■(TB) 'Stella Polaris'

1939, Smith

'Stella Polaris' (Kenneth D. Smith, 1939). TB, Midseason bloom. Color Class W4. Easter Morn X Violet Crown.

NOTE: Parentage from "Errata", AIS Bulletin 220 (Jan 1976); pg. 2; editor's corrections to pedigree of 'Swan Ballet' provided by its hybridizer, Tell Muhlestein.

See below:

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References:

Awaiting original catalog description
Stella Polaris, a Kenneth Smith seedling, was nice, but I did not think that it excelled a number of other whites now in commerce. I feel that a white must be most extraordinary to justify introduction at this time with such fine things as 'White Goddess', 'Snowking', 'Purissima' and others now available. If 'Snow Flurry' is as distinct from all other whites as it appears from its description and the comment of a number of judges, then it would well justify introduction, but we did not feel that Stella Polaris had any distinguishing feature that made it stand out above the better whites in commerce. [Frank E. Chowning, "1939 Iris Discoveries", A.I.S. Bulletin 75(December 1939): 11.]
From Fairmount Gardens Catalog (Summer 1940/Spring 1941): STELLA POLARIS (K. Smith 1939) M. A magnificent large cool white with great superiority of form and substance with almost perfect branching. The standards are cupped and very broad. The wide falls are semi-flaring with a pale gold flush in the throat and very slight gold reticulations at the haft. Beard yellow. When the flower first opens it seems overlaid with the silvery blue iridescence of sparkling ice. This soon changes to pure cool white and the flowers remain in perfect condition for three days or more. Described by an eminent English judge as "By far the finest white I have seen; an absolute stunner". We introduced this iris in 1939 too late for inclusion in the catalogue, therefore we are listing it with the 1940 Introductions. The flowers are firm and rounded in form, exceptionally large in size (5 in. by 6 in.) and the sturdy stalks are four way branched. H.M. A.I.S., 1939. R. 90. 42 in. $25.00

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Culture

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-- BobPries - 2011-03-07