Hot Fudge

Hot Fudge (Ben Hager, 1982) is a remarkable intermediate bearded iris that commands attention with its bold, high-contrast coloration and award-winning pedigree. Reaching 23" (58 cm) in midseason, this cultivar features very dark brown standards with a yellow undertone, dramatically offset by luminous yellow falls edged in almost solid, deep brown plicata markings. The white ground and lilac-tipped beards add a painterly touch, making each bloom a true garden showpiece. Bred from Picayune x Pepper Mill and introduced by Melrose Gardens in 1983, Hot Fudge has earned multiple accolades, including the Sass Medal, for its extraordinary presence and memorable patterning. A must-have for collectors and anyone seeking a field-stopping, exhibition-grade iris. Attributes: Edge Trim, Guardian Garden, Historic Awards: Award of Merit, Honorable Mention, Sass Medal 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.