Orbiter

'Orbiter' (J. Terry Aitken, 1985) is a tall bearded iris reaching 38" (97 cm), introduced by Aitken's Salmon Creek Garden. This early midseason bloomer features rich blue-purple standards and falls, complemented by a frosted blue-purple beard. Noted for its pronounced sweet fragrance, 'Orbiter' is a cross between 'Navy Strut' and 'Mystique'. It has received multiple accolades, including an Honorable Mention (1987), Favorite Guest (1988), and Award of Merit (1989). No rebloom has been reported. Available at Amethyst Creek Farm. Attributes: Fertile, Fragrant, Guardian Garden, Historic Awards: Award of Merit, Favorite Guest, 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.