Iris albicans, a very old and tough iris.

I believe this is what old timers use to call a cemetery Iris (albicans). In the foothills of eastern Tennessee you can still find large plantings of these iris in very OLD cemeteries. As a matter of fact DH took me to one where some ancestors of his were buried (genealogy research) and they were all over the place. The church was gone and most of the markers where very old, some destroyed by time, but this Iris still stands. Pretty remarkable!

Yes, one of its nicknames is White Cemetary Iris. I want to get it one of these days, it has so much history and is such a survivor.

Couldn't quite get up the nerve to dig any up at the cemetery. It was so quiet there, enclosed by trees and all you heard was an occasional bird chirp or a few leaves rustle as some little critter scampered across the forest floor. It wasn't scary, but very peaceful. Just didn't feel right to disturb it. We've talked about this iris at some of the earlier swaps, but no one has ever had any to bring.

Iris City Gardens and Bluebird Haven Iris carries I. albicans. Next time I place an order with one of them I'm going to get it. Then when it increases I can bring it to one of the swaps.

Thanks for asking that question. I have seen them around lately and was wondering the same thing!

Well, someone gave me white bearded iris at the last swap and it's blooming now (and my garden microclimate seems to have everything bloom later than usual). Could it be albicans?

Sounds like albicans. None of my iris are budding yet, it's still very early.

Back when I was looking for places to see in SC, 'oldscpmedic' suggested Swan Lake Iris Gardens in Sumter, SC. It was too early for the iris to be up, but they were starting and there were scads of them. Something to see for any Iris lovers. It was beautiful with the swans, cranes, etc... and things that were already in bloom down there, plus the cypress knees (I always find them fascinating). Add the thousands of iris and it'll be breath taking in another couple of weeks.

Here is a link that might be useful: Swan Lake Iris Gardens

I did take a few to the spring swap year before last and tagged it "white iris". I guess I'll bring somemore to this year's swap and tag it "Cemetary Iris".

I have a German bearded Iris, 'Immortality' that started blooming a couple of days ago. The blooms are huge and have a light lemon yellow beard. I'm new to growing Iris and haven't heard of the "Cemetery Iris", but I will have to get some.

I have one purple iris that bloomed last week, when the weather was nicer. Several other similar ones around the yard are ready, but have yet to flower. Maybe the one is just in the right spot. - John

Yes, they are Iris albicans or as some call them alba's. Ya'll are correct about being a cemetary flower of olden days. These were actually considered an "absolute" to have back in the late 1800's if you had any sort of garden etiquette! ;) I end up giving about 100 rhizomes away per season to family/friends locally. They bloom about 6-8 weeks ahead of most other beardies. Currently my alba's are blooming as are some yellows. The purples usually start in late April and finish in late May.

I would love some Iris albicans. Would you consider a trade? Adele