Okay, I have a question for all you iris experts.

I've been advised that if I am going to hybridize (yeah, I'm gonna pollen dab ), I should use "modern" parents, meaning those (iirc) whose hafts touch or even overlap, and whose falls are wide. (I'm still not sure what a "haft" is... since it seems it is not the shoulder.)

I would like something that has a lot of ruffling, and fragrance if I can get it, and I would prefer taller to shorter (so 35" or taller).

Given all of that, what would be a good white parent to use? Or something (I don't know how iris colors are inherited) which when used with a white, will produce white offspring? It doesn't have to be pure white throughout... little touches of color would be okay... but ultimately at least some of the offspring should be mostly white.

(It has also been suggested to me to look at award winners, but maybe there is something recent out there that is even better?)

Your suggestions, please?

White & blue irises have similar genetics. If you don't want to buy 'the world of iris' put out by AIS for $18., get it though inter library loan.. genetics have moved on since it was printed, but it would give you a start for information.

I just looked in the database for self white irises. I'm still new at this two so I really don't know your answer. The only thing I would make sure is to check out if they already have child plants registered. At least that way you know if they are fertile.

Bubbly Mood looks nice and has child plants (no pictures of the child plants so I don't know if any of them are white).
Other ATPer's said to check the pedigree of the Iris.
Sorry I can't be more help.

Joe Ghio has several whites that are nicely ruffled.. Brad has really studied Joe's introductions and could probably enlighten you more on genetics..

There's also this youtube video on hybridizing: https://www.youtube.com/watch?...

'Chased but Chaste' by Barry Blyth has a pronounced fragrance. and is 37" tall.

I think Ghio's "My Beloved" is one of the nicest ruffled whites.

I immediately thought of Ghio when you said bubbly whites. Forever Blowing Bubbles and My Beloved both fit the bill, but Bubbles is shorter at 33".

I like them 'shorter' even with TBs.

Here a few whites from the last couple of years.

Napa Iris has a 2015 white named "Quintessa".
Tall Bearded Iris (Iris 'Quintessa')
Jack Worel has a 2014 named "May Frost".
Tall Bearded Iris (Iris 'May Frost')
Gary Biggs "Moonlit Drive".
Tall Bearded Iris (Iris 'Moonlit Drive')
Schreiner "Mr. Moonlight".
Tall Bearded Iris (Iris 'Mr. Moonlight')

I saw 'Mr. Moonlight' at the convention in May & thought it very nice.

Thank you all for the information. I had already seen the videos before; I will check out the AIS book.

I will check out all of the irises mentioned too.

Thanks again!

Poly..

I have had good luck with MY Beloved it will through lot's of Whites .. would also use (Enjoyment) and (Beauty Within) for the next step they are kids of it and I had good white seedlings from the both of them. They are both Pod and Pollen fertile so could be used either way.. I also had good luck with Paul Black's( Kiss Of Passion) & (Lipstick Kiss) both White's and worked with another of his this year called (Stolen Sweets) it is a good grower here.

I knew you'd have some good info Brad

Thank you, Brad, for all of your suggestions.

Enabling Sherry directed me to an iris garden (for a certain coveted iris) which just happens to also sell 'My Beloved' and 'Enjoyment', so I will probably order them, along with the coveted iris (and maybe one or two others there that caught my eye ). I will look at your other suggestions, too.

I take my title seriously. Enabling, at your service!

Marilyn, I hope you find the perfect whites for your breeding program.. So many nice ones to choose from.

And what would the name be of a "certain Iris garden"??? Hmmmmmmmm????????????????

My Beloved is a beauty! And yes, where did Enabler Sherry send you???

(We sound like a iris cult - instead of Pastor this, or Brother that, Sister that, we would be Enabler Sherry, and Enabler Mary Ann.... We have our Grand Cheesehead, our Grand Poohbah of Iowa, the Tu Tu Brotherhood, the Night Diggers, as steps to further iris enlightenment..... Just sayin' )

Be sure to note the parents of the whites in the data base, that may give you some guidance too. I was surprised to see some of the whites have colorful parents; I guess that's to be expected considering the complex gene pool in modern hybrids.

Lestv said:My Beloved is a beauty! And yes, where did Enabler Sherry send you???

(We sound like a iris cult - instead of Pastor this, or Brother that, Sister that, we would be Enabler Sherry, and Enabler Mary Ann.... We have our Grand Cheesehead, our Grand Poohbah of Iowa, the Tu Tu Brotherhood, the Night Diggers, as steps to further iris enlightenment..... Just sayin' )

Leslie -- you have truly gone over the edge. I absolutely loved this -- so I'm over the edge too!!!

Have you considered any of the Australian options? Inject a bit of 'new blood' into your offspring...

Frostfall Blyth 2015 (34” but stunning)
or sibling Purist, Blyth 2015, 35”
Chased but Chaste, Blyth 2009 37”
Jayceetee Grosvenor 2001 (Australian Dykes Medal 2004) 37”