Shepaug River

Shepaug River (Fred Gadd, 1978) is a remarkable AB (1/4) arilbred iris, celebrated for its early bloom and captivating 15" (38 cm) stature. This eye-catching variety features porcelain blue standards and matching falls, accented by a small black signal and a brown beard tipped in blue—creating a vivid, painterly effect in the garden. Bred from Lady X and Shalom, Shepaug River earned an Honorable Mention in 1980 for its memorable color harmony and refined presence. A collector-grade addition, it brings a luminous, gallery-worthy touch to any landscape. Available at Amethyst Creek Farm. 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.