Barbara Said So

Barbara Said So is one of the tallest Japanese irises we grow, reaching 44 inches — a commanding presence at the back of a border or along a pond edge, where the flowers carry well above surrounding foliage. Six broad falls open in the flat, wide form that makes Japanese irises so distinctive. 

Registered by Patrick Spence in 2020 and introduced the following year through Cascadia Iris Gardens, the Washington nursery he runs with his wife Margaret. Blooming early to midseason, it opens ahead of many other Japanese irises and helps stretch the season.

Japanese irises want moisture, especially through spring bloom season, and slightly acidic soil — they won't tolerate lime. Full sun gives the best performance. Hardy in zones 4–8.