Having gone through 30 plus years of irises I'll list my top 12 picks in no special order.
And this first one is just over the 30 year age limit (1984) from Joe Ghio. So I'll cheat
a little because there are some irises that are just too hard to beat in the Midwest freezer
Zone a/b. First qualifier is hardiness/toughness. Second is good looks/personal likes.
The hauntingly beautiful Olympiad!
The Heavenly Stairway To Heaven Larry Lauer 1993.
The Masterpiece 'Silverado' from Schreiner 1987
The Queen of the night "Holy Night' by K. Mohr
(I know! I cheated on the 30 Year rule!)
Tough & Hardy 'Different World' from the late Rick Ernst
(Formerly Cooley's Irises) Intro 1991
'Sultry Mood' from Schreiners 1989: Laughs at Sub-zero cold!
'Elizabeth Poldark' from R. E. Nichol 1990
'Black Suited' from the late Sterling Innerst Intro 2000
'Celebration Song' Dykes Medal winner in 2003 from Schreiners.
Year Of Introduction: 1993. A Classy TB & Exceptionally nice!
'English Charm' From Barry Blyth 1989: Always dependable here
and exceptionally nice looking! Tremendous qualities!
'Queen's Circle' from Frederick Kerr: Intro 2000
'Vanity's Child' from Ted Olson 1985: Another outstanding TB
Parentage Pink Sleigh x Vanity (Vanity in itself is an excellent iris! But she
goes beyond the 30-year rule!
