I originally fell in love with the Tall Bearded irises as they were the only ones I knew. Then I was introduced to some of the other sizes, like the SDB's. These work well for small gardens, beside walkways, or even in pots because of the height. The great thing, hybridizers are coming up with lots more colors and patterns. We keep adding more of these little ones for those without the large gardens and yards.
Small Dwarf
SDB's are 8 to 16". They are early bloomers, following MDB's. The colors are nearly unlimited. Great for small gardens.
Tall
Tallest irises at 27 1/2" and above. Blooming is later than the smaller irises. Variety of colors, patterns, ruffles, and novelties.
Intermediate
IB's are the middle irises in size 16" to 27 1/2" and blooming. Bloom season overlaps SDB & TB. They have interesting colors, patterns, and novelties.
Border
BB's are smaller versions of TB's and bloom the same time but their height & bloom size are the same as IB's.
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Future Additions
Arilbred (AB)
AB's are hybrid crosses of bearded irises and aril irises. Suppose to be easy to grow. Hybridizer, Paul Black, won the Dykes Medal in 2024 with Perry Dwyer, the highest award an iris can be awarded.
Miniature Dwarf (MDB)
MDB's are the tiniest, up to 8" in height and the earliest to bloom. They do good in clumps in rock gardens. We planted a few in 2025, including the "Black Olive" that is pictured.* Hybridizer Paul Black won the Caparne-Welch Medal in 2023.
*Pictures by Paul Black and Keith Keppel are used with their permission.