Re: TB: Black Iris

From: "S&C Rust" <srust@fidnet.com>

Carol, there is wide variance in the colors of all black iris here in Region
18.  Superstition is one of the first iris we ever bought (yes we still have
it, though hundreds of others have come and gone; this will never leave)
and, being such a popular and prolific iris, many in our club have it.  The
very shape of Superstition is distinctive to me, but perhaps it is because
we have had it so long.  Anyway, at one show, in the youth division, were
three stalks of Superstition.  All were obviously Superstition; same height,
same branching, same shape and size flowers.  But, one was black from the
red side, one just darkish and Stephie's was a very deep blackish color;
quite brilliant.  The judges never doubted all three were Superstition and
said they saw a lot of variance in dark iris all the time.  They said it had
to do with mineral content of the soil they were grown in, and also the
freshness of the flower.  In this case, they said all three flowers appeared
to be fresh, so they thought it was mineral content.  Stephie's very deep
flower placed first and was much acclaimed.  The red black placed second and
the lighter black placed third.  Back In Black put on much the same show in
another year and the judge's gave it a Youth Queen and second RU to Adult
Queen.  They said it was the best grown and darkest specimen they had ever
seen, and the little girl that grew it was thrilled.  She later learned
through research that her home had been the sight of a livery stable and had
very rich soil!!

Cindy Rust, Missouri, Zone 5b


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