This morning (my time) Tom Waters wrote an article in the AIS website Blog "World of Irises" about that littlest bearded Iris species, Iris pumila. It is a useful article in that along with habitat, it describes the characteristics of this delightful species and how it differs from the taller but still dwarf Standard Dwarf Bearded irises and even most of the Miniature dwarfs. Tom says I. pumila in the wild may be purple, blue, yellow or white and that it usually has a darker spot or veined area on the falls.
I have one for which I have no correct name. It is a bright gold with white and mustard colouring on it and in full bloom is a mere 6cms in height, the only form I know which is small enough for a (large) trough and therefore dear to my heart. I had it maybe 40-50 years ago but eventually lost it when it became overgrown by larger plants (and weeds) but was able to replace it some years ago at an NZAGS spring show, where it bore the name "Byllee Hannan" (Byllee was the long time Secretary of Canterbury AGS, renamed as NZAGS after Byllee died.) But this was not the "true" name of the little iris, just an identifier of the source and since that time it has been offered by the equally incorrect "Wee Yellow." At one time I thought it may be 'Tiny Treasure,' but I recall that as being yellow with a bright red spot on each fall. Then I wondered about 'April Accent' and the image below uses that name but I'm still not sure about it.
So Tom, if you're out there (here) with your wide experience of American irises perhaps you can give me a correct name for this delightful little gem. It is perky as can be and my favourite among all the brightly coloured dwarf bearded irises. I hope you can help me.
Edit - Please note the attached name 'April Accent' is almost certainly not correct. Ignore it.
