P. T. Barnum

P. T. Barnum (Joyce Meek, 1979) is a remarkable tall bearded iris that commands attention with its bold, high-contrast color combination. This late midseason bloomer stands at 36" (91 cm), featuring buckskin tan standards that set off the deep wine-red falls, accented by a golden-bronze beard. With its dramatic, gallery-worthy presence and rich, saturated tones, P. T. Barnum is a field-stopping addition to any garden. Bred from ‘Flaming Star’ x ‘Barcelona’ and introduced by D & J Gardens, this cultivar earned an Honorable Mention in 1982, underscoring its pedigree-worthy appeal. No noted rebloom or fragrance. Attributes: 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.