‘Misty Twilight’ is a beautifully evocative name for an iris, and it perfectly captures the ethereal and slightly mysterious nature of this particular variety. While specific descriptions can vary slightly depending on the hybridizer and cultivar, ‘Misty Twilight’ generally presents a captivating blend of soft colors, often in the lavender-blue to violet range, creating a dreamy and tranquil ambiance.
Imagine a twilight sky, just after the sun has dipped below the horizon, where the last vestiges of daylight mingle with the approaching darkness – that’s the feeling ‘Misty Twilight’ evokes. The standards (the upright petals) are often a soft, muted lavender or a pale violet, like the fading light of day. These gentle hues provide a serene backdrop for the falls (the lower petals), which may be a slightly deeper shade of lavender or violet, sometimes with a hint of blue or pink, like the deepening shadows of twilight. The overall effect is one of soft, blended colors, creating a hazy, almost dreamlike appearance.
The “mist” in ‘Misty Twilight’ likely refers to a soft, sometimes slightly blurred or blended quality to the colors, or perhaps even a subtle shimmer or iridescence that gives the petals a slightly misty look. This can be further enhanced by the beard, the fuzzy growth on the falls, which may be a contrasting color, such as a soft yellow or a creamy white, adding a touch of brightness to the overall composition.
‘Misty Twilight’ is likely a Tall Bearded Iris, meaning it will stand tall and proud in the garden, typically reaching between 36 and 48 inches (90-120 cm). This height allows it to make a statement in the border, adding vertical interest and a touch of tranquil beauty to the landscape. The combination of the soft, misty colors, the graceful form, and the evocative name makes ‘Misty Twilight’ a truly captivating iris, a reminder of the quiet beauty and subtle magic that can be found in the liminal space between day and night. It’s a perfect choice for gardeners who appreciate soft, romantic colors and a touch of mystery in their landscapes.
American Iris Society Registration Data
- Description – Heavily ruffled pale violet-blue, misty green white center on F.; medium blue beard tipped yellow in throat; slight sweet fragrance
- Hybridizer & Year of Introduction – Monty Byers, 1988
- Classification – Tall Bearded
- Bloom Period – Mid-Late and Reblooming (CA, ID, IL, KS, MD, MO, MS, NC, NE, NV, PA, TX, UT, VA, WA, WV, Ont., Australia, zones 4-10)
- Bloom Height – 38″