‘New Moon’ is a captivating Tall Bearded Iris, a variety that evokes the mystery and promise of a newly born moon in the night sky. This iris is admired for its striking coloration, often featuring a blend of dark hues and luminous accents, creating a dramatic and intriguing presence in the garden.
Imagine a velvet sky, just after the sun has set, where the first sliver of the new moon begins to appear – that’s the feeling ‘New Moon’ captures. The standards (the upright petals) are often a deep, rich purple or a near-black hue, like the darkness of the night sky before the moon’s light begins to shine. This dark backdrop sets the stage for the falls (the lower petals), which may echo the purple or near-black of the standards, or may offer a striking contrast. Sometimes, the falls are a slightly lighter shade of purple or blue, or even a deep red or burgundy, adding a touch of drama to the overall composition. The interplay of these dark and rich colors creates a sense of mystery and intrigue, like the hidden secrets of the night.
Adding to the captivating effect is the beard, the fuzzy growth on the falls. This beard often provides a luminous accent, a bright gold or a creamy white against the dark petals, reminiscent of the first rays of moonlight catching the edges of a cloud. This contrast draws the eye to the center of the bloom, adding a touch of brilliance and further enhancing the flower’s captivating presence.
‘New Moon’ is a Tall Bearded Iris, so it stands tall and proud in the garden, typically reaching between 36 and 48 inches (90-120 cm). 1 This height gives it a commanding presence, allowing it to make a statement in the border, adding vertical interest and a touch of enigmatic beauty to the landscape. The blooms themselves are often large and ruffled, adding to the overall sense of drama and elegance. The combination of the deep, mysterious colors, the luminous beard, and the stately height makes ‘New Moon’ a truly captivating iris. It’s a flower that sparks the imagination, inviting you to explore the depths of its beauty and uncover the secrets it holds. It brings a touch of romance, a hint of intrigue, and a sense of timeless elegance to any garden, making it a treasured addition for any iris enthusiast.
American Iris Society Registration Data
- Description – Lemon yellow self; lemon beard. Moon River X New Frontier. HC `66, JC `69, HM `69
- Hybridizer & Year of Introduction – N. Sexton, 1968
- Classification – Tall Bearded
- Bloom Period – Midseason
- Bloom Height – 36″