Can you identify this iris?
June 8, 2019 2:57 PM Subscribe
We have this iris growing in the yard and want to buy more. Any idea what variety it could be?
Response by poster: I'm looking for information on the specific cultivar, not the species.
posted by marfa, texas at 3:51 PM on June 8, 2019
posted by marfa, texas at 3:51 PM on June 8, 2019
Best answer: It's hard to tell because cameras and monitors vary in how colors are displayed. But it looks like that's an intermediate (bloomstalks 16" to 27.5" in height) bearded iris with white standards (the petals that stick up) and purple striped falls (the petals that droop down). Does it have a certain smell? Some are lemony, some smell like grapes, some have no fragrance. If it's taller than 27.5", it would be a tall bearded iris. It could be one of many varieties - does it have to be an exact match or would similar work?
There are lots of resources for iris ID on the web, but iris-specific nurseries with photos seem to be the easiest to search.
Start here to identify the characteristics. Then go here to search the database by photos. There are several pages for each type.
posted by caryatid at 3:58 PM on June 8, 2019 [5 favorites]
There are lots of resources for iris ID on the web, but iris-specific nurseries with photos seem to be the easiest to search.
Start here to identify the characteristics. Then go here to search the database by photos. There are several pages for each type.
posted by caryatid at 3:58 PM on June 8, 2019 [5 favorites]
Best answer: Try searching for “historic” or “heirloom” bearded irises; the trend in newer varieties seems to be toward large ruffly blooms. Fabian looks really close to my eye. Other possible matches: Frank Adams, Sindjkha, Wabash.
posted by Metroid Baby at 4:05 PM on June 8, 2019
posted by Metroid Baby at 4:05 PM on June 8, 2019
These irises were around decades ago as they were a fixture of my childhood home. I transplanted a few when it was sold, and the name is long gone. Count this as a second vote for a variety that was popular in the 70s or earlier.
posted by childofTethys at 6:17 PM on June 8, 2019
posted by childofTethys at 6:17 PM on June 8, 2019
You can get more without needing to identify them first by dividing them yourself.
posted by flabdablet at 6:16 AM on June 9, 2019 [2 favorites]
posted by flabdablet at 6:16 AM on June 9, 2019 [2 favorites]
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by SassyMcSassin at 3:36 PM on June 8, 2019 [1 favorite]