Need Sources And Names

I know nothing about this gorgeous plant as I've never grown it before, so I need a bit of advice. I am looking for the "best" cultivar for a "true blue" Iris. My DH wants a really dark almost "black" one. I have never saw these colors growing in an actual garden. Have seen the photos in the catalogs and I know those can be very deceptive. Also, what are some good sources to order from? Thank you all so much for your help!!!

the blackone are called superstitions. they do grow here in ga. dont plant the rizome. all you plant here are the roots. everything else stays above the ground. the rain here in ga will rot them quick if the rizome is below the dirt. I have had superstition bloom for me but when it did it got stolen . i plan to grow agian now that i have a new house and not so many neighbors.

Park seed company is a good one to buy from. if you buy from like walmart make sure you see green leaves and the rizome is hard and no grey stuff as this is fugus and not good. your local nursery is good too.

also shriners irises is good too but a bit pricey.

look here in our member stores as they have some nice ones too. hope this helps some. marie

berrygirl--I was at Home Depot today and they have the 'Superstition'. Lots of other tender bulbs (glads, cannas, cala). Brenda

Thanks ya'll for your help! That takes care of the black one. " Now how about a "true blue" one??

Boy....I sure don't think I've ever seen a blue iris. Purple, yes. Blue....hmmmmm?

Lots of purples look blue.

You can go to Cooleys and just look around their site. Here is a Black, http://www.cooleysgardens.com/blaaff.html

Here is a nice blue, but I call this a lavendar blue... I've got tons. :-)
http://www.cooleysgardens.com/busblu.html

Now isn't really the best time to be shopping for Iris, many places will only ship in late summer/fall.

I've got Black Iris and I've got all different colors of "blue" iris, from a light lavendar blue, like above, to a dark purple blue... but, I won't have any to share until the bloom season is over. Probably Mid June here.

Here is a picture of "blue" and "black" mixed together.

same clump of flowers without the sun behind them. :-)

Thanks Melissa!!! I went to Cooleys and found several blacks and blues that I liked. I guess I can wait til Fall, huh!!!

I traded a lot last summer, we normally start dividing shortly after the bloom season is over... so you won't have to wait "too" long. :-) Planting them in the summer will give the roots time to get established.

Berrygirl, one of the Bluest blues I have ever found out there is named SAPPHIRE HILLS. It's an older iris, but still has beautiful form. See link: http://plantsdatabase.com/showpicture/31953/

and photo.

You can purchase it for only $4.00 at Argle Acres. Some photos may cause it look more lavender due to the Kodak film they may use, but with the use of a digital camera - it's truer color seems to be portrayed.

Melissa is right about planting them in the summer so the roots will get established and bloom.

Here is the link to Argle Acres (look under Photo Catalog, and then by name):

http://www.argyleacres.com/

I hope this helps you some.

Berrygirl,

Another iris that I've heard others remark as a true blue too - - is named Great America. This one too can be bought at Argle Acres. If you click on the picture (from the link provided) - you can see it sells for $8.00, but that is because it is a newer variety.

http://www.argyleacres.com/gallery/view_list.asp?alpha_z=f-g

This is my photo of it.
PS. Personally - I think Sapphire Hills is bluer.



This message was edited Mar 15, 2004 8:50 PM

I was suprised to see them for sale at Wal-mart at this time of year. If you purchase and plant them, will they bloom this season?