Hybridizer Clarence J. Blocher (1920-2006)

Wheaton, Illinois, USA

Clarence Blocher was a World War II veteran, who served on the USS Concord. He began hybridizing irises in 1956. The irises soon took over his Wheaton garden and he became friends with his mentor, Orville Fay of Northbrook. Under Fay's tutelage, Clarence became widely known. His first introduction was in 1963 with Ellen Manor. He was a member of Region 9 (Illinois) of the Amercian Iris Society and served as regional vice president for three years. His gardens were visited by several notables, including Sir Harry Randall of the British Iris Society who was impressed with Blcoher's seedlings. Clarence self-introduced his irises, with some of his earlier irises introduced through Steve Moldovan. His final introduction, Ann Blocher, was named after his daughter and introduced in 1990. He was also a member of the Northern Illinois Iris Society. The highest award his irises earned was the Award of Merit with Louise Watts (awarded in 1976) and Charisma (awarded in 1982).

See below:

• Gardens
• Registrations and Introductions (by Class)
• Registrations and Introductions (by Year)

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Gardens

1978 Clarence Blocher Catalog

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Registrations and Introductions (by Class)

Tall Bearded: 'Alice Blue Gown', 'Ann Blocher', 'Betty Sherrill, 'Beverly Nichols', 'Charisma', 'Chim Chim Cheree', 'Clarion Island', 'Delle Moffett', 'Ellen Manor', 'Galena', 'Gold Circle', 'Innsbruck', 'Katherine Tiffany', 'Louise Watts', 'Lucy Blocher', 'Madeleine L'Engel', 'Marquesan Skies', 'Marquesan Sunset', 'Oak Brook', 'Old Glory', 'Satin Glass', 'Scarlet Band', 'Sea And Sky', 'Sea Of Stars', 'Sea Of Tranquility', 'Skies Of Italy', 'Snow Holly', 'Sorcerers Apprentice', 'Still Dreaming', 'Supercalifragilistic', 'USS Concord', 'Winter Sunshine', 'Yvonne Burt'.

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Registrations and Introductions (by Year)

• 1963: 'Ellen Manor'
• 1964: 'Alice Blue Gown', 'Clarion Island', 'Innsbruck', 'Oak Brook'
• 1965: 'USS Concord'
• 1967: 'Chim Chim Cheree', 'Marquesan Skies', 'Supercalifragilistic'
• 1969: 'Betty Sherrill', 'Katherine Tiffany', 'Sea Of Stars'
• 1970: 'Sea Of Tranquility', 'Sorcerers Apprentice', 'Yvonne Burt'
• 1971: 'Louise Watts', 'Scarlet Band'
• 1972: 'Galena', 'Gold Circle', 'Lucy Blocher'
• 1973: 'Delle Moffett', 'Marquesan Sunset', 'Old Glory'
• 1976: 'Charisma', 'Satin Glass'
• 1977: 'Winter Sunshine'
• 1978: 'Madeleine L'Engel', 'Sea And Sky', 'Snow Holly'
• 1990: 'Ann Blocher'
• Unintroduced: 'Beverly Nichols' (r. 1978), 'Skies Of Italy' (r. 1982), 'Still Dreaming' (r. 1982)