I'm looking for a TB (like them over 36") that best embodies the true lilac color. Do you have any favorites?

This NOID of mine. The first blooms that came out last year were less ruffled, like this:


But the later blooms became more bubble ruffled, like this:



It's pretty much exactly the color of our heirloom French hybrid lilac. I love it. It was a named cultivar sent to me as a bonus, but I lost the label. It's the most durable of all my iris (over 30 years old) and wonderfully fragrant.

Mary Frances!
I know, she's old (historic now, even) but William's pics made me get her and she is fantastic!

French Lilacs (Keppel 2008) Is a pretty lilac color. It increases well for me, but it is a very late bloomer, although it is registered as early-midseason.

I agree with Dirt! Mary Frances. It bloomed May 30th.

Mary Frances has been in my want list for a while now - glad to see how well liked it is. I love the historics so that's a plus. I'm going to take a close look at French Lilacs as well, I'd love to get more late bloomers to extend the season.

Rhinelander is one of my favorite lavender irises. It's a good grower and holds up to weather. My picture makes it look a bit more rosy then in real life I think.


Soul Mate is among the top ones in the Lavender spectrum with lots of ruffles.


Soul Mate's "Child", Got The Picture, is very nice too, a bit darker then it's "daddy"


Poet's Rhyme is an very nice Lavender bi tone


Perpetual Joy is a good grower older style bloom.


Gentle Dawn is a nice smaller bloom, but good grower.


I'm sure there are a lot more, but these come to mind, as they are all good growers here.

I agree with Dirt and Evelyn. When I read the thread title, 'Mary Frances' immediately came to mind. I love her color.

Mary Frances is gorgeous. I had her, and she was definitely different from my lilac NOID above, but I love them both. I lost Mary Frances this past year, however, and will have to replace her. She's one I absolutely can't be without! She's an absolute "must have."

I like William's picture of Mary Fances. She really is this beautiful:

Tom, that's a lovely picture of Gentlle Dawn. You should add it to the database.

DaisyDo said:Tom, that's a lovely picture of Gentlle Dawn. You should add it to the database.

I already have a few in there. The one from this year isn't in focus well enough I don't think.
Here's one from a while back that's in there.

That's pretty, too, but I think the other one shows different aspects. This one looks more blue, whereas the other shot is more lilac.

'Mary Frances' is very nicely scented too!

Mary Frances has a pretty modern form for an iris from that era. While I love 'Mary Frances', I realize that some would like more flaring falls or more ruffles.
Others, like myself, might like to get a more modern iris in the same color, simply because it is nice to have some variation.
That begs the question, which modern iris comes closest to her color???

William ~ I don't have the answer, but I like her as she is.

Hmmmm
maybe this one...

ARUBA1334 said:
Necklace.. The color.. the ruffles.. the stems a Ghio Special ! This is another one that will be popular what a color.

I don't know how tall it is or if it smells as nice, but looks like a great color!