HIST: Optical and Textural Effects, for Linda Mann

In a message dated 98-03-26 07:15:43 EST, you write:

<< Anner, could you give some examples of tall bearded irises with
 iridescence, pearl, and the velvet you are referring to?  I don't know
 many of the older irises, but it would be nice to know of several
 examples of each that are still widely grown in case I ever see them at
 a show or in a display garden. >>

Among my favorite aspects of the older irses is iridescence. By this I mean an
effect like the throat of a pigeon, or a quality frequently refered to as a
"metallic sheen". This is distinct from a sparkling effect or "diamond dust"
and it involves at least one color other than that of the iris itself,
generally blue but often copper. It appears as a smooth, shifting, light-
sensitive overlay, genererally found on, but not restricted to the falls. It
is impossible to anticipate which irises you will encounter this spring with
this quality, but, among the classic historics, it is plainly seen in QUAKER
LADY, DOLLY MADISON, PLUMERI, MOONLIGHT, SAVAGE, and BEOTIE, and to a lesser
degree in CAMPFIRE GLOW, RAINBOW ROOM, BRONZE BROCADE, MULBERRY ROSE and
others. Notice that many of these are--very broadly speaking-- pinky-tans
overlaid with gold or blue, or reds with blue flares-- but that it also shows
up on other colors. Note, too, that this is seen on irises with a crisp petal
texture, and those that are more taffeta-like or delicate.

The "pearl" effect as I see it is similar and is probably is a muted
iridescence on a smooth white or pastel ground with a heavy substance. It is
rarer. You can see it on the falls of FLAVESCENS when it is happy, and it
could be said that FLORENTINA, STAR SHINE and LILAC LANE have this effect. It
may be present on MOTHER OF PEARL, but I have not seen this so I don't know.
One of the best examples, but one which you are not likely to encounter often,
is YVES LASSAILLY, a white.There is some of this same quality in CHERIE from
time to time, without the blue, but here the effect is probably due to the
refined, kid-like texture of the falls. Among moderns this can be seen in
PEARL ISLAND.

Many of the famous and regal bi-tones of the first third of the century show
"velvet" on the falls. This is usually said to come from DOMINION, but some
earlier things have the quality to my eye, although to a lesser degree. Irises
you may encounter with this texture are ROSY WINGS, AMBASSDEUR, LOUVOIS and
DAUNTLESS, all deep reds to browns. It also shows up on the deep blue or
violet falls of neglectas like AMIGO, and HELEN COLLINGWOOD. You see it on
INDIANA NIGHT, and on the falls of some variegatas, and it is said to be
present, for the first time on a yellow, on SPUN GOLD. My SPUN GOLD has not
bloomed, so I can't say, but we do see it on some modern yellows where it is
very attractive  I'm hoping it will show up on my new CHINESE EMPRESS, a Blyth
neglecta whose falls are said to be "plush". 

So, Linda, those are some personal observations for you, since you asked. Your
eyes may see things differently, of course. I like most optical/textural
effects-- and there others including a particularly lovely silvery overcast
you find on some of the paler blues like BLUE RHYTHM, and also some with
curious puckers--- but what is un-interesting to me is the nondescript, thick,
leathery perfection of some of the moderns. I like to watch them interact with
the light.

Anner Whitehead, Richmond, VA
Henry Hall henryanner@aol.com
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