ooh, yes, early is right!
April 6th--still had crocuses blooming, but of course not the ones with this one in this pic

Stop and Stare had an outstanding first year performance for me also, and was a favorite of all who passed by and stopped in to say so! Shame I don't have a better photo handy


Thinking on it, Tanzanite, was the run away most impressive as far as increases and blooms of all the new ones

What on earth are you feeding those with, Dirt???!!!

I do hope 'Stop and Stare ' will be available in Europe as it seems to be a sublime Iris. Not only is it very beautiful, but it seems to have unusually wide leaves for an SDB. Wonder if this contributes to its great vigor?

Tanzanite is a good grower for me, too Dirt. A few others that are fast growers for me are:
Coconino


Forcefield




Magnetic Storm



Fantasy Fling and Pele which @stilldew shared with me.
I love the SDB's possibly more than the big ones, because they get so full of flowers so early.

Gorgeous pictures Susie!!

this is one that surprised me. It was a gift iris and described as a purple. Since i have several purple irises i put it in a long pot with several other colors. I did not pay it much mind until the next spring. Then it bloomed and was a lovely shade of....

SDB Blueberry Sweetie

here is one that Susan, @stilldew shared with me. It bloomed and increased from its first year and has a lovely form and a long bloom season. I love this one....

SDB Fantasy Fling

I love Coconino too Susie.

i will have to add SDB Double Byte. It is an older variety but has not failed to bloom every spring i have grown it. It manages early spring weather without a whimper.

SDB Gingerbread Trim really adds nice color in an early spring garden. This one blooms reliably.

Susie, those are stunning clumps of irises!

Thanks to all those who have contributed to this thread - I have been following it with interest and now will be investigating a few more cultivars!

with Joshua - it has been very interesting reading the posts here and I have learnt a thing or two
And great photo's everyone.

Some of the best irises I grow are in the SDB/MDB classes. Here are a some that I like which seem to "love" the cold winters here.
Our current temp as I post: (6F, -14C)


This one is a tiny, tiny MDB; Alpine Lake from A. & D. Willott, 1981. Its growth is almost unreal!
This batch is out in the veggie garden.


This is Bedford Lilac from Bennett Jones, R1991. It takes a lot of cold & winter abuse.


And this is likely my all-time favorite in the SDB's: Bluebeard's Ghost; Sensational in every way!~
By Paul Black R2006 (exceptional iris)

It looks like I am stuck inside for most of the day. My outdoor chores are mostly done.
This thread helps me remember that spring will certainly come again!

Beautiful Leon! i agree with your assessment of those little lovelies. This thread is definitely making me nostalgic for spring.

Beautiful Leon! I bought Bedford Lilac this summer, from the looks of your picture I'm so glad I did, your pictures are outstanding! I sure wish I could grow Alpine Lake here, but in our heat and mild winters I don't think it would survive.

Leon: That clump of Alpine Lake is one of the prettiest things I have seen - Amazing!

Bluebeard's Ghost, I have had for several years, and managed to keep it alive but it is not thriving. It may not like the heat. Still I hope to see it someday!!!!

Beautiful clump shots Leon! Alpine Lake looks so dense; what a show. I acquired Bluebeard's Ghost last year and am looking forward to it!

Leon - your little ones are happy indeed. What beautiful clumps!

Maybe it is the heat in the summer, maybe I just don't do it right but I never get giant blooming clumps like they do up north.

I do have a few more really good growers though to add to this thread.

Gizmo the Gremlin - which popped up everywhere last spring. Using Debra's pic.

And Muggles. I do love my Muggles. Right up there with Inner Space as a favorite for me.

Teagan is the only clumper for me so far....