Tuesday, September 10, 2013

2013 Eric Nies Award: Spuria Iris 'Missouri Orchid'

By Andi Rivarola

It is with much pleasure that I present to you the winner of the 2013 Eric Nies Medal: 'Missouri Orchid' by Dave Niswonger. Congratulations to Mr. Niswonger on winning yet another award for his outstanding work. 

I can't wait to see this Spuria iris in person. With its many tones of pink, red, burgundy and fuschia, I think it will become a very popular iris for many. Keep in mind that Spuria colors many times changes according to soil condition and climate, so there will variations in the garden we would surely appreciate. Other characteristics, such as form, signal size, with of standard and falls, all of these should remain the same.

Photo by Dave Niswonger

Spuria irises are tall (2 to 5 feet in height) and elegant, and have very attractive foliage. The shape of the bloom often suggests orchids and the colors range from white and yellow through blue, wine and brown, often with bright yellow signals. This horticultural class is equivalent to the botanical Series Spuriae. The highest award is the Eric Nies Medal.

Description from the Iris Wiki (http://wiki.irises.org):

'Missouri Orchid' (O. David Niswonger, R. 2006) Sdlg. Sp 9-99. SPU, 38" (97 cm), Medium Lavender self, Falls with a hint of pink, yellow signal spreading to buff. 'Missouri Dreamland' X unknown, probably 'Rivulets Of Pink'. Cape Iris 2006. Honorable Mention 2009; Award of Merit 2011Eric Nies Medal 2013.

For more information on Spuria irises, please visit the Spuria Iris Society.



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