I've collected so many from roadsides, abandoned home sites, and from friends who often knew them as "grandma's blue Iris" or "white cemetery Iris". Often the story behind an Iris makes it all the more meaningful. Some of these are old historics, others more modern, but I'm pretty sure most are over 30 years old (since introduction).
"...and don't think the garden loses its ecstasy in winter. It's quiet, but the roots are down there riotous." Rumi
Name: Bonnie Sojourner Harris Brake Lake, Arkansas (Zone 7a) Magnolia zone
Beautiful irises, Neal! Of course my first irises were hand-me-downs, or as they say today passalong plants. I cherished them not only because they grew and bloomed for someone special before me but also because someone wanted to share that beauty with me. My first little guy.
This has never had any health problems and grows and blooms in all kinds of conditions. It is bright and about ten inches tall. I have bought six lookalikes trying to ID this one but now I have given up. It is so pretty and makes a nice clump.
Thro' all the tumult and the strife I hear the music ringing; It finds an echo in my soul— How can I keep from singing?
Bonnie, even if it never gets a name it is gorgeous in it's own right! I love it!!!
Beautiful collection of 'hand-me-down' irises Neal! I can't help but notice that you seem to be drawn to the lavenders. Which came first...the irises or the house color?
Just call it Miss Teree, Bonnie -- and don't worry about it anymore!! It's a beauty!!
Neal -- the last picture in your first group is a space ager -- and with that coloration, shouldn't be too difficult to identify!! You have some beautiful NOID's -- I especially like your #3!!
Thoughts become things -- choose the good ones. (www.tut.com)
Bonnie, I love that bright little guy! It looks unique to me, extra clean form and coloring.
Marilyn, the Irises came first, then I chose the house color to show them off! LOL
Mary Ann and Tom, thanks for the clues! That one was sent to me as an extra "thank you" for hosting an historic Iris swap several years ago, by one of the participants. That horned beard makes it a space ager, right?
A couple more I found:
"...and don't think the garden loses its ecstasy in winter. It's quiet, but the roots are down there riotous." Rumi
You might watch for Ghio's 'Lady Friend' on that last clump. That's a pretty distinctive color in iris and LF is the only one I know of in that shade of garnet red. I know photos can be deceptive, but here's a photo of 'Lady Friend' for comparison.
Donald, I believe you found it! I had thought maybe Cranberry Ice, but Lady Friend does look more accurate. I will get better close up shots this spring to compare. It is such a great, distinctive color!
"...and don't think the garden loses its ecstasy in winter. It's quiet, but the roots are down there riotous." Rumi
It may be too old now, but along with 'Skating Party' you used to hear of 'Lady Friend' that it "should've won the Dykes medal". It's always been a quality iris plant. Your photo shows all the qualities of why. If you can obtain one and plant it side x side you'll know if what you have is 'Lady Friend'.
I was thinking that too, Donald, and that I could send rhizomes to others to compare. I was just thinking yesterday I'd like to send out some boxes of noids this year to heirloom enthusiasts for comparison. I've never been very concerned with names, but it would be nice to narrow some down for sharing purposes.
"...and don't think the garden loses its ecstasy in winter. It's quiet, but the roots are down there riotous." Rumi
This is my "famous" red NOID, I am getting it checked out as possibly Dynamite
I call this one "Instructor Wannabe" Getting it checked out as possibly Instructor. It's early, and has PBF
This is my "Sutton NOID" Got it from Suttons, was supposed to be King Tush, Sent them a picture and they said they couldn't ID it. Love it though!
I call this my Mauve NOID got it from a friend
This is my Yellow NOID, got it from a friend in NM.
I call this my Unknown #1 Nice lacy edge and probably a BB Slight fragrance.
Got this from Kerr's was supposed to be Chocolate Halo
There's a couple more mini's but running out of time.
Politicians are like diapers, they need to be changed often, and for the same reason.
Boy, It sure looks like Amas! Would you like to do a test with some of this? It has been one that will bloom on the second year after moving, at least it did that twice for me in the past, but then it takes off.
Politicians are like diapers, they need to be changed often, and for the same reason.
Okay, in the last two pics you posted Neil, I am thinking that the one on the left is Acoma. It is certainly old enough, and has the two color beard. My Acoma has darker purple, but a lot of the database pictures are lighter like yours. Mine had 15 years of hiding under clay soils, so the soil has definitely influenced my coloration.