Intermediate Bearded Iris 'Red Orchid': Exotic Mid-Border Gem

With a name evoking tropical allure, 'Red Orchid' brings exotic flair to the Intermediate Bearded iris class. Hybridized by J. Sass and registered in 1934, this historic cultivar has delighted gardeners for nearly a century.

Historic & Modern Views

Cultivar Heritage

'Red Orchid' reaches the typical IB height range of 16-27 inches. The flowers display a rich, orchid-like red-purple color that was revolutionary for its time and remains striking today. The falls often show darker veining or a contrasting beard. As a historic variety from the Sass brothers' pioneering work, it represents early breakthroughs in iris color breeding.

Culture follows standard IB practices: full sun, excellent drainage, rhizomes at surface. Space 10-12 inches. This cultivar's longevity testifies to its garden worthiness. 'Red Orchid' continues to bring a touch of the tropics to temperate gardens, a testament to the vision of early hybridizers.