The ongoing drought has taken a toll on the spring flowers. But both in 2025 and 2026 the bearded iris ‘Innocent Star’ has shone.
According to Iris Wiki, George Sutton (founder of Sutton’s Iris Gardens) bred this cross of ‘Innocence Abroad’ and ‘Rock Star’ in 1999. Although it is listed as a tall bearded iris it is shorter than the two other tall bearded irises nearby. But had a lot of flowers and they lasted for several days even in our hot, dry March 2026. The brick red and creamy yellow flowers were a bright spot in an otherwise sad spring.
Garden History
2023-03-09
Bought from Gilbert H. Wild and Son for $10.50. They came beautifully packaged in pots with good root growth. But just small baby plants. I don’t think they will flower this year. Fed each with Bulbtone when planting.
2025-03-29
First flower. Maybe ever. Two of them. The color is between maroon and brick red. I wouldn’t call it purple.
