Introductions
We have no introductions for 2024. Several new varieties may be added after the plants begin to grow in the spring. We experienced a severe drought last summer that extended into late fall, and so we need to see how that may have affected the new lineouts.
2022 introductions included two new Siberian irises. 

'Lemon Quartz'
Dean Cole 30" Midseason, Tetraploid
DC-T9-17-170-2
What color is this lovely ruffled Siberian iris? Is it yellow with a lavender wash or a lavender ameona with a yellow band and yellow highlighted styles? However we describe it, this is a lovely ruffled unique creation. The flowers are large, 5 inches in diameter, held on stalks with one or two branches. The standards are pure white and the exceptionally wide style arms have the midrib and tips tinted yellow. The ruffled buds are lovely even before they open. $20.00
'Topaz Ruffles'
Dean Cole 31" Midseason, Tetraploid
DC-T8-14-215-4
This heavily ruffled pale blue seedling has been a stand-out in our garden, blooming the first year after transplant and increasing and blooming vigorously since. There are a lot of light blue Siberians, but this one really draws attention. Visitors to the garden were attracted to it and had to be told, “No I can’t sell that one, it is not registered and doesn’t have a name yet.” Topaz Ruffles is similar to ‘Dear Currier’ but taller and with lighter standards and pure white style arms. The white starburst signal and white rim on the falls add to the beauty. $20.00
2021 introductions included four new Siberian irises and one new pseudata. 

'Beespeckled'
Dean Cole 30-34" Early, Tetraploid
DC-T6-12-49-2
‘Beespeckled’ is a very distinctive large ruffled mottled violet or blue violet broken color. The color on this Siberian lightens dramatically as the flower ages giving the clump a very unique appearance. The serrated turquoise style arms are rimmed with a golden color. The terminal and one branch carry 5-6 buds. The terminal sometimes pushes a 3rd flower giving a long bloom period. Many garden visitors have been attracted to this very interesting variety. [sold out]
'Amethyst Frost'
Dean Cole 30" Early Midseason, Tetraploid
DC-T6-10-209-1
‘Amethyst Frost’ is a large 6-inch flower with wide, almost horizontal bubble ruffled falls. The soft pale lavender color is highlighted by white standards and style arms, a lighter outer rim and gold signal. The bud has a pronounced golden edge and a half open flower has a beautiful ruffled cupped shape. This seedling received an exhibition certificate and was much admired and photographed at the 2018 Siberian/ Species National Convention. The dark green foliage is quite broad and turns a lovely bronze red color in the late fall and winter. Now $15.00
'Ruby Peacock'
Dean Cole 30-33" Late, Tetraploid
DC-T6-11-384-1
Very wide, ruffled deep rose wine falls rimmed lavender have a blue wash around the large white signal. The wide ruffled style arms are light with wonderful turquoise coloring and a lavender center and edge. The strong upright stalks have a terminal plus two branches carrying 5 to 6 buds. Now $15.00
'Midnight Tide'
Mike Lockatell 30" Early Midseason, Tetraploid
Supernatural X Chandler's Choice 20150-26-2B
Dark red-wine purple, white signal and white rim.
‘Midnight Tide’ has won an Exhibition Certificate for Best Seedling in Show, the Alice Bouldin Cup for “Best In-Region Seedling” at an AIS Region 4 Spring Meeting and Runner Up for “Best Convention Seedling at the Siberian Iris Society Convention in 2018. Tetraploid Siberian Irises can struggle in warmer climates. ‘Midnight Tide’ has thrived to make large clumps without center dead spots in multiple Central Virginia locations. Five-inch flowers with handsome green foliage make it an interesting addition to any Southern garden. Now $20.00

'Shimo Murasaki'
Hiroshi Shimizu 16" Midseason
This pseudata has been one of my favorites year after year, but I have been hesitant to introduce it. The bloom stalk is short, approximately 16 inches. The buds appear dark purple but when they open are a white ground with purple veining. The underside of the petals still show their solid purple color and make the blooms quite unique. The name appropriately translates to “Purple Lining”.

As with many dwarf varieties of plants, this pseudata is not as vigorous as most of its relatives. It forms a nice clump, but then the clump starts to decline after about three years, and transplants from the clump don’t always survive. I have been able to keep a fairly good supply of this variety but worry as to whether it will live and grow well when I send it to a new home. This year Draycott Gardens will take the leap of faith and offer Shimo Murasaki with the understanding that it might need a little extra care in your garden. Transplanting a couple small portions of the clump after two years might assure success in keeping this interesting variety growing in your garden. Now $15.00