Calling Card

Calling Card (Virginia Messick, R. 1990) is a remarkable Intermediate Bearded iris, introduced by Cottage Gardens in 1991. This award-winning cultivar stands at 20" (51 cm) and blooms midseason, showcasing luminous bluish white standards above greenish cream falls, accented by a vivid blue beard. With its captivating color contrast and pedigree from Jack R. Dee x Azure Gem, Calling Card is a medal-worthy, exhibition-grade addition to any garden. Honored with an Honorable Mention in 1994 and an Award of Merit in 1996, this iris is a true garden showpiece with a memorable, eye-catching presence. Attributes: Guardian Garden, Historic Awards: Award of Merit, Honorable Mention 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.