Reverse amoenas Alpenview, Wintry Sky, Crowned Heads

This year neither my Wintry Sky or Crowned Heads bloomed. I do not have Alpenview or Quite the Reverse. If any of you can give me an opinion of which of these reverse amoenas you like best I would appreciate it. Or if there is another much like them that I have not mentioned that might perform better in vigor, contrast, beauty or bloom?? I would appreciate any feedback from personal experience and actual viewing experience. I only have room for one.

K

Both Alpenview and Wintry Sky bloomed for me this year. They both initiated blooms on May 3. Alpenview bloomed until 2-3 days ago, whereas Wintry Sky only lasted 7-8 days. Individual flowers of Alpenview also seemed to last longer and maintain form better in the rain I've had here since the blooming started. My own preference is Alpenview even though I much prefer the blue beards.
Composite pic of both taken on 5/3/10
Dennis

I also attempted to set seed pods on both varieties, and was unsuccessful in one attempt on Wintry Sky, but was able to set 3 pods on Alpenview. I also had success using Alpenview pollen and not with Wintry Sky.

Good info!!!!! Thank you very much for your effort you put into giving me info I could use even to the crossing success.

Dennis, I am most grateful.

K

I grow Wintry Sky, Crowned Heads, Alpenview, Brussels, Quite the Reverse, Aegean Wind, Ethereal Voices, and Ripple Effect in my garden.

Wintry Sky is the best of the bunch. It blooms like mad, increases like a weed, and (I think) is the prettiest of them all. Crowned Heads blooms about every other year and increases just enough to perpetuate itself. Last year was Alpenview's first in my garden and I wasn't too impressed. It's flower form wasn't as good as Wintry Sky's and its growth was less vigorous. It hasn't bloomed yet this year, though, so we'll see if it changes my mind when it does.

Brussels is close behind Wintry Sky, its flowers are a bit smaller and a little less ruffled than Wintry Sky's, but otherwise it is just as good. Quite the Reverse is an excellent iris, just behind Wintry Sky and Brussels on my list. Aegean Wind is a good grower and reliable bloomer, but the standards are more violet than blue and the color is not as pleasing to me as some of the others. I don't really care for the flower color of Ethereal Voices (too pastel), but it's been a good performer in the garden. Just planted Ripple Effect last year. It hasn't been a very impressive grower so far. It is going to bloom this spring, though.

I also grow Queen of Elegance, Chinook Winds, and Willamette Mist. They may not technically be reverse amoenas, but they do give the appearance of "dark tops". I'm really impressed with Queen of Elegance. It's hard to imagine a Blyth iris being under appreciated, but I think this one is. This is my first spring with Chinook Winds and Willamette Mist in the garden. Neither has bloomed yet, but they will soon. Both are good growers so far.

Also, I'm planning to plant Tullyherron, Surfer's Dream, and Face of an Angel this summer, but obviously don't know anything of consequence about them yet. Can you tell that I really like reverse amoenas? I have high hopes for Face of an Angel in particular.

For what it is worth, I made one successful cross (out of several attempts) with Wintry Sky pollen last year. I'm trying several more this year, plus some with Brussels, Quite the Reverse, and Queen of Elegance.

(clump shot of Wintry Sky from today)

Here are 2 pics of 'In Reverse' that is blooming in our garden now...

The 2nd pic...

Love the clump shot of Wintry Sky. It also looks nice and ruffled, which is what I like.

Wintry Sky is really beautiful -- I think I'm going to have to order that one next year...

KSBaptisia,

Cannot thank you enough for giving my request so much attention!! Loads of info there and you are even in my zone and that has an influence. Between you and Dennis and the wonderful pics I think I can make a good decision. I have wondered about this for years and to hear the firsthand experiences of others is just the best help there can be!!

K

The pics of In Reverse are really striking. The Standards look to have more color saturation than Wintry Sky and others. I like that white beard as well. Thanks for those pics.

K