This is such a beautiful photo and beautiful iris. Do you know what zone they are hardy to and if they need growing conditions more like Japanese or Bearded Iris?

This is an arilbred iris which is a cross between tall bearded garden iris and aril species iris from the Middle East. Generally they would need conditions like a bearded iris, which they are. Some like conditions to be a bit drier and some like conditions a bit warmer. There are so many different species in their backgrounds it's hard to know what any specific cultivar might prefer. This one was born and raised in Albuquerque, New Mexico before it was registered and introduced. It's been relatively popular, I think, but I don't know how far north it has been grown successfully, so I'm not much help here. It has grown very strongly for me here in Texas so far. but my growing conditions are very different than the climate in Minnesota.

Thanks for saying what you did about the photo, but the iris is truly beautiful and my photo isn't responsible for that.

Thanks for the info, I might have to try an Arilbred just to see if they will grow here.

Your photo isn't responsible for the beauty of the iris but it made a lot of people aware of the beauty of the iris that they otherwise would have never known, so thank you for sharing that beauty!

Donald I've been admiring your Arilbreds for a while now and I'm curious about them too!
Can you recommend a good source?

I think Superstition Iris Gardens is always a good source. They have a nice selection ranging from some back in the historic section to the very latest introductions which include some of their own. The quality of the rhizomes they ship is superb - as good as it gets.

Thanks!

I can second that recommendation, dirt. In fact, I will have increases of Sand Dancer and Navajo Velvet next Spring, both obtained from Superstition Iris. If you want to try out a couple of Arilbreds to see how they do before spending money on them, let me know and I will send them to you.

oooooh yeah I would love to!
I did just send them an email...wondering how to order if there is no online website? I don't do facebook

dirtdorphins said:oooooh yeah I would love to!
I did just send them an email...wondering how to order if there is no online website? I don't do facebook

They have a catalog. I expect they'll send you one. That's the only way I've ever ordered from them. The old fashioned - fill out a paper order and mail it in . Seems like they usually get it out around February or thereabout. It doesn't have photos, so be prepared to use the database!

I keep track of shares on my ATP plant list. Over the winter, take a look at it. If you see something else you want to try, be happy to send it. If I don't have it in 2016, I should in 2017.