'BACKDRAFT' is a 2010 tall bearded iris introduction from myself that I think brought together some of the best qualities of it's parents and thus became an iris worthy of introduction. (Most seedlings don't accomplish this and quickly become compost!) In this example the pod parent (mother) was 'HEARTLAND' (below), A 1995 intro from Kerr that had three important qualities. Great stalks, vigor and a rather unique warm salmon pink color with a slight gold band on the standards. Unfortunately it's form was lacking with narrow falls and flowers a little weak on substance.
The pollen parent (or dad) was 'BROAD SHOULDERS' by Keppel in 2001. (below right) At the time I made the cross, it had by far the widest standards I had in the garden. It's color was also very rich and velvety. Unfortunately, 'BROAD SHOULDERS' remained short in my garden and had weak vigor in Oklahoma. Hopefully crossing the two would give the best of both worlds, ie., better form, rich color, substance, vigor and great stalks.
Many times in a hybridizers efforts to combine the good qualities of parents, we often bring together the bad. Weak flowers, weak growth or just plain ugly colors. Poor disease resistance, bad form or crowded buds all make for compost. Fortunately, once in a blue moon, a seedling comes along like 'BACKDRAFT' that is a very pleasant surprise. It's those few babies that keep us going and this is one I think you'll enjoy lighting up your garden!
Happy gardening!
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| BROAD SHOULDERS |
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| HEARTLAND |
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