Irish Irises Are Smiling

By Griff Crump


Éireann go breá!  Yes, it's St. Patrick's Day, so why 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 her miniature 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?

The Survivors - In Praise of Hardy Irises

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.

Sampling Hybridizers: My Favorite Photos of Louisiana Irises Part III

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!

Aruba's Eye-Popping Clump Shots

'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.

Sports of Honorabile & the Iris that Lost Its Name

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