Tall Bearded Iris named Mesmerizer
by J McCombie
Title
Tall Bearded Iris named Mesmerizer
Artist
J McCombie
Medium
Photograph - Untouched
Description
This piece has been featured in the FAA Group, "Beautiful Flowers Group".
"Mesmerizer" is a Tall Bearded Iris that is incredibly dramatic. The distinctively shaped flowers of tall bearded iris appear on strong 36-37 inches (91 cm) stems emerging from fans of light blue-green, sword-shaped foliage. The stems branch and carry numerous plump flower buds in mid-spring. Each blossom comprises three upright petals called “standards” and three drooping tepals (petal-like sepals), referred to as “falls.” On 'Mesmerizer', all petals are silvery snow white with greenish yellow veins. Fuzzy orangish tipped yellow pads called “beards” are located at the base or shoulder of the falls. There's a unique feature on this cultivar: at the end of each of the three beards, a ruffled white petaloid appears and has a white pompon at its tip. These incredibly dramatic white and sometimes pale blue frilled flounces protruding from the tips of its beards are the newest rage in novelty Iris, called Space Age Beard Appendages. Its extra-large flowers have a very flaring form and are finished in pure white. The blooms are pollinated by bees and make striking cut flowers, with each blossom lasting one to three days before shriveling up.
This hybrid herbaceous perennial was developed by Monty Byers and released in the early 1990s. This spellbinder is one of the best from the late hybridizer's excellent work with horned Iris. Awards: Honorable Mention: 1993, Award of Merit 1996, John C. Wister Medal 2000, Dykes Memorial Medal 2002. With ruffled snow-white flowers, the Mesmerizer bearded iris is not only visually spectacular, but perhaps is a perfect emblem for winter or a wedding!
Bearded irises are tough, adaptable perennials which prosper in full sun to light shade and fertile, well-drained soils. Plant them with the tops of their slowly spreading, fleshy rhizomes exposed to the air. In hot summer climates, dappled shade in the afternoon is recommended. After three to five years, lift and divide the rhizomes and replant in late summer if the plants become too large or crowded. These rewarding, long-lived irises deserve a prominent spot in the mixed flower border or foundation bed.
Reblooming varieties have been bred to produce bloom stalks more than once a year, first in spring and then again in late summer or fall. Although they have a tendency to rebloom, they are not guaranteed to bloom a second time. Repeat bloom is dependent on many things, including geographic location and growing conditions. But it’s definitely worth trying these varieties for a chance at a second round of stunning blooms.
Iris is a large genus with upwards of 200 species, which range from inconspicuous wildlings to the extravagant Tall Bearded Iris. Plenty of sun and well-drained soil with a pH near neutral are the primary requirements for their success. For spring-shipped potted Iris, plant the rhizome at the same soil level as in the pot. The top of the rhizome should be exposed, or just below the surface in hot summer climates. For fall-shipped bareroot Iris, plant the rhizome horizontally with the top exposed, or just below the surface of the soil in hotter climates. Bearded Iris are best planted in the fall because they go dormant in June and are harvested in August.
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July 4th, 2017
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