Iris robusta Gerald Darby Bolivia Some is Hesperaloe chiangii

Some is Hesperaloe chiangii

where they have grown since the 1860s

to all but the very darkest sites

This gem came to the US via a 1970s Barry Yinger expedition to Japan

The tidy gardener might want to cut the stems to the ground at this point

Iris robusta Gerald Darby Bolivia Some is Hesperaloe chiangiiIris 'Gerald Darby' is a spectacular 1967 introduction of the naturally occurring hybrid between our native Iris virginica and Iris versicolor. This selection was created by Iris breeder, the late Gerald Darby, and eventually named in his honor. The base of the upright foliage emerges bright purple in early spring. Rising out of the foliage in spring are the 2' tall, black purple flower scapes, which are topped with blue purple flowers, typical of