Library

The 1939 checklist included a color chart listing the codes that irises had been grouped under for purposes of the classification. Almost every iris in the checklist had a color code applied to it. The color chart was revised in 1949 to include even more classifications. This is an attempt to illustrate visually what each of the classes in the 1939 color chart look like using the photos from our gallery of pre-1940 varieties.

The color codes in bold print in the chart below open a page of photos of irises in that color class. Iris are grouped by primary color, secondary color, and color type. Within each of those designations (with the exception of some of the white classes) they are further broken down into color tones of light, medium or dark. ‘Rev.’ added to the symbol letters means reversed, i.e. the darker tone is above the lighter. Each page will open in a new window – please close it to return. (note: if your browser blocks pop-up windows you will need to disable this tool while viewing this page)