The weather is the most color-affecting thing I've observed. Some are not affected by a colder than normal winter but some mid-range ho-hummers become richer. The reason I've discounted soil is seeing the same iris I grow in a garden over the grade, completely different soil and zone. They look just like mine. I have had mis-named iris from growers more than once!!! Well, it's orange, that must be it. Not. And one grower ordered from the same source I did so she was selling mis-named iris! The reason I knew the top pic wasn't Lady Friend was the way the falls were held. The pretty rose-lav ? in the 2nd pic just isn't close to Lady Friend. The bottom pic looked like the iris in the top pic. Lady Friend truly is a garnet color. And her color was always consistent the years I had her. I've yet to see a look-alike.

Ha ha I got mine from Marion! And of course I have to divide Lady Friend this year as well! Please let me know if I can help you, Rae Ann (Marion and I met each other through IrisWeb about 4 yrs ago - we used to live about 20 miles apart-since we have both moved to different residences and carrying our irises with us... we still manage to stay in touch with our irises!)

njiris, wish my Lady Friend was the same color as yours! I have moved LF to another bed---closer to said red brick house which she matches perfectly!---with some light yellows and gold surrounding her. Wish I had Copper Classic or something similar cause I think that color would also compliment her. She clashed something awful with my Knockout roses and pink and lavender/purple iris bed!

So you don't need Swedish ivy from me? If that's the case its ok I'm terribly busy anyway☺☺☺☺