Missouri opened yesterday. The differences are obvious when you see the two irises side by side. Additionally, there is the matter of fragrance. Neither of these iris is as fragrant as the descriptions would have one believe. 'Blue Rhythm' is supposed to have a citrusy smell. This morning I sniffed a bud of BR that was just opening. Definite citrus smell. The fully opened flowers have faint vestiges of scent. According to the AIS 1939 checklist, Missouri smells like strawberry and lily of the valley. I wouldn't go that far. The smell is sweet but not easily described IMO. Check out Terry Jones's blogspot for an interesting article:
http://historiciris.blogspot.c.... I got the information about scent from him. I believe he died early this year, so I am not sure how much longer the blog will be available.
Blue Rhythm (on left) and Missouri (on right)
