Piona

Piona (John D. Taylor, 1964) is a remarkable Intermediate Bearded iris that delivers a vivid garden spectacle with its saturated deep violet petals and bold gold beard. Reaching 19" (48 cm) and blooming in the early midseason, Piona’s velvety, color-rich flowers are a true collector’s delight, showcasing a refined form inherited from its distinguished parentage: 'Alfred Edwin' crossed with a select seedling from 'Clear Sailing' and 'Sulina'. This cultivar is a confirmed rebloomer in USDA Zone 9a, offering the rare pleasure of a second flush of blooms in suitable climates. Piona’s pedigree and performance were recognized at the Wisley Trials in 1964 and Orpington in 1965, underscoring its garden-worthy excellence. A dazzling addition to any border or collector’s bed, Piona stands out for its luminous color and heritage quality—an extraordinary choice for those seeking a memorable, high-impact iris at Amethyst Creek Farm. Attributes: Guardian Garden, Historic, Rebloomer Rebloomer This cultivar is a known rebloomer. Known Rebloom Zones: Zone 9a Rebloom Confidence: ⭐⭐ 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.