We are happy to announce the winner of the 2012 Dykes Medal: 'Florentine Silk,' hybridized by Keith Keppel of Oregon.
A complete list of winners in other categories will be announced soon.
Here's a full description of this beautiful iris via the Iris Wiki:
'Florentine Silk' (Keith Keppel, R. 2004). Seedling 99-116A. TB, height 40" (102 cm), Mid-Late bloomseason. Standards peach (M&P 9-A-4), slight orchid (41-E-5) basal infusion; style arms peach, orchid midrib; falls medium violet (41-J-9), narrow pinkish buff (42-D-3) edge; beards light blue at end, base lavender white, carrot red (10-C-10) in throat. 96-45E, 'Crystal Gazer' sibling X 'Poem Of Ecstasy'. Keppel 2005. Honorable Mention 2007; Franklin Cook Cup 2007; Award of Merit 2009; Wister Medal 2011.
The Dykes Medal is the overall top award of the American Iris Society (AIS), given to a single iris each year. Irises are eligible as a Dykes Medal candidate for three years following the winning of a classification medal. Only AIS registered judges may vote for this award. For more information on AIS Awards, please visit our website.
