2025 American Iris Society Hybridizer Medal from the Winter 2026 AIS Bulletin, Volume 107, No. 1, Pages 15-16

CONGRATULATIONS TO KEVIN VAUGHN FOR BEING AWARDED THE AIS HYBRIDIZER MEDAL!

Kevin is an American iris hybridizer living near Salem, Oregon, Region 13. Kevin Vaughn has registered seventy-eight irises in eleven iris classes—so far! He has hybridized irises in these classes: Border bearded (3), intermediate bearded (1), Louisiana (36), miniature dwarf bearded (6), miniature tall bearded (19), Siberian (3), species (2), species hybrids (1), spuria (4), standard dwarf bearded (1), and tall bearded (2). Kevin’s first registered iris was ‘Miss Perky’ (MDB) in 1971. His iris hybridization continues to the present (2025), accounting for more than fifty years breeding irises.

Kevin has received two Honorable Mention (HM) awards for border bearded irises. He has also received five HM awards for Louisiana irises. He has received Award of Merit (AM) honors for two of those LA irises, and two DeBaillon Medals for those two irises. Kevin has also received five HM awards for MTB irises and one HM for a Siberian iris. For each of two spuria irises, he received both an HM and an AM honor.

In addition to his hybridizing work, Kevin Vaughn has written two major books on irises. The first was Beardless Irises: A Plant for Every Garden published in 2015. Kevin’s second iris book was published in 2022, Dwarf and Median Bearded Irises: Jewels of the Iris World. Both books offer chapters and valuable insights on hybridizing irises.

Just this fall, Kevin has been honored with The British Iris Society’s Sir Michael Foster Memorial Plaque. This award is given to those contributing to the advancement of the genus Iris.

Overall, Kevin Vaughn has hybridized and registered seventy-eight irises in eleven classes to date. Most have been introduced. He has received fifteen HM awards (in five classes) and four AM honors (in two classes) for his irises.

He has received two Special Medals for Louisiana irises: The Mary Swords DeBaillon Medal in 2005 for ‘Red Velvet Elvis’ The Mary Swords DeBaillon Medal in 2019 for ‘Lemon Zest’

Following is a listing of Kevin Vaughn irises that have been awarded an HM or higher honor.
Border Bearded Irises
  ‘Preppy’ (2000, BB) — HC 1997, HM 2003
  ‘See My Etchings’ (2013, BB) — HM 2017
Louisiana Irises
  ‘Aqua Velva’ (2015, LA) — HM 2018, Favorite Guest iris 2018
  ‘Beale Street’ (1997, LA) — HM 2001
  ‘Cajun White Lightning’ (2005, LA) — HM 2009
  ‘Lemon Zest’ (2009, LA) — HM 2013, AM 2015, DeBaillon Medal 2019
  ‘Red Velvet Elvis’ (1997, LA) — HM 2000, AM 2002, DeBaillon Medal 2005
Miniature Tall Bearded Irises
  ‘Ebony And Ivory’ (2022, MTB) — HM 2024
  ‘Little Bluebeard’ (1977, MTB) — HM 1978
  ‘Purple Petite’ (2020, MTB) — HM 2024
  ‘Real Jazzy’ (1982, MTB) — HM 1984
  ‘Tammy’s Tutu’ (1982, MTB) — HM 1984
Siberian Irises
  ‘Little Red’ (1977, SIB) — HM 1978
Spuria Irises
  ‘Adriatic Memories’ (2015, SPU) — HM 2018, AM 2021
  ‘Banned In Boston’ (2012, SPU) — HM 2017, AM 2022

For a printable copy of the Hybridizer Medal citation click here.

The Honorary Awards 2025 pages from the Winter 2026 AIS Bulletin, Volume 107, No. 1 Page 12-17.

2025 British Iris Society Sir Foster Memorial Plaque from the Winter 2026 AIS Bulletin, Volume 107, No. 1, Page 83

FROM THE BRITISH IRIS SOCIETY (BIS)

The 2025 Sir Michael Foster Memorial Plaque was awarded to Kevin Vaughn. The Foster Memorial Plaque is reserved for a special personal award to those of whatever nationality who contribute to the advance of the genus Iris. The plaque was instigated in 1926 in recognition of Sir Michael Foster’s “achievement and assiduous efforts in collecting and hybridising irises.”

The award was given to Kevin, not only for his work in hybridising across a wide range of iris classes, but also for his generosity in sharing his knowledge. His publications are filled with practical information, are encouraging and engaging, and they have contributed great help to many new iris growers, both here in the UK and no doubt around the world.

From The British Iris Society (BIS) the 2025 Sir Foster Memorial Plaque from the Winter 2026 AIS Bulletin, Volume 107, No. 1, Page 83