Crusader

Crusader (Sir Michael Foster, 1913) is a tall bearded iris introduced in 1913, notable for its midseason bloom and classified as Color Class B1L. Bred from I. cypriana and an unknown parent, Crusader features elegant, light-toned blooms that add a refined presence to the garden. This variety received a High Commendation from the Royal Horticultural Society in 1916, reflecting its exceptional garden performance. Crusader is available at Amethyst Creek Farm. Attributes: Fertile, Guardian Garden, Historic Awards: High Commendation 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.