Tarn Hows

Tarn Hows is a distinguished tall bearded iris introduced by Harry Randall in 1951. This midseason bloomer reaches 36" (91 cm) and features a unique self of tobacco-brown, offering a rich and earthy color presence in the garden. Tarn Hows is the result of a cross between Alpine Glow and Melodist, and was selected for Wisley, earning the prestigious British Dykes Medal in 1958. This variety is noted for its refined form and award-winning performance. Available at Amethyst Creek Farm. Attributes: Guardian Garden, Historic Awards: British Dykes Medal 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.