Oriental Eyes

Oriental Eyes holds a place in iris history. When the American Iris Society restructured its awards in 1992 and created the Payne Medal — the highest honor a Japanese iris can receive — this was the first plant ever to win it. It had already taken the Payne Award in 1988, making it one of only two Japanese irises ever to hold both.

The flower earns the recognition. Light violet shades outward to a soft grey-white at the petal edge, and at the center a yellow signal sits inside a purple halo that doesn't stay put — it extends out across the fall as fine veining, which is where the name comes from. The style arms are dark violet with grey edging.

Bred by Adolph Vogt and introduced by Tranquil Lake Nursery in 1984, from 'Oriental Tracery' crossed with Tomino #11. It stands 40 inches with midseason bloom, and it's tough — gardeners have reported reliable bloom as far north as zone 4.

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.