Thunder Echo

Thunder Echo (James Gibson, 1985) is a remarkable tall bearded iris that commands attention with its dynamic color play and sculptural form. Reaching 38" (96 cm) in height and blooming midseason, this cultivar features luminous light brown standards subtly tinted and veined with violet, creating a painterly effect. The falls showcase a vibrant orange-yellow ground, boldly encircled by a dramatic 1" red-purple (RHS 59A) band and speckling, all anchored by a rich orange-brown beard. With its ruffled petals and graphic, high-contrast patterning, Thunder Echo is a true garden showpiece—perfect for collectors and anyone seeking a statement-making, pedigree-worthy addition to their landscape. Hybridized from Beyond X Broadway and introduced by Cooleys Gardens in 1987. Attributes: Guardian Garden, Historic, Ruffled, Veining 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.