Tall Bearded Iris 'Thornbird': A 1988 Byers Introduction

Tall Bearded Iris 'Thornbird' is a striking cultivar introduced in 1988 by hybridizer Byers. Its name references the legendary bird that sings once, beautifully, and its flowers possess a singular, poignant beauty.

Poignant Color

'Thornbird' produces large, ruffled flowers with standards of a pale, grayed lavender and falls of a deeper, smoky violet with a distinct, darker veining and a bronze beard. The color is atmospheric and complex. Stems are 36 to 40 inches, well-branched, with 7-9 buds.

Garden Solitude

This iris creates a mood of quiet intensity. It grows well in full sun with well-drained soil. 'Thornbird' increases well and forms evocative clumps. Its smoky, veiled colors are perfect for a contemplative garden corner.

Byers' Atmospheric Mastery

Byers excelled at smoky, grayed, veiled colors. 'Thornbird', introduced in 1988, is a masterpiece of this style, capturing a fleeting, poignant beauty.