This may be an unpopular subject, but I am sick of 'Coronation' iris. Before I go off on a mild rant, I want to start off by saying that what makes it so popular and a "good old iris" is exactly what makes me sick of it. BECAUSE it's a good old iris, a reliable and prolific bloomer that increases readily, and easy to grow, and a bright sunny yellow, everyone and their dog has it around here. I started off liking it, and indeed, I do have some of it myself. BUT in some places, it's ALL you see! It is literally EVERYWHERE. And because it's so blinkin' prolific, I have to constantly divide and thin it out before it takes over a whole bed. It's almost like the dandelion of irises. I did like it at first and I try to keep it in one area of only antique irises. But much like that one song on the radio that you liked when you first heard it and now every station on the dial (or on satellite) is playing it every hour, it's gotten too much airplay and now you're just done and over it ... the 'Coronation' iris is like that song. It became a popular favorite, people passed it on to friends, family, co-workers, cousins of cousins, the post carrier... and to add to the issue, these things can grow rampant and take over a bed if you don't watch them like a hawk (at least, around here!) And it seems that too many plantings are 'monotonous'... nothing BUT 'Coronation'. Why? This iris pairs well with lots of other colors and cultivars. I love yellow with antique blues, with the bitoned 'Mexico' antique in russets and oranges, even with maroon/wine and yellow types. But no. It seems that whenever there's 'Coronation', it's ONLY 'Coronation'. Maybe 'Coronation' just bullied everyone else off the playground long ago. I don't know.
No offense to anyone who happens to love 'Coronation'. I was a fan at one time, but to me... it's a song that's been played out. There are much more spectacular yellow irises out there, and if someone likes antiques, there are still many fantastic antiques still to be found, especially in heirloom beds.
Sorry for the rant. I just got back from a walk and got 'Coronationed' out.