Name: Montana: Big Sky Country Collection
SKU: CO-26200000014

Experience the untamed beauty of Montana with the Big Sky Country Collection, a carefully curated selection inspired by the state's towering mountain ranges, abundant wildlife, alpine wilderness, and endless horizons. From the iconic bighorn sheep and roaming wolves to wild huckleberries and breathtaking mountain landscapes, each iris reflects a unique part of what makes Montana unforgettable.

Bighorn
Huckleberry Pie
Moose Tracks
Lone Wolf
Cowboy Campfire
Alpine Journey
Open Sky

Bighorn (Schreiner, 2022) is a memorable Miniature Dwarf Bearded iris that delivers a gallery-worthy display in early spring. This compact 7.5"" (19 cm) variety features crisp white standards that rise above dramatic purple falls, each edged with a luminous white rim and highlighted by vivid yellow hafts. Bold orange beards provide a dynamic accent, while a slight fragrance adds refined allure. With its painterly contrast and sculptural form, Bighorn is a true collector-grade showpiece—perfect for those seeking a vibrant, eye-catching accent for their spring garden. Parentage unknown.

Attributes: Edge Trim, Fragrant, Novelty, Space Age

Awards: Honorable Mention"
Huckleberry Pie (Michael Sutton, 2015) is a tall bearded iris reaching 35"" (89 cm), notable for its midseason to late bloom and reliable reblooming habit. This award-winning variety features electric blue-violet standards, heavily veined and edged in smoky plum, with matching smoky plum style arms. The falls are a deep ruby red with a lighter edge, complemented by grey-orange beards. Its ruffled and serrated form is enhanced by a pronounced sweet fragrance. Huckleberry Pie, a cross between Adventurous and Midnight Seas, has earned both the Honorable Mention (2018) and Award of Merit (2022). Available at Amethyst Creek Farm.

Attributes: Edge Trim, Fertile, Fragrant, Rebloomer, Ruffled, Veining

Awards: Award of Merit, Honorable Mention

Rebloomer
This cultivar is a known rebloomer.
Known Rebloom Zones: Zone 8, Zone 6, Zone 9
Rebloom Confidence: ⭐⭐⭐"
Moose Tracks (Lynda Miller, 2014) is a distinguished MTB iris reaching 18""-20"" in height, blooming midseason to late. This award-winning variety features medium gold standards veined with smoky plum, gold style arms with smoky plum accents, and dramatic falls that are black-veined over white, deepening to a rich maroon-black at the petal base. The dark gold beards add a bold finishing touch. Moose Tracks is a proven performer, recognized with multiple honors including the Ben Hager Cup, Walther Cup, Williamson-White Medal, and Award of Merit. Bred from Seedling #104A, unknown X 'Rayos Adentro', and introduced by Salmon Creek in 2015, this iris is a standout for its unique coloration and impressive garden presence. Available at Amethyst Creek Farm.

Attributes: Fertile, Veining

Awards: Award of Merit, Ben Hager Cup, Favorite Guest, Honorable Mention, Walther Cup, Williamson-White Medal"
Lone Wolf (Schreiner, 2019) is a commanding tall bearded iris that makes a memorable statement in any garden. Reaching 37"" (94 cm) and blooming early, this cultivar features luminous lavender standards above velvety, rich purple falls, accented by painterly lavender veining and a lighter purple border. Vivid orange beards add a bold, color-forward contrast. With its dramatic color play and sculptural form, Lone Wolf is a gallery-worthy, exhibition-grade iris—perfect for collectors and those seeking a showpiece bloom with undeniable presence. Honored with an AIS Honorable Mention in 2021. No noted rebloom or fragrance. Available at Amethyst Creek Farm.

Attributes: Velvety

Awards: Honorable Mention"
Cowboy Campfire (Steve Kelly, 2016) is a tall bearded iris that commands attention with its bold, high-contrast color palette and dynamic presence in the garden. Reaching 39"" (99 cm) and blooming midseason, this memorable variety features luminous light tangerine standards and yellow style arms, set above dramatic dark burgundy falls edged and underscored with tangerine. A vivid orange beard and a painterly light streak from beard to petal tip add to its graphic appeal. With a slight fragrance and a pedigree from House Afire X Decadence, Cowboy Campfire is a field-stopping, exhibition-grade iris that earned an Honorable Mention in 2019. Available at Amethyst Creek Farm.

Attributes: Edge Trim, Fragrant

Awards: Honorable Mention"
Alpine Journey (Barry Blyth, 1983) is a tall bearded iris reaching 38"" (97 cm), blooming early to early midseason. This elegant variety features pristine snow white standards contrasted by rich golden yellow falls and a matching golden yellow beard. Bred from Tranquil Star X (Love Chant x Festive Skirt), Alpine Journey offers a refined color combination and classic form. Introduced by Tempo Two in 1984/85. Available at Amethyst Creek Farm.

Attributes: Fertile, 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."
Open Sky (Bee Warburton, 1975) is a charming Standard Dwarf Bearded iris reaching 12"" (30 cm) in height, introduced in 1976. This early midseason bloomer features delicate light blue (RHS 100D) self-colored blooms accented by a crisp white beard. Bred from a complex lineage including 'Blue Denim', 'Spanish Peaks', and 'Truce', Open Sky offers refined color and classic form. Honored with an AIS Honorable Mention in 1979, this variety is a lovely addition to any garden, valued for its soft blue tones and reliable performance. Available at Amethyst Creek Farm.

Attributes: Fertile, Guardian Garden, Historic

Awards: 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."