Staten Island

Staten Island (Kenneth D. Smith, 1947) is a remarkable tall bearded iris, celebrated for its commanding presence and medal-worthy pedigree. This midseason bloomer, a cross between The Red Admiral and City Of Lincoln, showcases a luminous yellow color (Y9M) that radiates across the garden. Staten Island’s bold, vibrant blooms earned it an Honorable Mention in 1948 and the prestigious Award of Merit in 1951, underscoring its status as a collector-grade, exhibition-ready variety. With its rich heritage and unforgettable garden impact, Staten Island is a standout choice for any iris enthusiast seeking a show garden quality centerpiece. Attributes: 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.