Kepple's black plicatas

Pierre, as of this year only three from the series have been introduced from
the "black plicata" line.  Keith began work on this line a number of years
ago, but difficult germination and the combined genetics of dark color and
plicata distribution have made progress on the project slow.

This year's catalog introduces 'Oreo,' by far the most contrasty of those
introduced so far.  It is very dark in the rims and in the heart and appears
to be a very wide, shapely bloom on a 31" (79 cm) stalk.  In 2002 Keppel
introduced 'Charleston,' a spin off from the line, that is a dark purple
plicata with lovely form, good stalk and plant habits with a 42" (107 cm)
stalk.  Even though it does not have the depth of color the other two do, it
carries the black genetics and would be a good one with which to breed for
dark plicatas, especially with those from other lines.

Also introduced in 2002 was 'Inside Track,'  a fairly tall (36" or 91 cm)
stalk carries fewer blooms than could be hoped for, but has great color
contrast and had been introduced because garden visitors created high demand
for it.

I've not grown either of the two darker ones, but 'Charleston' is a very
satisfactory performer here in our stressful conditions for bearded irises

Ghio's 'Epicenter' has also been used for dark plicata contrast to good
effect.  A recent introduction, the source of which does not come to mind, of
a dark plicata of strong contrast had 'Epicenter' as one of its parents.

Neil Mogensen   z 7  western NC mountains

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