Intermediate Bearded Iris 'Eleanor Roosevelt': A 1933 Sass-McDade Tribute

Intermediate Bearded Iris 'Eleanor Roosevelt'

Hybridized by Sass-McDade and introduced in 1933, Iris 'Eleanor Roosevelt' honors one of America's most beloved First Ladies. This historic Intermediate Bearded (IB) iris represents the early development of the intermediate class and the tradition of naming cultivars for notable figures.

Botanical Classification

• Family: Iridaceae (eye-rid-AY-see-ee)
• Genus: Iris (EYE-ris)
• Cultivar: 'Eleanor Roosevelt'
• Type: Intermediate Bearded Iris (IB)

Historical Context

The Sass brothers (Hans and Jacob) of Nebraska were pioneering American iris breeders whose work laid the foundation for modern tall bearded irises. The "Sass-McDade" attribution suggests a collaboration or lineage involving the Sass program. 1933 places this introduction in the early days of IB development, when the class was just emerging as a distinct category between the dwarfs and talls.

Characteristics of Historic IBs

Early intermediate bearded irises like 'Eleanor Roosevelt' typically displayed simpler form than modern IBs: narrower petals, less ruffling, lighter substance, and fewer buds per stalk. However, they often possessed intense color saturation, sweet fragrance (a trait sometimes lost in modern breeding), and a rugged constitution forged without modern chemicals. The height would fall in the 16–27 inch range, blooming slightly before the main TB season.

Growing Historic Intermediate Irises

Culture is similar to modern IBs: full sun, well-drained soil, shallow planting. Historic cultivars often tolerate less-than-ideal conditions better than highly bred modern types. They may be more susceptible to iris borer and fungal diseases in humid climates—practice good sanitation (remove dead foliage, clean tools). A wonderful choice for heritage gardens, historical collections, and those who appreciate the simpler elegance of early 20th-century iris forms.