■(TB) 'Nightfall'

1942, Hall

'Nightfall' (David Hall, R. 1942). Sdlg. 38-24. TB, 36" (91 cm). Midseason bloom. Dark violet bitone. 'Indian Chief' X Very dark, almost black seedling. Hall 1942. High Commendation 1941; Honorable Mention 1943; Award of Merit 1945.

See below:

• * References

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References:

From Milliken Iris Gardens catalog, 1948: NIGHTFALL (Hall) Rich, velvety dark pansy-purple falls with the color running well back into the flower, standards lighter. A vigorous free blooming variety that furnishes the needed contrast when planted among the lighter colors. 3 feet. $1.50.
Nightfall is one of those irises which will no doubt remain a permanent member of my garden. Although Schreiner lists this in his 100 Best, I think more attention is due it than it now receives. A close friend of mine in Memphis, who is a critical grower of irises and who has a fine up-to-date collection, was asked about two years ago to prepare a list (disregarding prices completely) of the ten best or most indispensable irises which he grew. Significantly, Nightfall was high up on this list, and rightly so. I think that of all the modern irises, it is the most vigorous grower and bloomer we have seen introduced. Of course I am basing my statement on its behavior in Tennessee, but I am inclined to think its behavior in this respect is universal. In my own experience, every fan of it has sent up a bloom stalk every year. This is a trait we would like to see in many other present day irises. A three year old clump of this iris is really a splash of color in the garden. Its blackish purple velvety falls are nicely set off by the yellow beard and lighter purple standards, which if I'm not mistaken have a slight infusion of copper at their bases. Galyon, F. (1952). “Dark horses” of irisdom. Bulletin of the American Iris Society, 126, 23-24.
Additional Catalog References: Longfield 1947; Milliken 1948

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Your Observations Are Valued. Please make note of bud count, branching, purple based foliage and bloom time, etc. Because these are affected by climate, note date, year and geographic location and write these and other comments in the comment box below.

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-- BobPries - 2010-12-17