Tall Bearded Iris 'Persian Berry': A 1976 Gaulter Jewel

Tall Bearded Iris 'Persian Berry'

Hybridized by Gaulter and registered in 1976, Iris 'Persian Berry' bears a name of exotic allure—evoking the jeweled tones of Persian carpets, the rich berries of Middle Eastern gardens, and the saturated colors of ancient textiles. This mid-1970s introduction likely delivers a sumptuous berry-toned bloom.

Botanical Classification

• Family: Iridaceae (eye-rid-AY-see-ee)
• Genus: Iris (EYE-ris)
• Cultivar: 'Persian Berry'
• Type: Tall Bearded Iris (TB)

Mid-1970s Color Breeding

The 1970s saw significant expansion in the TB color palette, particularly in the red-purple-magenta range. Hybridizers were combining tangerine-bearded pinks, blue-purples, and species influences to create new "berry" tones: raspberry, mulberry, boysenberry, wine, magenta. Gaulter's 1976 'Persian Berry' represents this fruitful period of color exploration.

Anticipated Color Profile

"Persian Berry" suggests a complex, saturated berry hue: perhaps a blend of raspberry, magenta, and violet with a luminous quality. Not a simple purple, but a color with depth and warmth—like a jewel seen through silk. The 1976 form would show early modern traits: broader falls than 1960s types, noticeable ruffling, 3 branches, 6–8 buds. Gaulter was known for clean, clear colors without muddiness.

Garden Use

Berry-toned TBs are versatile: they bridge warm and cool schemes, harmonize with both pinks and purples, and glow in evening light. 'Persian Berry' would excel in a "jewel tone" bed with 'Honky Tonk Blues', 'Night Edition', 'Candy Apple Classic'. Culture: full sun, sharp drainage, shallow planting. Divide every 3–4 years. A cultivar that brings a touch of ancient luxury to the modern garden.