The underrated iris…

We all have our favorites.  Some maintain consistently and others are subject to rotation as our palette evolves.  For the 2023 growing season, these are the standouts that I cannot wait to see return next year.

‘Despacito‘

Bred by :  Robin Shadlow

This is a dwarf bearded iris. So if you are tight on space, this one is perfect for you. The undeniably magical color makes this an easy top pick.

‘Haunted Heart‘

Bred by :  Keith Keppel

An incredibly unique iris that is truly entrancing. The name couldn’t be more apt.  It’s a smoky lavender tinted with a veil of grey. A touch of rose gold in the beard gives it just a touch of romance.

‘Calming Effect‘

Bred by : Michael Sutton

This is a contender for my favorite iris overall this season. A cross between Haunted Heart (above) & Magical, it maintains that haunting and smoky allure I love, yet has a warmth of soft peach and rose gold in the standards and at the base of the falls.

‘Ghost Writer‘

Bred by : Keith Keppel

Another haunting beauty. This one has a celestial touch of blue in the falls.  The pearl white standards give it an especially ethereal presence.

‘Friendly Advice‘

Bred by : Keith Keppel

There is the softest flowing rainbow in the falls and it has a magnificent shimmer in the sun.

‘Honey Pie‘

Bred by : Barry Blyth

This might be my favorite shade of pink in existence. It opens in the most alluring smoky mauve with a luminescent violet reflection in the falls before fading to an antiqued shade of rose pink.

‘One Man’s Art‘

Bred by : Barry Blyth

A work of art, indeed. The standards are a blend of fresh cream and champagne. The falls are a smoky burgundy washed in faded gold with a vanilla edge. Perfection.

‘Dash of Burgundy‘

Bred by : Barry Blyth

This might be the most eye-catching iris I grow. The color is somewhere between magenta and electric purple with warm brown undertones and a dash of burgundy, as aptly named.

‘Thundery‘

Bred by : Barry Blyth

The color on this varies from a rich bronze-rose to a stormy plum, both with warm sienna undertones. It’s had a touch of blue and burnt orange swirling throughout the falls the past two seasons. It might be my #1.

‘Black Mirror‘

Bred by: Schreiner’s

I love, love, love black irises. Schreiner’s has some of the best. Of all the black irises I have trialed, Black Mirror has been one of the darkest with the most beautiful ruffles and texture.

‘Black Suited‘

Bred by: Sterling Innerst

Possibly the truest to black of the all the irises I have in the garden. It is smooth, sleek and cut of the darkest velvet.

‘Hello Darkness‘

Bred by: Schreiner’s

Absolutely stunning. I’m bewitched.

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