High Desert

High Desert (Keith Keppel, 2014) is a commanding tall bearded iris that delivers a gallery-worthy display in the midseason garden. Towering at 40" (102 cm), this award-winning cultivar captivates with chrome lemon standards and goldenrod style arms, contrasted by martius yellow falls that pale to warm white at the center. A narrow, dramatic band of dark greyed red-purple encircles the falls, accentuated by veined shoulders and a dart below the beard. The beards themselves are a dynamic blend of mustard orange and light purple, all set off by a refined plicata pattern. With a pedigree from Inside Track, Spice Lord, and Reckless Abandon, High Desert is a medal-worthy, conversation-starting centerpiece—recognized with an Honorable Mention (2017), Award of Merit (2019), and 2nd Prize Franciris® (2017). A true collector-grade iris for the discerning gardener. Hybridizer: Keith Keppel. Year of introduction: 2014. Available at Amethyst Creek Farm. Attributes: Fertile, Veining Awards: Award of Merit, Honorable Mention