■(MDB) 'Keepsake'

1935, Cook

'Keepsake' (Paul Cook, R. 1935). DB, 8-10" (20-25 cm). Early bloom. Color Code-Y4M. Golden yellow self; orange beards. 'Socrates' X I. humilis (arenaria). Long 1936. Honorable Mention 1938

Note: For registration purposes at the time, the A.I.S. considered I. arenaria, or 'Arenaria', to be a form of I. flavissima and recorded the latter name as pollen parent. See, however, the early Dwarf Iris Society. check lists. Long 1936. Honorable Mention 1938. Cook 1936; Bulletin AIS 71: 38. Oct. 1938.

See below:

• * References

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References:

When Longfield gardens introduced 'Keepsake' and 'Tampa', they provided the following note. "Cook Originations; New types of Dwarf Bearded; These two new dwarfs are the result of very careful and painstaking work by Paul Cook. Out of approximately 27 seedlings , ranging through shades of yellow and many shades of red these two were selected as the best. The third year from seed each plant gave forth from 50-70 bloom stalks. The flowers resemble arenaria in size and form and are similar to 'Socrates' in height but their stems are slender and wiry. Unlike arenaria the blossoms stay open all day, sometimes lasting until the second. Their fountain like foliage make them especially suitable for the rock garden. Their blooming time is May.
'Keepsake' (Cook, 1936). ('Socrates' X I. arenaria [flavissima]). Small flowers of brightest yellow on slender, graceful stems. Daintier and of cleaner color than the usual run of yellow dwarfs. Flowers two inches high, two and one half inches wide; Standards Pinard Yellow; falls Citron Yellow; beard Cadmium Yellow. Stems 12 inches tall, bearing one to three flowers, mostly two. Of vigorous growth, hardy, and producing its stems with extreme freedom."
From Walter Marx Gardens catalog 1955: KEEPSAKE Each .50. Delightful tiny golden yellow bright orange beard. 4 inches.

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-- BetsyHiggins - 2010-03-04