The Ben R. Hager Cup

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The Ben Hager Cup, first awarded in 2007, is awarded annually during the American Iris Society's annual convention. All introduced median irises (SDB, IB, MTB and BB) seen growing and in bloom in the official tour gardens of the meeting are eligible. Irises considered need not be official guest irises. Each registrant may vote for one median iris variety and the Ben R. Hager Cup is awarded to the median iris receiving the largest number of votes. Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris (SDBs), and to some degree Intermediate Bearded (IBs), are usually at a disadvantage since conventions are scheduled to hit the later bloom season of the Tall bearded Irises. Border Beardeds (BBs) usually coincide with this bloom time. But all median classes have some cultivars that regularly bloom extremely early and extremely late. These extend the bloom season for the class and the later can be great companions for the Tall beardeds.

The award is named for Ben Hager who was one of the premier hybridizers in the American Iris Society and had the distinction of winning the top awards in every category that was possible in hs time. For more biography and a list of his introductions see Hybridizer Ben Hager

-- Main.RPries - 2010-07-20