Patriot's Gem

Patriot's Gem (Fred Gadd, 1988) is an award-winning arilbred median iris (ABM) reaching 15" (38 cm) in height, introduced by Markham in 1993. This early-blooming variety features standards in a clear bluebird blue, delicately edged with yellow, and accented by deeper blue style arms. The falls mirror the bluebird blue hue, complemented by a vivid yellow beard. Bred from Lady X and Vindaloo, Patriot's Gem has earned multiple accolades, including the Honorable Mention (1995), Award of Merit (1997), and the prestigious Mohr Medal (1999). Available at Amethyst Creek Farm. Attributes: Edge Trim, Guardian Garden, Historic 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.