‘Lady Emma’ is a delightful Miniature Tall Bearded (MTB) Iris, a variety that offers a charming blend of delicate beauty and reliable performance. These irises are a wonderful choice for gardeners who appreciate the elegance of Tall Bearded Irises but desire a slightly smaller, more manageable size.
‘Lady Emma’ typically stands at around 24 inches (60 cm) tall, making it a perfect fit for the mid-border or for adding a touch of grace to smaller garden spaces. This iris is known for its soft, pastel coloring and its ability to rebloom, providing multiple bursts of beauty throughout the growing season.
The standards (the upright petals) of ‘Lady Emma’ are often described as being a soft, creamy yellow, sometimes referred to as Dresden yellow. This provides a gentle backdrop for the falls (the lower petals), which are usually a slightly paler shade of yellow, often described as primrose yellow. The overall effect is one of soft, luminous color, like a ray of sunshine on a spring morning. The beard, the fuzzy growth on the falls, is typically a similar shade of yellow, further enhancing the flower’s delicate appearance.
What sets ‘Lady Emma’ apart is not only its beautiful coloration but also its reliable reblooming habit. This means that after its initial spring bloom, ‘Lady Emma’ is likely to produce additional flowers later in the season, extending its period of interest and bringing extra joy to the garden.
With its soft colors, reliable reblooming, and manageable size, ‘Lady Emma’ is a truly charming iris that is sure to bring a touch of elegance and sunshine to any garden. It’s a testament to the fact that beauty doesn’t always come in large packages and that even smaller irises can offer a wealth of charm and enjoyment.
American Iris Society Registration Data
- Description – S. dresden yellow (RHS 5A); F. primrose yellow (7A); indian yellow (17A) beard; slight sweet fragrance. HM 1988
- Hybridizer & Year of Introduction – F. Jones, 1986
- Classification – Miniature Tall Bearded
- Bloom Period – Mid and Reblooming (AZ, CA, CO, IL, IN, KY, MD, MI, MO, NC, NE, NJ, NM, NY, OH, PA, SC, TN, TX, UT, VA, Ont, Holland, zones 4-9)
- Bloom Height – 24″