In 2006, the North American Dykes Medal-winning Iris collection was relocated parallel to the English Garden along one edge of Outlaw Field. To heighten the potential year-round beauty and interest of this area, a sunset color scheme of flowering perennials was incorporated to create this herbaceous border. Designed especially for IBG, this garden requires only modest amounts of irrigation.

The first Dykes Medalists housed at IBG were planted in the late 1980s. The Dykes Medal is an annual American Iris Society award for an iris of North American origin. The medal is named for William Ricketson Dykes, who wrote “The Genus Iris” and “A Handbook of Garden Iris.” Since 1927, more than 50 iris have been honored. Because of the high standards set for a Dykes iris, several years may pass before another exceptional one is developed. The Idaho Botanical Garden is fortunate to have Dykes Medalists from 1929 through 2001.

As you walk by this collection, it becomes evident what radical changes have taken place in the Iris since 1927, thanks to the efforts of hybridizers through the years.

NORTH AMERICAN DYKES MEDAL AWARD WINNERS AT IBG

1929 Dauntless                     1971 Debby Rairdon
1932 Rameses                        1973 New Moon
1933 Coralie                           1974 Shipshape
1938 Copper Lustre            1975 Pink Taffeta
1939 Rosy Wings                  1978 Bride’s Halo
1940 Wabash                         1980 Mystique
1941 The Red Douglas        1986 Son of Norway
1942 Great Lakes                 1988 Titan’s Glory
1947 Chivalry                       1992 Dusky Challenger
1948 Ola Kala                        1993 Edith Wolford
1950 Blue Rhythm             1994 Silverado
1951 Cherie                             1995 Honky Tonk Blues
1953 Truly Yours                1997 Thornbird
1956 First Violet                  1998 Conjuration
1958 Blue Sapphire            2000 Stairway to Heaven
1963 Amethyst Flame       2001 Yaquina Blue
1964 Allegiance                    2002 Mesmerizer
1965 Pacific Panorama 



Iris Culture
Tall bearded irises require well-drained soil and prefer somewhat sandy conditions. They do best when fed annually. When dividing irises, a clean, sharp knife can quickly cut away any signs of softness or rot to protect the health of the rhizomes. Irises like to be watered but hate to stand in water. Clumps should be divided and reset every 3 years.