CHANGING SEASONS

Years of research were needed to obtain this rare jewel which offers a striking and clear contrast: practically pure white standards with an almost imperceptible violet border and jet-black falls with golden yellow beards. These wide flowers are ruffled on the edges and stand on a well branched stalk. Previewed at the 2012 edition of the Chelsea Flower Show, they were a huge success with the new varieties enthusiasts.

Belle Moisson's sibling with standards of pale yellow that deepens near the edges. The falls are yellow with red-brown striations near the golden beards and also peppered with red speckles towards the bottom. Attractive, beautifully branched with a long flowering period.

Son of 'French Cancan' and 'Fanfreluche' with light beige standards and almost horizontal falls of soft lavender. Tangerine toned beards. Stems are rather compact. A most pleasing combination of pastel tones. (Cayeux seedling 05 298 A)

Upright, light mahogany standards, broad, buttery yellow falls under the copper-orange beards, edged and stippled with coppery red. Fine midline in mahogany. Superb shape, numerous flowers bordered by small frills. Good branching. (Black 2011)

"Memphis Blues" and "Sapphire Hills" gave us this superbly shaped, medium-blue violet iris with tight ruffles on edges. A thin white median stripe extends the discreet light blue beard. Perfect stems and exceptional vigour.

Clear blue-violet standards, deeper at midribs ; very pale blue falls ageing to white. Very light blue beards tipped orange. Vigorous growth.