Black Swan

Fay, R&I 1960
Iris Class:
Bearded
Bearded Class:
Tall Bearded
Age:
1960-1969
Fall Color:
Black/Near Black
Standard Color:
Black/Near Black
Pattern:
Self
Beard Color:
Dark/Blk/Brn
Hybridizer:
Fay
Rarity:
GG eligible - protected

Full Description

TB 35″ M

From Schreiner’s Iris Lover’s catalog for 1962: “Several large, copiously proportioned flowers open at the same time on a rugged, well branched stem. The petals are wide and of a deep blackish tone with a brown tipped beard. Its rich tones stand out dramtically when contrasted with light iris or green foliage background. Highly recommended.”

From Cooley’s Gardens catalog for 1962: “As sleek and ebony-hued as the graceful bird for which it is named, and with both Black Hills and Sable Night in its parentage. It will satisfy those looking for just about the ultimate in dark Iris – great size, very wide petals, smooth velvety surface and a brown beard tipped black.”

From Wanganui Irises catalog for 1965-66: “At last – a black iris with everything! Slowly over the years iris breeders have been improving this color class, building up height and size of bloom until the ‘blacks’ could hold up their heads in any company and Black Swan may well remain the criterion of this class for many years. Huge blooms of ruffled black velvet stand tall on well branched stems with excellent petal substance, vigorous, free-flowering – indeed this is the black iris you have been looking for – plant it now to offset those beautiful lighter tones.”

(Sable Night X sdlg), HM 1960, AM 1962.