"An Iris Lover’s Catalog*' 
15 
Dark Blue Toned Iris 
Section 1C 
Key to Groups for Sec. 1C 
Group 1 Selfs and Near Selfs Group 5 Massing Types 
gIZI 3 mi"* Bi-color. ^ Bloomers 
Group 4 Odd Tones Group 7 New and Trial Varieties 
These deep, rich blue violet Iris are very majestic in their unusual 
depth and richness of color. We have very few flowers in the floral 
kingdom that give us the luxurious depth or rich effects of the best 
velvets or plush, such as we have in this very popular section of the 
Iris "rainbow.” Here we have the home district of Dominion, an 
Iris that has such a large influence on our modern Iris, and is a measur¬ 
ing stick for velvety quality and fine carriage in the blooms of the 
Iris world. 
We wish to call to you attention two Iris we are introducing in 
this color group. Indigo Bunting, a most worthy production of Dr. 
Ayres, and SA Louis, a free growing dark colored blue of the famous 
Dominion race colorings, by Mr. Wiesner. They will be found fully 
described in the fore part of the catalog under “Introductions” and 
also briefly in the New and Trial Group. 
Group 1—Selfs and Near Selfs 
Competition for first honors is extremely keen in this color class. 
Our breeders have, in the last few years, given us some really outstand¬ 
ing Iris. Blackamoor, one of deepest tones of blue purple, a tone 
deeper and bluer than Baldwin, has the enamel finish of Baldwin, a 
striking blue beard and a large round segmented flower. Meldoric, 
deep, dusky, and sombre, seems to take a year to get established to 
perform its best. We next come to a trio not of this floral kingdom 
but more properly denizens of Pluto’s underworld. Their coloring is 
the darkest development of deep Indigo violet blues—almost blackish 
purple. Stately and impressively sombre, can be used in describing 
each. It is impossible to limit our choice to one in this trio. It 
will be a matter of personal selection to pick out your preference. 
Black Wings, deepest black, velvety blue purple—probably the largest 
fall with a harmonious beard—very fine. Me phis to, another deep 
dark, blue-black purple; best shaped, evenly balanced flower with 
excellent branching; a quiet haft and practically no veining; a beard 
of orange that does not clash, but harmonizes with its rich colorings. 
Mrs. J. L. Gibson, the tallest and bluest of these deep colored Iris, 
looks as though this might be the best. An Iris lacking pretentious 
claims but worthy of your attention is Winneshiek —very fine—a 
darker and finer Klamath; an Iris whose value cannot be hidden. 
Duke of Bedford is very fine, has carrying quality, fine branching 
and is unexcelled. Its one weakness is that it is a little tender. Tropic 
Seas is a grand blue, fine height and color. Everyone should have it. 
S. D. Mme. Gaudichau is a flower that is unforgetable. It is no¬ 
ticed at once in the garden. We consider it indispensable. With this 
variety we have several others whose color range is very near. Dariel, 
a Mme. Gaudichau with better finish, browner haft, and a more gold¬ 
en beard. Sirius, midway between Amneris and Gaudichau, full pet- 
alled, reflexed. Gyptis a striking, large self, deep toned type, quite an 
unique coloring for an early flowering type. Yolande a most attrac¬ 
tive large flowered dark variety. Amneris, very late blooming with a 
fine, pure shade of royal blue overlaid deeper on falls—most impres¬ 
sive. Nightshade might be briefly called a more limpy Gaudichau, 
Monterey is a rich, well formed Iris with fine, even coloring. 
