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.
