■(TB) 'Melodrama'

1956, Cook

'Melodrama' (Paul Cook, R. 1956). Seedling# 11152. TB, height 38" (97 cm). Midseason bloom. Standards pallid violet, paler in upper part; falls mauve to manganese violet, beard near. 'Dreamcastle' X P. Cook seedling# 6050: (P. Cook Blue seedling x P. Cook seedling# 6748). Longfield 1956. Honorable Mention 1956; Judges' Choice 1957; Award of Merit 1958.

From the 2022 Rebloom Checklist: Rebloom reported in: IN. USDA Zones

See below:

• * References

---

References:

From Longfield Iris Farm catalog, 1956: MELODRAMA (Cook No. 11152) (Dreamcastle X Cook No. 6050: (Cook blue seedlings X (Progenitor X Shining Waters))). Few Iris in our garden have attracted more attention than this big, almost spectacular seedling. Melodrama is a bitone, the color deepening gradually from the pale violet of the closed standards to the deep lilac of the flaring falls. A seedling of Dreamcastle, it has flowers of the same large size as that variety, and the same broad segments, which are moderately waved and ruffled. Of primary interest to Iris breeders, this variety marks the first release of a Cook seedling from the Progenitor line. The 40 inch stems are erect, branched at the middle, and bear 7-9 flowers. The plant is of strong growth. $20.00.
From Rainbow Hybridizing Gardens catalog 1964: MELODRAMA (Cook '56) 40". Mr. Cook tells us few Iris in his garden ever attracted as much attention as this big spectacular seedling from the Progenitor line. The large size & broad rounded segments remind one of its seed parent, Dreamcastle, but of a very different color-a bitone with standards a pale bluish violet at top, gradually deepening to deep violet of the flaring falls. Always attracts Iris fanciers. Likely to create a stir wherever shown, so you'd better add it to your "must" list. AM'58; 1st RU for Dykes in both '61 & '62. Dreamcastle X Progenitor Sdlg. Regularly $3.50; on $10 order $2.65; on $25 order $2.20.
Historic Iris Preservation Society gallery link.

---

Culture

Quick Summary of Cultural Directions

-- BobPries - 2011-03-07

Please do not enter images that are not your own without owners' permission, this is against Wiki policy

"Although the Encyclopedia is free to all, it is supported by Emembership in AIS, If you would like to help sustain this reference, for $15 you can become an Emember, click here."

Interested in Tall Bearded Iris? Please visit the: Tall Bearded Iris Society website.

---

---

-- RolandDejoux - 2010-03-25