While I have amassed quite a collection, I'm not really a collector. All my Irises are for mixed perennial beds, which I realize is not optimum growing conditions for bearded Irises, but many perform well in spite of the challenge. I find varieties that grow and increase vigorously are best for mixed gardens, but am also looking for those with strong stems, high bud count, and good substance that can take some rain.

What varieties do you grow that show these qualities?

I can think of three right away, all oldies that have withstood years of growing in this country:
Indian Chief, good increase, holds up well, good number of blooms
Lent A Williamson, same comments
Eleanor Roosevelt, an IB that reblooms, same comments

Indian Chief buds

Since we don't get a lot of rain, it's hard for me to comment on what would do well with that. But here are some of my best performers.

'Classic Look' is a beautiful white & purple plicata that I have growing in several locations. It goes with everything.


'Competitive Edge' is growing in poor soil, yet keeps on keeping on.. Shown here w/ a dwarf Berberis.


'Quaker Lady' out where the gophers roam.


'Indian Chief' is a strong grower and pretty much bomb proof. Here with Spanish Lavender.


Someone gave me 'Spring Bliss' last August with a spike on it. Spring bloom was ok, then it bloomed some in July, but right now it's got 8-10 spikes in full bloom. It's not too tall (although taller than it would appear in the picture), so I'd think it would hold up well to rain.


Judging by the growth in one year, for vigor I'd add: Alcazar, Confetti, Conjuration, Splashacata, Paul Black, IB Hot Spice and probably quite a few more.. But this should give you something to start with...

The main things is for the other plants not to shade the rhizome.

By take the rain, do you mean grow well in a rainy environment, or blooms that don't wilt in the rain? Heaven knows I get plenty of rain in NC, and have many that would fit that definition of take rain, but many of them have blooms that also wilt in a good rain shower.

Going with what Leslie said, these two are troupers for me. Lots of buds, tough in drought, tolerant of afternoon shade and heavy clay soil, stalks stand up to heavy rainfall, but the blooms tend to shred or spot when it does rain.

This one is tentatively identified as Copper Classic. Tom is growing some of mine along with his ID'd Copper Classic, so should know for sure next Spring:




Orange Harvest. Is listed as a rebloomer, but it only ever blooms in November for me. The scapes do not usually stay down in the foliage as is shown in a couple of these photos. This year was weird for a lot of plants.

Indian Chief can't be beat for an iron clad constitution! I have some that bloomed like mad even while they were full of grass and weeds (they've been properly weeded and cared for now ). Many of the oldies are extra tough, and don't seem to mind competition.

Sherry, Spring Bliss is extra lovely!

Leslie, I meant blooms and stalks that can stand up to rain. More often than not, our summers tend to be dry, although that wasn't the case this year.

Debra, Orange Harvest is a beauty! And nice to see an orange recommended too.

I'm pretty good about keeping everything from growing to closely to Irises while they're young clumps, but once they've formed decent sized clumps, they've got to fend for themselves a bit. Some varieties are more finicky and show signs of decline when that happens, and I try to avoid those.

All of mine are neglected and these two thrive anyway. Don't think you can go wrong with the Orange Harvest. Mine have been encroached upon by some NOIDs and I am waiting for bloom to separate and mark. Once I do that, be happy to section it out for you. Think it would be too late in the year by then for you to plant, but I would be happy to send some of it to you next Spring.

Thank you Debra, that is so kind of you! True, next year would be best. In spring I'll be posting pics of my clumps, and if you see some you'd like, I'd be happy to share as well.

Neal, I've had good luck with Mariposa Skies in my mixed beds, along with Breakers, Juke Box Hero, Brides Halo, Loreley, Ball of Confusion, Foreign Legion, Stars and Strips Forever, Plum Pretty Whiskers, Dutchman's Dream, and Piccadilly Circus. They seem to not mind a bit more shade and moisture that comes with a mixed bed. I should have some of all of these should you want some next spring for postage.

Neal, Tom sent me some Stars and Stripes Forever this year and it is really vigorous.

Piccadilly circus looks unusual. I need to add that to my list!

I think this is old timer, Rhein Nixe (PBF). It does well in mixed beds and blooms like crazy, increases fast. Holds up to strong winds better than anything I have. I don't think I have ever had one of it's spindly looking stalks blow over.

We always have storms in the spring and I have to stake bloom stalks on TB's. I do not have to stake BB's and some of them are gorgeous. I do have mixed beds with iris in them and I find the plantings against a west fence protects them from storm damage. Now, knock on wood that a big wind does not blow the fence away!

Neal -- you would love Jukebox Hero (from Tom) -- it's gorgeous!!!

Rhein Nixe is fantastic!

Ken,
I compared your picture to mine from this year and from what I see you definitely have Rhein Nixe.

Thanks Dave. I rescued it out of the woods a few years back. Grows like crazy here.

It's beautiful!!

Tom, that's a great list! And a generous offer- thank you! I'll look them up and see which varieties are tempting.

Ken, Rhein Nixe is lovely!