Tall Bearded Iris 'Crimson King': An 1893 Barr Heirloom

Tall Bearded Iris 'Crimson King' is a venerable heirloom cultivar introduced in 1893 by the legendary British hybridizer Barr. As one of the earliest named tall bearded iris cultivars, it holds a special place in iris history.

Historic Crimson Beauty

'Crimson King' produces flowers of a deep, rich crimson-red, a color that was revolutionary in the late 19th century when most irises were purple, white, or yellow. The flowers are somewhat smaller and less ruffled than modern cultivars, but they possess a classic, elegant form. The beard is orange-red. Stems are 30 to 36 inches, with moderate branching.

Garden History

This iris is surprisingly vigorous and adaptable for its age. It grows well in full sun with well-drained soil. 'Crimson King' is a piece of living history, connecting modern gardeners to the dawn of iris hybridization. It increases steadily and can persist for decades in old gardens.

Barr's Legacy

Barr & Sons were pioneers in iris breeding in the Victorian era. 'Crimson King', introduced in 1893, was one of their breakthrough red cultivars. It has been used extensively in early hybridizing programs and is an ancestor of many modern red irises.