I. cristata X MDB


I. cristata
MDB

This cristata was a family heirloom plant of a neighbor and has been traced back only as far as a private garden in Lumby, BC. The Miniature Dwarf Bearded iris was purchased at the Newport, WA farmers' market and remains unidentified.

The initial cross of I. cristata and MDB was made in 1992 with the hope of producing a plant with the appearance of the cristata and the drought and sun tolerance of the bearded. Three seeds resulted and were planted in the fall. Shortly after setting seed, the cristata died and a replacement start was obtained the following year.

All 3 seeds germinated. Seedling #1 died at approximately 1 year old. Seedling #2 increased well but showed extreme intolerance to full sun. Seedling #3 was thought to be long gone but when dividing the TB planted next to it, we found 3 little fans (They're blue-green instead of green so the difference is obvious). All produced leaves resembling a much smaller form of the MDB.

Leaves are considerably thinner and shorter than the bearded parent and in addition seem to be coated with a fine waxy film. Seedling #2 was christened "Duckling" (small, yellow, and ugly). This plant will not tolerate full sun or drought but prefers semi-shade and damp soil with the rhizomes protected by leaf mulch. Increase has been average to good.

One unusual trait this plant shows is a late summer dormancy. The leaves will seemingly dissappear overnite with small new fans beginning to show as the temperatures decrease.


Comparison of rhizomes and early spring growth
MDB, "Duckling", I. cristata
The soil has been brushed away to give a clear view of the rhizomes.


MDB closeup
I. cristata closeup


"Duckling" closeup

'Duckling' (Since registered as 'Ugly Duckling') has proven hardy to zone 4 but had bloomed only once at 8 years old when I nearly killed it by moving it to a new bed at the wrong time. The camera was acting up so there wasn't a photo but it was moved to a new bed in part shade this spring and it started budding up!







It's ugly but it has pollen so was crossed to an unrelated I. cristata. Two seeds looked good and one more was marginal. Maybe in the next generation I'll get closer to what I'd envisioned.

A similar cross of this I. cristata and SDBs was made in 1998. Pollen from three pink to orange colored named SDBs was mixed and 5 seeds resulted. None germinated.