A Dance of Purple and Gold: Unveiling the Enchanting Barbados Bearded Iris

Imagine the sun setting over a sapphire sea, casting ripples of violet, amethyst, and bronze across the waves. Now, picture that iridescent magic captured in the petals of a single flower – the Barbados Bearded Iris. This Caribbean-inspired cultivar is no mere beachcomber, it’s a showstopper in the iris world, boasting a symphony of color and character that enthralls both novice and seasoned enthusiasts.

So, let’s dive into the heart of this floral gem, shall we?

Barbados by the Numbers:

• Height: A statuesque 34 inches, towering over lesser irises (Sutton Iris, 2023).
• Bloom Time: A late bloomer, gracing gardens with its presence long after others have faded (The Iris Encyclopedia, 2023).
• Lineage: A captivating blend of ‘Midnight Oil,’ ‘Charleston,’ and ‘High Octane,’ inheriting the best traits of its ancestors (The Iris Encyclopedia, 2023).
• Sun and Soil: Bask in full sun for optimal performance, though it tolerates a touch of shade. Prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil, but adaptability is its middle name (Garden.org, 2023).
• Cold Tolerance: A true trooper, braving winters as harsh as Zone 3 (Garden.org, 2023).

Beyond the Stats: A Portrait in Petals:

• Standards: Shimmering greyed violet with a hint of cream peeking through, like moonlight dancing on water.
• Falls: A canvas of light yellow, accented with a delectable huckleberry edge and dramatic, darker shoulders.
• Beards: A mesmerizing blend of violet-blue, bronze, and mustard-brown, adding a touch of fiery mystery.
• Ruffles: Oh, the ruffles! Each petal adorned with delicate fluting, adding depth and drama to the floral display.

Cultivating a Barbadian Paradise:

At Howell’s, we don’t just admire the Barbados iris, we celebrate it. Our Iris Spectacle Garden is where this Caribbean queen shines. Barbados draws gasps of wonder from every visitor.

So, dear reader, whether you’re a seasoned iris aficionado or simply captivated by the allure of a Caribbean sunset captured in bloom, we invite you to discover the magic of the Barbados Bearded Iris. Let its vibrant dance of color ignite your garden and your imagination.

• Garden.org. (2023, October 26). Tall Bearded Iris (Iris ‘Barbados’). Retrieved from https://www.elblogdelatabla.com/oda-iris-lirios-barbados-cultivo-cuidados/
• Sutton Iris. (2023, January 12). Barbados. Retrieved from https://keithkeppeliris.com/
• The Iris Encyclopedia. (2023, October 20). TbBarbados < TbAthruE. Retrieved from https://wiki.irises.org/