Of the 85 or so irises that I currently grow, my most vigorous iris is Emma's Laughter. It has 10 or so increases every year and in soil that is not well drained. I planted it years ago in the low corner of a bulb bed to see how it would do, and it thrived. I top dress the bulb bed each year with compost, so I'm guessing the iris is very well fed since it is in the low spot. It also blooms early and 3-4 times every year.

I think garden placement is a big factor in vigor. There are certain "sweet spots" in my garden, anyway.

Vigorous? Easily Quaker Lady. She was buried in ivy for years with only little fan leaves visible. I dug her up and popped her in the garden bed where she quickly multiplied. I now have several clumps and more in pots. The iris was planted here by the previous owner, probably in the late 30's or early 40's, so it is well adapted to the climate and pretty disease resistant at this point. Wish some of my more modern iris would get to this stage!




In second place is my other vigorous grower, first planted in the 90's, Spinning Wheel:

Lestv said:Vigorous? Easily Quaker Lady. She was buried in ivy for years with only little fan leaves visible. I dug her up and popped her in the garden bed where she quickly multiplied. I now have several clumps and more in pots. The iris was planted here by the previous owner, probably in the late 30's or early 40's, so it is well adapted to the climate and pretty disease resistant at this point. Wish some of my more modern iris would get to this stage!

• Tall Bearded Iris (Iris 'Quaker Lady')
• By Lestv

In second place is my other vigorous grower, first planted in the 90's, Spinning Wheel:

• Tall Bearded Iris (Iris 'Spinning Wheel')
• By Lestv

2 beautiful irises!

Knock 'em Dead

Very pretty one Arlene! Nice to see you on here. Hope all is well with you.

oh well, if we're going back to the historics for vigor, I'd have to name Milestone. You can't kill it. Reproduces madly. Given to me in the early'80's and introduced in
1965. (I should try it in my breeding "program"). It's my husband's favorite and he grows it in his vegetable garden. We've always had lots of it to give away.

Emma's Laughter

janwax said:oh well, if we're going back to the historics for vigor, I'd have to name Milestone. You can't kill it. Reproduces madly. Given to me in the early'80's and introduced in
1965. (I should try it in my breeding "program"). It's my husband's favorite and he grows it in his vegetable garden. We've always had lots of it to give away.

• Tall Bearded Iris (Iris 'Milestone')
• By janwax

Hi Jan. Milestone is an excellent parent and is fertile both ways. I would love to have it and would definitely use it in my breeding program. Your husband has good taste.

IB Carriwitched (Innerest) it is a plicata which would like to take over the garden. We keep taking it to our club sale which is held every 2 years as it keeps filling in the space where it was removed.

hippie said:Hi Jan. Milestone is an excellent parent and is fertile both ways. I would love to have it and would definitely use it in my breeding program. Your husband has good taste.

Jan ~ If you have extra, I would be happy to take one or two off your hands.

A clump would be beautiful!!!!

evelyninthegarden said:



Jan ~ If you have extra, I would be happy to take one or two off your hands.

I asked first Jan!

Hippie ~ Of course, after you, sir.

hippie said:

Hi Jan. Milestone is an excellent parent and is fertile both ways. I would love to have it and would definitely use it in my breeding program. Your husband has good taste.

I'd be happy to send you some. Remind me if I forget, o.k.?
If there are others who'd like a piece of Milestone, you can remind me too.
I may have to charge for postage.

I've got you down too, Evelyn. But i may need a reminder. :)

DH likes this iris so much he's got 4 beds of it. It doesn't get much water and it thrives madly. We'll always have some to share.

janwax said:

I'd be happy to send you some. Remind me if I forget, o.k.?
If there are others who'd like a piece of Milestone, you can remind me too.
I may have to charge for postage.

I've got you down too, Evelyn. But i may need a reminder. :)

That sounds great!! I will jot it down on the calendar.

evelyninthegarden said:Hippie ~ Of course, after you, sir.

Never upset a hippie.

Hippie, trust me. Milestone multiplies. Jan sent me some awhile back.

Jan: I would like one. I will do trade or postage. It's just beautiful.