Tall Bearded Iris 'Vanity': A 1974 Hager Introduction

Tall Bearded Iris 'Vanity' is a charming cultivar introduced in 1974 by hybridizer Hager. Its name suggests a delicate, self-admiring beauty, and its flowers offer a soft, romantic color palette.

Soft, Romantic Hues

'Vanity' produces large, ruffled flowers with standards of a pale, creamy pink and falls of a slightly deeper, orchid-pink with a white haft and a pink beard. The overall effect is gentle and feminine. The flowers have good substance and a light fragrance. Stems are 34 to 38 inches, well-branched, with 7-9 buds.

Cultivation

This iris grows well in full sun with well-drained soil. Like many pink irises, it may benefit from some afternoon shade in very hot climates to prevent fading. 'Vanity' is a vigorous increaser and forms attractive clumps. It has shown good disease resistance and strong stems.

Hager's Hybridizing

Hager was a prolific hybridizer known for his work with pink and red irises. 'Vanity', introduced in 1974, is a classic example of his soft pink aesthetic. It has remained a garden favorite for its reliable performance and pleasing color.