Intermediate Bearded Iris 'Gypsy Queen': Salter's 1859 Heirloom

'Gypsy Queen' is an intermediate bearded iris (IB) hybridized by Salter and registered in 1859, making it a remarkable 19th-century heirloom. Intermediate bearded irises stand 16-27 inches tall, bridging the gap between standard dwarf and tall bearded classes, and this cultivar has survived over 160 years in cultivation.

Cultivar Details

• Family: Iridaceae (eye-rid-AY-see-ee)
• Genus: Iris (EYE-ris)
• Cultivar: Gypsy Queen
• Hybridizer: Salter
• Registration Year: 1859

As one of the oldest named iris cultivars still in existence, 'Gypsy Queen' represents the early history of iris breeding in Europe. It likely exhibits the simpler form and narrower petals typical of its era, but its longevity testifies to its garden worthiness and the enduring appeal of its colors—perhaps a rich blend of violet, bronze, and gold.