Irises are without a doubt beautiful but how do you distinguish what is a truly outstanding iris?
Award Winning and Popular Irises
The American Iris Society judges evaluate irises annually and cast their votes for irises of distinction and exceptional garden performance. These irises have been seen growing and in bloom in gardens, over a period of time, in different locations and under varying climatic conditions. The AIS award system is based soley on garden performance and irises receiving of any level of acheivement in this system are considered “Award Winning Iris” worthy of inclusion in any iris lover’s garden.
The AIS and many of its Sections and Cooperating Societies also have popularity polls where members and gardeners are invited to “vote” for their favorite irises. Winning irises in these polls often have wide-spread appeal and broad cultural tolerances.