16 
"An Iris Lover’s Catalog” 
Dark Blue Toned Iris 
Section 2C Dark Blue and Violet 
In our rich blue-purples, violets, and "midnight blues” we have 
a natural expression of richness in coloring that is one of the finest 
in the floral kingdom. This may show in a velvety quality which 
characterizes many of the varieties, or it may be revealed in a mere 
intensity of color. In the garden they present depth and combine ef¬ 
fectively with masses of lighter colors, such as light blues, pinks, or 
yellows. The manifest influence of Dominion on succeeding Iris is 
truly remarkable. 
Group 1—Selfs and Near Selfs 
A varied assortment of Iris of very fine caliber greets us in this 
group. Mrs. /. L. Gibson stands out prominently. The flowers are of 
good size, on full tall stems, above average for this group. Its form 
is excellent and substance is fine. In color it is a rich, deep indigo- 
purple with velvety falls—and most satisfactory. Black Wings, of ex¬ 
cellent texture, and a deep velvety blue-black tone, possesses a frosty 
lustre and richness which gives this handsome Dominion derivative its 
prominent place in our imposing galaxy. One type very even in tone 
and texture is St. Louis of fine oval rounded form with nice broad 
hafts. It is a self, a glossy velvety purple with harmonious beard and 
mellow, pleasing haft. The stem is fine and tall, and the blooms 
pleasingly rounded and well placed. Its ease of growth and profusion 
of bloom are most striking and worthy. Large flowered M eldoric with 
flaring falls and rich, velvety blue-black purple coloring is fine when 
it is clear but it is apt to spot in a moist atmosphere. A very bright 
beard also enhances this flower. Another very large type is Blacka¬ 
moor. Flaring in form, a deep blue-purple in color with a harmonizing 
blue beard, it is one of the fine dark types; its buds are very striking 
for their lustre. Duke of Bedford, finely branched and possessing a 
color which carries well is another of the Dominion race. At least a 
couple of representatives from this gorgeously colored class should 
grace your garden. 
The color of the old Louis Bel has given that Iris much notice. 
As a garden Iris its performance has been most disappointing, but in 
Mephisto we have a fine improvement on this deep indigo sort. An 
earlier blooming and larger type is Gyptis, a deep-toned blue-violet 
self. For sheer intensity of color what Iris could be more of a gem 
than Katherine McFarland, one of the darkest and yet one of the most 
radiant Iris of its type. Robert W. Wallace, tall and of pallida habit 
has black-violet falls. The old favorite Souvenir de Mme. Gaudichau 
is one of the deep purples that performs well and always pleases. 
Tropic Seas is bluer in tone with fine habit and color. Esplendido is 
well branched and has nicely placed blooms of medium depth. Am- 
neris, a rich royal-blue with a deeper overlay on the falls is especially 
valuable because of its late blooming which prolongs the season. 
Thuratus, an exceptionally well branched, fine black-purple self is de¬ 
cidedly worthwhile. Buto, a rich royal blue-purple is a very dark, 
early blooming type. Moa, of flaring form, is a Dominion Iris which 
carries its deep colors very well. 
Group 2—Bi-Colors 
The pleasing contrast of silky light blue standards with deep- 
toned falls of a heavy gloss or velvety sheen provides a beautiful land¬ 
scape effect which Iris alone can display. Here we find constant im¬ 
provement towards pure colors, with clear-cut differentiations in color 
as our ideal. 
