Joyful

‘Joyful’ (Joseph Gatty, R. 1977; introduced by Keith Keppel, 1978) is a standout Standard Dwarf Bearded iris reaching 15" (38 cm) and blooming midseason. This award-winning variety features pure, clear chrome lemon standards with a paler edge, complemented by dandelion yellow falls that lighten to pinard yellow below. The lightly ruffled blooms are accented by soft blue-white beards tipped with cadmium orange in the throat, creating a vibrant and harmonious display. ‘Joyful’ is a result of the cross ‘Beau’ X ‘Orange Caper’ and has received both the Honorable Mention (1980) and Award of Merit (1982) from the American Iris Society. Highly recommended for its vivid color, refined form, and reliable garden performance. Available at Amethyst Creek Farm. Attributes: Edge Trim, Fertile, Guardian Garden, Historic, Ruffled Awards: Award of Merit, 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.