With the Japanese irises done blooming, the iris season is over for me. Unless Immortality or Clarence decides to bloom in the fall, it's 2020 before my lovelies are seen again. I'd like to share a summary of the season here.
It was an exceptionally cold and wet spring. Again. On May 7, first to bloom were Iris cristata (unnamed), MDB Trimmed Velvet, and SDB Open Your Eyes. On June 29, last to bloom were JI Blushing Snowmaiden and JI Lake Effect. In total, the iris season comprised 69 days or a little over two months for me.
Shortest blooming were MDB Hey There and JI Lake Effect, a total of 5 days each. These were weak first year plants with only a couple of buds. Still... gone in a flash.
Longest blooming was JI Dewa Banri, for a total of 26 days. First year plant! Just one day less was TB Orinoco Flow, dependable as always.
Now for the purely subjective. My favorite irises were RC Dardanus, TB Going Big Time, and JI Raspberry Glow. So gorgeous, each like a jewel. The fragrance on Going Big Time was heavenly.
My least favorite? The TBs in general. Very little action on these. Not their fault, I know, but only a few bloomed. Absolute Treasure, which I always look forward to so much, did absolutely nothing. They're looking lush and beautiful now, so hopefully next year the weather will be better and they'll put on a show.
A few favorite pics from this year:
DEWA BANRI glowing in the evening.
GERALD DARBY striking a pose.
RASPBERRY GLOW with Purple Rooster bee balm, a favorite.
Thank you for indulging me!
