Black Wings

Kirkland, R. 1929 / I. 1930
Iris Class:
Bearded
Bearded Class:
Tall Bearded
Age:
1920-1929
Fall Color:
Black/Near Black
Standard Color:
Purple
Pattern:
Bitone
Beard Color:
Gold/Tan
Hybridizer:
Kirkland
Rarity:
GG eligible - protected

Full Description

TB M B1D

From Carl Salbach’s catalog for 1934 “First introduced as Satan, prince of darkness, the”almost blackness” of the flower warranted the name, but finally re-named “Black Wings.” Good size and form, with flaring falls 4’h” by equal height. Color almost black, owing to the black veining on Fluorite  violet. Hardy, and does not fade. One of the standouts in our garden-an iris which we can give full commendation. 30″ ……. $5.00″

From Carl Salbach’s catalog for 1938: “Produced by Chancellor Kirkland one of the Nation’s best known iris breeders, this splendid variety was runner-up to Sierra Blue for the 1935 W.R. Dykes Medal award. With its rich velvety darkness, BLACK WINGS makes a most showy clump, and the individual specimens are just as outstanding. Good size and form, with flaring falls 4 1/2 inches by equal height. Color almost black, owing to the black veining on Fluorite violet. Hardy, and does not fade. One of the standouts in our garden, an iris which we can give full commendation.

From Oakhurst Gardens catalog for 1939: ” …Deliciously fragrant and very popular. 38 in.”

From Robert Wayman catalog 1939 – FRAGRANT NEAR BLACK, and one of the best of this color. Looks absolutely black in some lights, the color actually being Fluorite Violet with a black lustrous overlay and a richness that is unsurpassed. The color illustration does not begin to do it justice.

HM 1931, AM 1933.

Provenance: Photo 1 , 3 by L Munro, Presby Iris Gardens, 2005, long time resident, origin unknown.