Actress

Actress (Keith Keppel, 1975) is a remarkable tall bearded iris that commands attention with its luminous wisteria violet blooms and refined, color-forward presence. Standing at 35" (89 cm), this early to midseason standout features a self of rich violet tones, complemented by a pale lavender-blue beard tipped with Indian orange in the throat—an arresting detail that adds depth and intrigue. With a prestigious pedigree—'Fond Wish' crossed with a select seedling from 'Marquesan Skies', 'Babbling Brook', and 'Touché'—Actress has earned multiple accolades, including the Award of Merit. Noteworthy for its reliable rebloom in regions such as California, Texas, Virginia, and England (USDA Zones 7, 9), this garden-showpiece is a collector-grade addition for those seeking a dramatic, exhibition-ready iris with a legacy of performance and visual impact. Available at Amethyst Creek Farm. Attributes: Fertile, Guardian Garden, Historic, Rebloomer Awards: Award of Merit, Honorable Mention, Judge's Choice Rebloomer This cultivar is a known rebloomer. Known Rebloom Zones: Zone 7, Zone 9 Rebloom Confidence: ⭐⭐ Guardian Garden (GG) This cultivar is a Guardian Garden Iris. Guardian Garden irises are endangered cultivars preserved through long-term stewardship rather than routine sale. Many of these varieties have been lost to time through attrition, discontinued propagation, or the disappearance of original growers, leaving only a few known living examples in cultivation. When a Guardian Garden variety is offered, it reflects that a sustainable stock level has finally been reached within our collection; availability remains intentionally limited to protect the cultivar’s future. We encourage collectors who value historic preservation to support the continued safeguarding of rare and endangered irises by joining the Historic Iris Preservation Society.