PlantFiles: Blue Flag, Dagger Flower, Water Iris, Liver Lily
Iris versicolor 'Between the Lines'

This is very hardy and beautiful. In my raised wooden maltese cross flowerbed. Multiplies rapidly.

I have close to 20 varieties of Iris. I have something like this if it isn't then its terribly close. I am wonderinig snice this is kinda unusual in that leaves are thinner ....... that a variety could be developed with variegated leaves that are thinner ...... not quite so broad as the traditional Iris. The hardiness of Iris makes them idea for creating new flowers. Imagine a Gladiolas looking plant with the hardiness of an Iris.

Most beardless irises can handle my climate and growing conditions. This northern MN zone 3b climate inflicts severe, extended cold during the winter months, often with little snow cover for insulation. The summer growing season is short with temps that sometimes exceed 90 degrees F. My soil is very heavy, compacted clay with a slightly acid pH, though I grow my irises in well-amended, raised beds or windrows with improved friability and drainage. A large local deer population frequently tramples and sometimes grazes on my irises in early spring and late fall. Iris borers are present but managed successfully with a granular systemic grub control product. Weeds are abundant and only occasionally beaten back by an admittedly lazy gardener (yours truly). Fertilization is inconsistent, when provided at all. The beardless irises reside in full sun beds which are mulched with pine needles.

Versicolors are particularly well suited to my growing conditions, and BETWEEN THE LINES is no exception. Once established, this iris grows quickly into a large clump which blooms reliably with an abundance of delicate, lovely flowers. I highly recommend this cultivar.

Laurie