Hi Folks,
I see in the plant database that 'Florentine Silk' has 3 child plants. I am wondering if anyone here has had success in using this cultivar as either a pod or pollen parent?

Yes, I made a cross on it and got seeds a couple years ago. I haven't used it's pollen yet.

I used Florentine Silk for a dozen or so crosses. In my limited experience, it's easier to use it as a pod parent than as a pollen parent. Was not too impressed with most of the seedlings that came from it, though. Generally, Dykes Medal winners get used fairly heavily in hybridizing. The fact that Florentine Silk currently only shows up in the parentage of three irises makes you wonder.

This is probably the best of the seedlings I got from it, and the only one that hasn't been culled.



I kept it because because there are surprisingly few (good) irises in that color combination. It will probably never make it to introduction, but I'm hoping it will serve as a useful breeder.

I think it's beautiful!

KentPfeiffer said:I used Florentine Silk for a dozen or so crosses. In my limited experience, it's easier to use it as a pod parent than as a pollen parent. Was not too impressed with most of the seedlings that came from it, though. Generally, Dykes Medal winners get used fairly heavily in hybridizing. The fact that Florentine Silk currently only shows up in the parentage of three irises makes you wonder.

This is probably the best of the seedlings I got from it, and the only one that hasn't been culled.


I kept it because because there are surprisingly few (good) irises in that color combination. It will probably never make it to introduction, but I'm hoping it will serve as a useful breeder.

I like the stain-washed standards. Very nice!

I think that seedling needs to grow here, so I can judge it better.

I had two bloom from it's seeds, this was the better of the two, the other didn't even merit a picture. Both got tossed.

evelyninthegarden said:

I like the stain-washed standards. Very nice!

....and that deep, rich colour on the falls and beards is just

KentPfeiffer said:I used Florentine Silk for a dozen or so crosses. In my limited experience, it's easier to use it as a pod parent than as a pollen parent. Was not too impressed with most of the seedlings that came from it, though. Generally, Dykes Medal winners get used fairly heavily in hybridizing. The fact that Florentine Silk currently only shows up in the parentage of three irises makes you wonder.

This is probably the best of the seedlings I got from it, and the only one that hasn't been culled.



I kept it because because there are surprisingly few (good) irises in that color combination. It will probably never make it to introduction, but I'm hoping it will serve as a useful breeder.

Absolutely beautiful color on that seedling! And as you said, not a common color combo. So while FS may not be an ideal parent, it gave you a nice child plant. I would grow that one for sure.

with leslie. love that color combo.