Masada

Masada (Chet Tompkins, 1984) is a commanding tall bearded iris that delivers a bold, color-forward presence in the garden. Reaching 38" (97 cm) and blooming midseason to late, Masada features extraordinary, rich red-maroon standards and falls, dramatically accented by a vivid fuchsia flush at the center of the falls. The red-maroon beard, tipped in gold, adds a luxe finishing touch. With its pedigree from Gingerbread Castle, Post Time, and Starburst, this cultivar is a remarkable, gallery-worthy showpiece—perfect for collectors and anyone seeking a memorable, bed-defining bloom. Available at Amethyst Creek Farm. Attributes: Guardian Garden, Historic 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.