Chief Waukesha

Chief Waukesha is a remarkable tall bearded iris introduced by Arthur Blodgett in 1978. This commanding, midseason bloomer reaches 37" (94 cm) and captivates with its saturated oxblood red standards and falls, complemented by a vivid red beard tipped in orange. With its bold, color-forward presence and dramatic stance in the garden, Chief Waukesha is a true landscape centerpiece. Bred from Pink Favorite and a Topaz Gem seedling, this Honorable Mention winner (1980) is a collector-grade addition for those seeking a memorable, pedigree-worthy iris with undeniable visual impact. Available at Amethyst Creek Farm. Attributes: Guardian Garden, Historic Awards: 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.