■(TB) 'Skywatch'

1964, Benson

'Skywatch' (Cliff Benson, R. 1963). Seedling# 60-23. TB, height 37" (94 cm). Midseason bloom. Color Code-V1M, Orchid and lavender self. ('Spanish Peaks' x 'Cloudless Sky') x 'Henry Shaw') X 'Van Cliburn'. C. Benson 1964. High Commendation 1960; Honorable Mention 1965; Judges Choice 1965, 1966; Award of Merit 1967; American Dyke Medal 1970.

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References:

From AIS Bulletin #173, April 1964: Introducing SKYWATCH-((Spanish Peaks x Cloudless Sky) x Henry Shaw) X Van Cliburn. An immense, vigorous, extremely smooth, ruffled and extra-broad lavender self. Standards are domed; falls semi-flared. Petals are of extra heavy thickness. M. 38"; HC '60. Net $25.00. Cliff Benson.
SKYWATCH (C. Benson '64). The controversial front .runner for the Dykes Medal Award in '69. With no hesitation or mixed feelings, I will give this variety one of the ten favorite blue positions for many seasons to come. An absolutely super variety, SKYWATCH shouts superlativeness with superior form and deeply ruffled grace. Considered a blue variety, the color here is actually medium lavender-blue and a complete self. After an accepted number of seasons of observation. I find SKYWATCH a fine grower and a healthy performing variety; and although shorter of buds than some blues, the individual flowers last three days, thus providing a full span of bloom. Always a bit short in height in my garden for the immense size of flower, and at times minus one branch, SKYWATCH's super form and carriage truly rank it as the personality of personalities in blue. Roger R. Nelson, “Your More Music Survey,” The Bulletin of the American Iris Society, No. 197 (April 1970): 9.]
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-- BobPries - 2010-08-20