Bonnie, is GCS a good grower for you?

Thank you Bonnie!

Yes, Neal, it seems to be one that can stand on its own. I would have to say it is better than average.

gemini_sage said:Any of you growing Starship Enterprise, how well does it perform in the garden?

Neal -- I have had Starship Enterprise in my Iris garden for years. It's a little bit tempermental -- as in it sulks if you move it -- but it gets over it and does just fine. Mine bloomed and increased last year when many other Irises caved to the bad winter and wet spring. I love this Iris -- and it is so beautiful, it's worth its little vagaries.

I had Starship Enterprise in one bed, and it wasn't doing too well, so I moved it, and it seems to like it's new spot better as it's doing much better. Light Shines, a sib, is a nice one too, and is a much better growing iris.

I will have to check out Lightshine. I think my Starship is doing better since I parked it in a new spot. (Wink).
I agree with Mary Ann (what a surprise...not) that it is a very beautiful bloom. Stands out in the garden.

I wonder what it is that Starship wants... I've heard that it's difficult in California, but I wanted to try it anyway. I've got mine in a wine barrel at the moment, and will move it into the ground this summer. It didn't bloom last year, so I'm hoping it will this spring.

Starship is a slow increaser here as well, it looked great at it's home in Salem but blooms every other year for me. I much prefer Kieth's improved version it does much better and command's attention in the garden

Rainbow High

Rainbow High is beautiful. I just got it last summer and seems to be doing well. Hope to see it bloom in the spring. Winter hasn't been cooperating this year. No snow on the ground and now we are getting 10 degree nights. Guess I shouldn't complain, last year I was already begging for it to stop.

Wow Brad! That photo just made me move Rainbow High up to the top of the list among the Absolutely Must Haves!! ...and I noticed in my notes that it's one that Superstition Gardens grows, so I hope to see it in bloom this spring!

I've been out of town...just got back tonight. I have been enjoying your posts, all the lists and photos! I'll try to get my list posted tomorrow!

Liking Rainbow High. 0 degrees out this morning. Not liking having to go out into it though!

Rainbow High is lovely -- but I wouldn't trade my Starship for it.............

.....guess I just need them both...LOL

Here is a picture of "Rainbow High" taken at Superstition Iris Garden.

Hmmm. Lightshine

vs Starship Enterprise

I just really like the white standards and bolder yellow on Starship better. I may have to keep babying it so it blooms more often.

Rainbow High looks like a brighter version of Lightshine to me.

Best shot of Starship Enterprise I have ever seen, had to import it even though we already have tons of images!
I have yet to see mine and I lost the tag so until it blooms, I won't know if I even still have it.

The white of the standards really does shine like a beacon- I'm loving any I see with that quality of playing with light! The brighter beards really pop too.

Do you grow many luminatas, Neal? Some of them look like they glow. I grow a few but I want to add some more to my garden.

That is a gorgeous shot of Starship, Leslie. There's no comparison, for me.............