Bedford Lilac

Bedford Lilac (Bennett Jones, 1990) is a distinguished Standard Dwarf Bearded iris reaching 11" (28 cm) in height, blooming midseason. This variety features elegant flax blue blooms (HCC 642/1) with a deeper, blended spot on the falls and a matching self beard, creating a refined and harmonious appearance. Its parentage includes Sapphire Jewel and several notable seedlings, contributing to its unique coloration and form. Bedford Lilac has been recognized with multiple awards, including the High Commendation (1989), Honorable Mention (1993), Award of Merit (1995), and the prestigious Cook-Douglas Medal (1997). Hybridized by Bennett Jones and introduced in 1991, this iris is a celebrated addition to any garden. Available at Amethyst Creek Farm. Attributes: Fertile, Guardian Garden, Historic, Rebloomer Awards: Award of Merit, Cook-Douglas Medal, High Commendation, Honorable Mention Rebloomer This cultivar is a known rebloomer. Known Rebloom Zones: Zone 7 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.