A Symphony of Colors in Your Garden
The Blushing Grape bearded iris is a captivating cultivar that lives up to its name. Its blooms are a mesmerizing blend of pinks, purples, and hints of tangerine, creating a truly unique and eye-catching spectacle in the garden.
Here’s what makes Blushing Grape so special:
- A kaleidoscope of colors:
- Standards: Medium purple with lighter stripes radiating from the center.
- Falls: Light coral-pink ground with a deep purple solid border that dots inwards, creating a mesmerizing contrast.
- Beards: White hairs tipped with a burnt tangerine hue, adding a touch of warmth.
- Statuesque and graceful: Reaching a height of 34 inches (86 cm), Blushing Grape adds vertical interest to your flowerbeds.
- Early to midseason bloomer: Enjoys the spotlight from late spring to early summer.
- Aromatic delight: Emits a subtle, musky fragrance that adds another dimension to its charm.
- Hardy and adaptable: Thrives in USDA zones 4-8, tolerating both heat and cold.
- Sun worshiper: Prefers full sun for optimal performance but can tolerate some light shade.
- Well-drained soil is key: Avoid soggy conditions to keep your Blushing Grape happy.
- A touch of royalty: Blushing Grape earned an Honorable Mention in 2018 and an Award of Merit in 2022 from the American Iris Society, solidifying its place among the iris elite.
Lineage of a Champion:
Blushing Grape is the beautiful offspring of two renowned iris cultivars:
- Musician: A vibrant purple iris with darker veining and a yellow beard.
- Deep Currents: A majestic iris with deep purple standards and falls edged in white.
Blushing Grape inherited the best of both worlds, creating a stunning new iris that steals the show in any garden.
Plant some Blushing Grapes in your garden and witness the magic of this captivating iris unfold!
Bonus Tip: For an even more dazzling display, pair Blushing Grape with other complementary colors like yellow, orange, or blue.
Sources:
- Iris Encyclopedia: This website from the American Iris Society provided detailed information about the Blushing Grape cultivar, including its colors, height, characteristics, parentage, and awards. (https://wiki.irises.org/TbAthruE/TbBlushingGrapes)
- Garden.org: I used the Irises Database on Garden.org to confirm the bloom season and bloom color classification. (https://wiki.irises.org/TbAthruE/TbBlushingGrapes)
- Horton Iris Garden: Briefly referenced their website for additional flower descriptions and fragrance notes. (https://wiki.irises.org/TbAthruE/TbBlushingGrapes)
