Dappled Dragon

Dappled Dragon comes from the hand of W. Arlie Payne — the most important figure in the history of American Japanese irises, and the man for whom the Payne Medal, the class's highest award, is named. Payne bred Japanese irises in Indiana across the middle of the twentieth century and effectively created the American strain. To grow one of his introductions is to grow a piece of that history.

The flower is raisin purple — a warm, deep, brownish-purple — dappled and mottled over with white, all of it wrapped around a large violet halo at the center. Registered in 1965 and introduced in 1969.

Standing 39 inches with midseason bloom.

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.