heather Pryor' is one of my favorite irises. The coloring, the serrated edges, the light yellow style arms -- it just has so much beauty.

'Heather Pryor'

I have this iris growing in many different locations and it does well wherever I plant it. It is a great garden iris and will give great increase year after year. It produces many blooms on each stalk.

'Heather Pryor'

This is not the normal form of the flower but was probably freshly opened. This form (falls falling and stands standing) is one of my favorite flower forms but is not the most common form for this iris.

'Heather Pryor'

I would say this represents the most common form for this iris. It has creamy stands that are flushed with a pink coloring and yellow style arms.


'Heather Pryor'

The falls are registered as "cream ground, veined and heavily flushed pink toward paler rim" but I think of them as more pinkish with darker pink veining. Any way you describe it, it is a lovely iris!

Other important irises introduced by John include 'C'est Si Bon' and 'Dural White Butterfly'.

'C'est Si Bon' (John C. Taylor 1983)

C'est Si Bon means "it is so good," an appropriate name for this iris. It remains one of my favorite irises and the white spray pattern around the signal makes it easy to spot from a distance.

'C'est Si Bon'

John has registered almost 200 Louisiana irises and they have won awards in the United States as well as in Australia.

'Dural White Butterfly' (John C. Taylor 1989)

A number of John's irises begin with the word Dural, which is a semi-rural suburb of Sydney, in the state of New South Wales. 'Dural White Butterfly' is one of the most outstanding white Louisiana irises and remains very popular even with today's more modern hybrids. It seems to have never won an award in the US but you will find it in many many gardens and in the genealogy of many other Louisiana irises.

'Dural White Butterfly'

Registered simply as "white self", this wonderful iris is certainly deserving a more vivid description! It has serrated edges and ruffling, something not common in registered irises from the 1980's.

'Dural White Butterfly'

The lovely green style arms and the green veined signals certainly help to make this a distinctive white Louisiana irises.

To learn more about irises in general, visit the American Iris Society. To learn more about Louisiana irises please visit the Society for Louisiana Irises. You can see more irises from "down under" by visiting Iris Haven, the gardens of Heather and Bernard Pryor at Iris Haven.

by Jim Murrain

Iris 'Blue Warlsind' a hybrid "Juno" between I. warleyensis and I. sindjarensis, or is it?

Between name changes and poor notes it's a bit of a mystery. I. warleyensis is fairly certain as the pod parent. I. sindjarensis, the pollen parent, has had a name change to I. aucheri. Except for being a "Juno" it has little in common with I. aucheri. It does however reflect the traits of I. bucharica. This is an old hybrid and will likely remain a mystery unless someone repeats the cross to determine one way or the other.

Iris 'Blue Warlsind' above and below.

Thought to share the same parentage as 'Blue Warlsind' is'Warlsind' another early hybrid. These have been in the bulb trade for many, many, decades. We don't even know the name of the hybridizer.

Iris'Warlsind'above and below.

And just for fun is another cross, this time between I. sindjarensis and I. persica. The pod parent is thought to actually be I. aucheri, don't forget the name change. Iris 'Sind-Pers' does have an introduction date 1889, and the hybridizer was Van Tubergen. This is an easy to grow hybrid and in good soil can make a nice sized plant in only a year. It is very short and the flowers create a fine bouquet appearing to all come from the center of the clump.

Iris 'Sind-Pers' above and below.

These are all very early flowering irises and want very good drainage, I grow them like Aril irises. In my Kansas City garden they bloom near the Vernal Equinox.

When browsing through the Fall bulb catalogs look for and give Juno Iris a try. They make a great start to the Iris Season.

Kathleen Sayce

Pacific Coast Iris (PCI) can be so touchy to lift and transplant that gardeners may wait years––letting a particularly choice plant increase in size so that half or more of the clump can be left alone, just in case it really doesn't want to be moved. Translate 'doesn't want to be moved' as 'dies' and you have a pretty good idea of the PCI response to conditions or changes in conditions that it doesn't like. PCI aren't easy plants. They are a good challenge to a gardener's skill set, in a rock gardening sort of a way. The payoff is that when they thrive, the flower show is amazing, and unparalleled in the iris world.

Iris tenax x innominata seedlings in their third year. These plants flower weeks later than modern PCI hybrids, extending flowering from early June into early July. Photo by Kathleen Sayce

I have a pale yellow PCI seedling in my garden that I left to grow an additional year, just in case it doesn't take well to being divided and replanted. I'm waiting this spring to see how it responded to being moved last fall. If it survives, no, if it thrives, then I'll be sending plants out to several growers to see how it does in other gardens. It has many marks of a new and desirable hybrid, and the flowers are nicely complex, with a delicate turquoise flush, golden yellow signal and reddish veins, an open and upright flower, a sturdy base of leaves and strong shoots. The current test is to see how it transplants; desirable PCI seedlings often fail at this test.

This seedling PCI last year had lovely flowers with golden signals, reddish veins and a turquoise flush on the falls. This year, I dug it up, divided it, and moved it. Will it thrive? We'll know in a few months. Photo by Kathleen Sayce.

Choosing when to divide and transplant PCI can be funny to watch from outside the garden. The gardener pulls soil and mulch away from the base of the plant, looks closely, shakes her head, pats the materials back in place, then moves over to check the next plant, then the next... then goes away for a few days or a week. Or two weeks. Or a month. We are looking each time for that clear sign of a growing PCI–-live white roots on the base of the leafy shoots. Live roots grow twice a year, in spring and fall. In cool moist climates, new roots can grow for several months, almost year round, while in climates with prolonged dry summers, they might grow for only a few weeks: 6-8 at most in fall and spring, with cold weather slowing growth midwinter, and dryness slowing growth midsummer.

Fall is a good time to transplant PCI. These plants have sturdy shoots with white roots on the current year's fan. The new fans are visible as tiny sprouts above the roots, on the left side of both transplants. These transplants are from a vigorous yellow-flowered I. douglasiana selection. Photo by Kathleen Sayce

Why this spring and fall root growth pattern? PCI are native to the West Coast of North America, which has a Mediterranean-type climate. This means that there is a brief to very prolonged dry season each summer, depending on latitude, when PCI go summer dormant. When rains return in the fall, they produce tiny new fans of leaves with tiny buds of roots; and older roots just behind them, on the current year's fan, start growing again. The new fans elongate in late winter and spring, and shoots emerge to bloom in early spring to early summer, depending on latitude and climate. In late spring to summer, PCI set seed, and go dormant for the balance of the summer season. They awaken in fall with the onset of cooler temperatures and rain, producing new roots and tiny new fans.

Nurseries know this, and depending on where each is located, aim to ship plants when their roots are growing strongly. This is most often in the fall. For gardeners accustomed to shopping for new flowers by seeing flowering plants at a nursery, and taking them home, this delay can be frustratingly long.

Patience is everything in a garden. Growing PCI is a study in patience. You see the plant. You find a nursery that sells that plant, and place an order. You wait. That fall, or the next, it arrives, and you plant it, and you wait. Perhaps it dies––these are PCI we are discussing, after all. So you try again. When it flowers, you see that it's the plant you sought. Or not. And you try again. But what a reward with success.

by Betty Wilkerson

'Lunar Whitewash' is my favorite reblooming iris introduced by Sterling Innerst. It blooms fairly early in the fall and the bloom is beautiful. In 2011 there were seven clumps of'Lunar Whitewash' all blooming at the same time. Gorgeous!

'Lunar Whitewash' (Innerst 2003)

One of my most exciting crosses in the past few years has been 'Lunar Whitewash'x'Romantic Evening.' This cross gave delightful seedlings with beautiful blooms. I've seen a number of the next generation and they are beautiful seedlings in shades of red, royal purple, white and yellow. Sadly, none rebloom and only one has good branching.

Many years ago I was told that 'San Leandro' would give poor branching. This was by a hybridizer that worked with it extensively. I can only suspect that its presence in the parentage of 'Lunar Whitewash' could be a factor in why my seedlings had poor branching. My training tells me to use it as a pollen parent to minimize this effect, although I'm not sure this is a cure.

'Lunar Whitewash' c. Betty Jacobs

'Lunar Whitewash'c. Betty Jacobs

For your own pleasure and a bit of the warm fuzzies, cross 'Lunar Whitewash'with something pretty and just enjoy the children. Don't look at the branching and don't worry about the rebloom. If you worry too much you might lose out on the fun!

by Ron Killingsworth

Ron Killingsworth standing in a clump of irises growing at the edge of Cross Lake just north of Shreveport, LA

Of course Louisiana irises grow wild in the wilds of Louisiana! Especially in south Louisiana: in fact, they grow in the ditches down south. Not many grow wild in the northwestern part of the state, though.

Several years ago a dear friend who lived in north Shreveport, LA, very near Cross Lake, called to tell me she had found some Louisiana irises growing in the wild in the backwaters of Cross Lake. Cross Lake is a man-made lake that supplies the water for the city of Shreveport. Sue and I put on our boots and joined our friend Lin Millar and we went deep into the woods behind her home into an area of overflow for the lake. It appears to have been an old home site at one time.

We found many Louisiana irises blooming in the marshy lowlands. Most of them appeared to be species irises as the blooms were not as large or well developed as most hybrid Louisiana irises. We found many different colors but none of us are scientists so we were not able to determine if they are species or if so, which ones.

All of these irises were growing in areas that were either still standing in water or that would have been in water when the lake was higher. Almost all of them were growing in very shaded areas that would have given them very little sunshine. This probably explains why most of them had few blooms per bloom stalk.

We carefully collected samples of each of the irises we found and took them back to Lin's garden and to our gardens in Mooringsport, LA. I now grow them in a large bed labeled "Cross Lake Irises". They are doing fine in their new location. Lin visited the area a couple of years later and the whole area had been clear cut and plowed up as though someone was getting ready to build a home there.

When collecting irises growing in the wild we must certainly be careful to leave more than we take. In this case, it is certainly a good thing we collected some of each as they are now gone!

Some of our readers may be able to classify these irises from the pictures but it is beyond my ability. I know that these pictures prove that Louisiana irises are pretty hardy and will grow in undergrowth, bushes and without full sunlight.

This was an exceptionally beautiful specimen with a great color.

The above picture shows an area in which the irises were growing well although they were quite removed from the lake edge. These were receiving more sunlight than most we found.

This is another area that was at least 50 feet from the lake edge and thick with weeds and grass.

These irises were growing in the water at the lake's edge. (Lin's dog, part Labrador, really enjoyed the "field trip".)

More irises growing in the lake's edge in an area that is very swampy and a perfect place for snake watching.

This was found very close nearby so it appears the area once had a home. There were many people growing Louisiana irises in their gardens in the Shreveport area in the 40's and 50's, so I believe these irises were either planted in the area or escaped from other gardens around Cross Lake. They may even be from seeds from irises grown in gardens around the lake. We used to cut off all the seed pods from our thousands of Louisiana irises and throw them into Caddo Lake hoping they would take root on the side of the lake.

Do you know of a spot where irises grow wild? Perhaps a nearby cemetery, or an old abandoned farmstead?

If you would like to learn more about Louisiana irises you can visit the Society for Louisiana Irises, and more about all species of irises is available at the website of The American Iris Society.

By Griff Crump

Beginning hybridizers are often advised not to make decisions about new seedlings in their first year of bloom. This is good advice for a number of reasons, not the least of which is that a hasty decision could result in sending to the compost pile what might have been an award-winning variety.

Actual practice among hybridizers varies, with some advising that a seedling should be evaluated for at least 3 years and, at the other extreme, some yanking and discarding first-year plants that don't please them. Hybridizers whose growing space is limited may be forgiven if they fall into the latter category.

Even though my own garden is spatially challenged, I have always tried to follow the "at least 3 years" practice -- at first, simply because I respected the advice of more seasoned hybridizers that the first year of a seedling's bloom doesn't necessarily represent what the flower may do in its second or third year. Over the course of years, however, experience has taught me that irises not only mature, but do so at different rates. And maturation isn't the only thing that can change a plant's appearance. Replanting and moving from partial sun to full sun, for instance, can make quite a difference in stature, and a difference in soil can affect color.

In a recent post on Iris Lovers, I mentioned that I came close to discarding IB'Coral Chimes'when I first saw it, because it seemed to be the ugly duckling in a bevy of mostly cheery yellow-and-white siblings. Its single bloom seemed muddy in color. Nevertheless, I spared it, and still couldn't decide in the second year. By the third year, however, it had matured into a glorious clump of coral-hued blossoms that reminded me of a fresh-faced choir. I didn't waste film on it the first 2 years, but here's how it looked in the third.

'Coral Chimes'

I also save ungerminated lots of seeds from what I consider important crosses. I mention that because the next example of maturation has a really unusual history. In November, 2000, I planted 45 seeds of Brazilian Holiday X 98G1:(Lady Friend x Chinese Treasure) in three pots. None germinated, but I saved the pots, letting them ride out the weather unprotected for the next 5 years (I'm stubborn). In 2005, a single seed sprouted. I planted it out as 05I1, although there was no "2". It didn't bloom until 2007, and then was only border bearded in height. Still, it was an amoena with dark velvet falls, and I was pleased.

05I1

The little thing was planted in a bed which was shaded at midday by a dogwood tree. After its second year of bloom, in 2008, I replanted it in a full-sun location. Voila! In 2009, it bloomed at full TB height, well-branched, AND with a golden glow at its throat. It won "best seedling" at the Fredericksburg Area Iris Society show in 2011 and was introduced as 'Lezghinka' in 2012.

'Lezghinka'

Finally, another benefit of holding onto seedlings for a while is that you may benefit from others' perspectives. Seedling 064C10 had, from my point of view, a rich heritage ((Marguerita x Mamauguin) x Best Bet) X Ranks of Blue. Nonetheless, it sat in my garden and was moved around as a re-select for some time until it produced a huge clump and attracted the attention of other irisarian visitors. Acting on their advice, I introduced it in 2012 as 'Night Bird'.

'Night Bird'

So, examine your seedlings with a critical eye, but don't be too quick to toss them.

Siberian Irises that the World Overlooked - "Lemon Veil"

Iris brevicaulis the Short Stemmed Iris

Pretty Pacificas

IRISES, the Bulletin of the AIS - January/February 2014 Edition

A fascinating write up about little irises may also catch your attention. The article called “Small is Beautiful” by Charlie Carver from Orcas Island, Washington.

Don't miss The Winners of the 2013 AIS Photo Contest will also surprise you with their quality, and their display size, which this year is extra large. Check them out and you’ll know what I mean.

Other wonderful articles include:

Strong Reblooming Irises Hybridized by Sterling Innerst-2

Sports of Honorabile & the Iris that Lost Its Name

Aruba's Eye-Popping Clump Shots

Sampling Hybridizers: My Favorite Photos of Louisiana Irises Part III

The Survivors - In Praise of Hardy Irises

Irish Irises Are Smiling

PLICATA TALL BEARDED IRISES--an historic past and an exciting future!

THE PLICATA TALL BEARDED IRISES of Robert Piatek

Pacifica Irises in Snow

By Kathleen Sayce

What's in a name?

Louisiana Irises from "Down Under"

Juno hybrids with Iris sindjarensis?

When to Transplant PCIs: Wait for Fall

Strong Reblooming Irises Hybridized by Sterling Innerst Part III

Louisiana Irises Found Growing Wild in NW Louisiana

Iris Hybridizer, Spare That Sprout!