Among the finest crested iris cultivars is Iris cristata 'Edgar Anderson'. It is a large and vigorous form that builds into impressive patches of lush foliage, absolutely smothered with sky blue flowers in spring, presenting a dazzling sheet of color. Surprisingly this cultivar is not very well known and grown for some reason.

General garden view, I. cristata 'Edgar Anderson' coming into bloom, yellow Iris koreana in the background.


I. cristata 'Edgar Anderson', lots and lots of flowers:






I. cristata 'Edgar Anderson', a picturesque tree branch curbs its advance.


Iris cristata cultivars can make beautiful foliage patches for the entire growing season.


I. cristata 'Edgar Anderson' looks amazing when in bud with myriad candles of blue:


I. cristata 'Edgar Anderson' has flowers that are distinctly ruffled, very noticeable when first opening.


The surface rhizomes criss cross over each other forming a dense weave:


Spring foliage shoots on I. cristata 'Edgar Anderson' are extra long and tall, making a bold statement in the woodland garden.


Two nurseries that I know of carry this extra fine cultivar:
Garden Vision Epimedium
http://www.epimediums.com/othe...
Joe Pye Weed's Garden (2018 catalog is forthcoming)
http://www.jpwflowers.com/

To see more Iris cristata cultivars, follow this link:
The thread "Iris cristata (crested iris) cultivars" in Shade Gardening forum

I am interested in purchasing a dozen of iris cristate 'Edgar Anderson' (a special gift for my boss with same name! who is also an avid gardener) - I am having trouble finding anyone who has it in stock any ideas on how to acquire it? Thank you Kira Johann , Washington Island, WI