Strong Reblooming Irises Hybridized by Sterling Innerst-2

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!  

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

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. 

Other wonderful articles include:

• 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.) 

Pretty Pacificas

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. 

Iris brevicaulis the Short Stemmed Iris

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.

Siberian Irises that the World Overlooked - "Lemon Veil"

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.

SIGNA Newsletter Winter Issue

By Andi Rivarola

Here's a recap of SIGNA's Newsletter Winter Edition. 

As you can see from its cover below, Juno irises are featured in detail, and the article crafted by Panayoti Kelaidis from Colorado, is as complete as they come. With well over fifty species in its section, Junos come in all sorts of colors and tones, and with an average height of between 6 and 12 inches. I added Junos to the list of irises I want to grow and learn about. If you have not heard about Juno irises, where they can grow successfully, and most importantly how to grow them, then I hope you get to read this article.

SIGNA (Species Iris Group of North America) Newsletter

There's also a wonderful update about Iris ruthenica, on the article called Irises from Russia, by Nina Alexeeva. This beautiful medium size iris can be found in nature in Central Europe and Central Asia all the way to Mongolia and China. Despite its large habitat many gardeners in these areas are still learning about the potential of this violaceous beauty. A wonderful read.

With humor as a sizable and necessary part of the irisarian's experience, our own World of Irises blogger, Griff Crump gives us a great opportunity to laugh about some of the tricky and interesting iris names we may encounter. The article is called: "Humor -- Those Puzzling Iris Names."

Dennis Kramb gives a detailed report on the Siberian and Species iris Convention held in 2013 that you won't want to miss.

A favorite iris variety that I have yet to grow is covered in detailed on an article with fantastic images to enjoy. I'm talking about beautiful irises dichotoma and domestica, and their child named Iris x norrisii (ex-pardancanda). The article is "Identity Crisis" by another of our wonderful World of Irises blogger, experienced iris grower -- and gardener extraordinaire -- Jim Murrain.

Lastly, I know SIGNA leaders would want me to mention that the SEED EXCHANGE is ready and open to receive your orders. If you don't know about the seed exchange, may I direct your attention to SIGNA's website: http://www.signa.org where you can find more information about obtaining seeds of iris species and other hybrids, and also to browse through a list of iris types available. Although you have to be a SIGNA member to order seeds, you can become a member online at the same time as you order seeds.

SIGNA newsletters are a pleasure to read, and I hope you too find them a great learning tool while immersing yourself in the world of iris species.

"Talking Irises" TALL BEARDED IRISES IN YOUR LANDSCAPE--Using a variety of plants is beneficial in your iris beds

Susanne Holland Spicker

Tall Bearded Irises  (front to back, counter clockwise)
"GLOBAL CROSSING," "GOOD HOPE," "LACY DAY,"
"PURPLE RITZ," "POND LILY," "MARY FRANCIS,"
"BUBBLY MOOD,"  "EMBRACE ME," "EVENING
TIDINGS," and "ASCII ART" with clematis, oriental
lilies, lupine, peonies, pansies, and columbine

Since planting my first tall bearded irises in 1995, I have routinely planted the reliable and hardy beauties with a variety of companion plants. Over the years I'd always thought mixed planting was beneficial in more ways than the aesthetic beauty provided to the landscape. However, some sources had discouraged this practice, some even saying it was detrimental to the irises to plant them closely with other perennials and annuals. 

Tall Bearded Irises "BUBBLY MOOD," and (background)
"ABOVE THE CLOUDS," with pink and blue lupine,
Raspberry Queen poppy, Bowl of Beauty Peony,
and assorted larkspur

Recently, however, two well-known and trusted sources confirm my thoughts about planting a variety of plants with bearded irises in your landscapes.

In his comprehensive book "A Guide to Bearded Irises--Cultivating the Rainbow--For Beginners and Enthusiasts," (Timber Press, Inc.) award-winning author, horticulturist and expert on iris Kelly D. Norris tells us that it is a myth that bearded irises "don't play well with others and need to be kept separate from companion plants." He says problems such as "leaf spot, rot, and brown foliage" are not due to mixed planting, and he encourages us to "use bearded irises to punch up our gardens with color and springtime life." 

Blooming tall bearded irises "BLACKALICIOUS,"
"BLUEBERRY BLISS," "GARDEN BRIDE,"
with clematis Josephine, assorted lupine,
and Mons Jules Elie peony

The Schreiner's Iris Gardens blog "For the Love of Iris--Articles, Tips & Notes,"  (click to go to their site) tells us that a "centuries-old gardening tradition follows the theory that different plant species, planted close together, can assist each other with nutrient production and absorption, controlling pests, attracting pollinators, and other factors necessary for their full productivity." In the Display Gardens at Schreiner's Iris Gardens, Ray Schreiner designs with these principles in mind. The article goes on to say that "some of his [plant] choices fix nitrogen in the soil, others attract butterflies, others pollinators, some work to control weeds," and, of course, some are "chosen simply for their aesthetic appeal."

Tall Bearded Irises "LIBERTY SONG," and "MIDNIGHT
TREAT," with salvia, violas, pansies, lupine, and lilies
 

When planning flower beds for your landscape, always keep in mind the growth of the plant. Even when planting close, allow room for them to "breathe" as they mature and reach their maximum size. Because of my space limitations, most established clumps of irises are limited to roughly 10-15 stems.

Tall bearded irises "POEM OF ECSTASY,"
"FEATURE ATTRACTION," "MARY FRANCIS,"
"JUMP FOR JOY," and "MASTER TOUCH,"
with assorted lupine and poppy 

Be aware that close planting requires careful grooming of perennials in the early spring, and regular fertilizing and care of the soil for maximum success through the season. Choose flowers that provide great interest in height, form, and texture. For best results, use plants that have similar growing conditions and needs. Bloom overlapping keeps your landscape in color throughout the entire growing season; you may need to experiment with different cultivars to ensure the longest bloom time. 

The blue iris bed: Tall bearded irises "QUEEN'S CIRCLE,"
 "PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE," "STAIRWAY TO HEAVEN,"
 "VICTORIA FALLS," "PROUD TRADITION," "ALTRUIST,"
"WORLD PREMIER," "CLASSIC LOOK,"
"CITY LIGHTS," and "SONG OF NORWAY," with
assorted lupine, assorted poppy, clematis, peony
and Siberian iris

Using plants that complement each other with a variety of textures, colors, size and shapes make the landscape more interesting and pleasing to the eye. I've seen many pictures on this site with stunning landscape designs. To view these, check on previous articles here at the AIS blog, "World of Irises."

Tall bearded irises "MYSTIC'S MUSE,"
"J T'AIME," with columbine, allium, larkspur,
poppy, pansies, lilies, and foxglove

Whether you're a beginner iris-loving gardener or an expert designer, the practice of companion planting in your iris beds will enhance your landscapes and bring a joy that I've found to be most rewarding.

Tall bearded irises "FRINGE OF GOLD," "CREATIVE
STITCHERY," "SILVER YEARS," "NEUTRON DANCE,"
"LACE JABOT," "EAGLE'S FLIGHT,"
"BOYSENBERRY BUTTERCUP," "COUNTY CORK,"
and "DUSKY CHALLENGER," with allium, peony,
assorted lupine, violas, pansies, and flowering shrubs

What different plant species do you have in your landscapes that go well with irises?  

Iris reticulata - Always a charmer

By Mike Unser

Iris reticulata is always the first spring bulb to make an appearance in my PNW garden, beating even the snowdrops in bringing a cheerful spot of color. With our cold winters, dry summers and sandy soil these little gems are pretty care free here, making them even more welcome.




Above: I. reticulata "Katherine Hodgkin"
Below: I. reticulata "Cantab"




They are excellent additions to a rock garden but also do well potted. If you live in a climate with wet summers you can always toss their container under cover after the foliage dies back and bring it out again in late autumn. Look for them at your local garden center. Reticulatas are often sold alongside crocus and daffodil bulbs in the autumn.

Irises In My Dreams

By J. Griffin Crump


For hybridizers, winter is a time of reflection and anticipation, thinking about progress made toward hybridizing goals, reviewing crosses made and looking forward to as yet unseen blooms come spring.  Making their debut this spring will be many irises planted as seeds in 2011 and 2012.  Here are some of these crosses along with what I hope to see when they first flower come spring.


2011:    Sdlg 952Z1 X Sdlg 082R15:  A Black Amoena?

952Z1

082R15

Beginning hybridizers are often counseled to "cross the best with the best", and that's good advice.  Sometimes, however, other considerations prevail.  952Z1 is more than 15 years old and its flower form is "just" modern, but its bold yellow draws garden visitors over to it time and again.  It has excellent branching and unusually heavy substance.  082R15, on the other hand, is a recent development.  It, too, draws the visitors.  Despite its handsome appearance, however, it's not really a good iris because of the delicacy of its petals and the rangy stalks.  So, why make the cross?  With 952Z1 as the pod parent, I'm hoping that its strong traits will prevail in some of the seedlings.  Long-range target:  A black amoena.  Shorter range:  A yellow/black bi-color.

2012:  Sdlg 05I1 (since introduced as "Lezghinka") X Sdlg 01S2:
Broad, Velvety Falls 

"Lezghinka"

01S2

01S2 is gorgeous, in my not-so-humble opinion, but it and its near-twin, 01S3, inherited the short stature of their pod parent, "Aura Light", and their very large flowers work against symmetry, so they won't be introduced.  However, by crossing them with "Lezghinka" as the pod parent--which is very tall and well-branched-- I hope to get the best features of both, including broad, velvety mahogany-red falls.

2012:  "Minneola" X Sdlg 082Y1: REDDER!

"Minneola"

082Y1

082Y1 has both pink and strong velvet parentage in its background.  I'm hoping the anthocyanin, when mixed with "Minneola's" brilliant orange, will advance to a redder offspring.  (Or it could look like a mud blossom . . .)

2011:  Wearing Rubies X Sdlg 072N6:  Reblooming Rich Velvety Reds

 "Wearing Rubies"

072N6

Sdlg 072N6 resulted from a cross of "Wearing Rubies" X Sdlg 01J4, which stemmed from "Romantic Evening", "Champagne Elegance" and "Lady Friend".  072N6 reblooms.  So, this is a back-cross, looking to see if I can get more rebloomers with rich reds and velvets.

2011:  Sdlg 052M1 (since introduced as "Csardas Princess") X Sdlg 07U8 (since introduced as "Poise Aplenty"):  Blend of forms

"Csardas Princess"

 

"Poise Aplenty"

I'm satisfied with "Csardas Princess" as the sturdy, well-branched upright flower that she is, but couldn't help wondering what might happen if I crossed that pretty thing with "Poise Aplenty", which produces 10-12 buds on slender S-curved stems.  Unfortunately, the germination rate in 2012 was miserable, but we'll see what the survivors look like, hopefully, this year.

Sdlg 082L13 X Sdlg 01S3:  SURPRISE!

082L13

01S3

I confess I have no rationale for this cross except to say that I couldn't resist it!

 2011:  "Faerie Court" X 05R2 (since introduced as "Bright Sprite"): Intermediate Luminosity

"Faerie Court"

"Bright Sprite" (05R2)

"Faerie Court" is one of my earliest registered irises, and I've never known quite what to do with it.  The question always in my mind was what could it be matched with that wouldn't overpower that delicate pearly lustre in its falls. Finally, I think I've found the right candidate in "Bright Sprite".  "Bright Sprite" has two doses of "Lumalite" in it, which I think may possibly even enhance "Faerie Court's" hues. "Bright Sprite" is a standard dwarf, whereas "Faerie Court" is a slender, mid-sized tall bearded.  I'd be delighted to get a good-looking intermediate as a result.

So, these are a few ventures whose outcomes I'm looking forward to (apologies to Winston Churchill).  I hope to share the results in a future posting.