Strange Magic

Strange Magic (Gordon Plough, 1968) is a remarkable tall bearded iris that commands attention with its painterly blend of French blue standards, gently transitioning to hyacinth at the tips. The falls echo this vivid French blue, highlighted by a blended hyacinth blue center stripe beneath a gentian blue beard tipped in frosty white, with a touch of mustard deep in the throat for added intrigue. Standing at 30" (76 cm) and blooming in the early midseason, this cultivar is a true garden showpiece—memorable for its rich, color-forward design and dynamic presence. Bred from Smoke Screen x Soft Sky and introduced by Eden Road in 1969, Strange Magic earned an Honorable Mention in 1970, underscoring its pedigree-worthy appeal. A must-have for collectors and those seeking a bold, exhibition-grade centerpiece for their beds. 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.