
Also in 2012, my dear friend Sharon (who lives in the Madison area) gave me a division of her Batik iris. Lucky me! I have two clumps now :) A person just can't have enough of this iris! Each plant in my garden has a story -- all with good memories.
"Batik" is an intermediate bearded iris; a little shorter (23-25" tall) than the tall bearded types. Plants form a clump of green sword-shaped leaves, blooming in late spring. This striking iris has white petals boldly striped with royal purple, and contrasting yellow beards. No two blooms are alike; that's what makes this iris so fascinating - you never know what you'll see from day to day. It's a sturdy iris and NEVER falls over, no matter how windy or rainy it is. Choose a sunny position, with a well-drained, loamy soil and it will reward you generously.
Batik won three American Iris Society awards: American Iris Society Honorable Mention '88, Award of Merit '90, and the Knowlton Medal '92.