I guess it's time to remind everyone to put something descriptive in the title when asking for id help.

This one is distinctive with the heavily veined falls. Most likely the 1884 'Gracchus' if it is about 21 inches tall.

Hi irisgal, thank you! Sure, next time I will write something more descriptive when asking for ID, ID requests are so many here and get buried in the forum. 21 inches is about right, I think the person who planted irises in this property liked vintage species (newbie question, do you refer to the antique and mid century species as historic irises?). A year ago you IDed a deep purple one for me that ressembled Cinnabar, from 1928. I am also curious for the one that's in the front yard, it's putting very high stalks this year, last year it didn't bloom at all, was just foliage. Thank you again!

You're very welcome Lia. I love some of the historics like this one. My personal preference are beardeds whose falls drape (not horizontal) and I especially love lavender-blues and pinks. I think what makes you draw in your breath is the iris you should have.

One year 'Victoria Falls' grew to 6 feet in three different gardens around town. We couldn't believe it. Hasn't done that since.

I think technically 30 years qualifies an iris as an historic unless that was successfully changed. Lots of opposition. Antique and mid century were not adopted by HIPS to my knowledge.

http://www.historiciris.org/