Dorothy Cook Clinefelter

Dorothy Cook Clinefelter (Dorothy Ladman, 2017) is a gallery-worthy Tall Bearded iris that commands attention with its bold, color-forward design and refined pedigree. Reaching 28" (71 cm) and blooming midseason, this cultivar features rich, dark fuchsia purple standards and even deeper falls that softly fade at the edges, creating a painterly, high-contrast effect. Light copper tones and crisp white markings at the hafts add a graphic accent, while the bronze beards over a light violet base finish with a flash of purple at the tips. A slight musky fragrance enhances its multisensory appeal. With its Guardian Gardenlike reblooming habit, elegant edge trim, and exhibition-grade presence, Dorothy Cook Clinefelter is a standout, pedigree-worthy addition for collectors and garden enthusiasts alike. Seedling #1443 from Robert O. Clinefelter 1950 (HP Sass seedling 142-38 x HP Sass seedling 65-39). Available at Amethyst Creek Farm. Attributes: Edge Trim, Fragrant, Guardian Garden 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.