Collected by Hornemann – 1813
This Historic TB Iris is something of an enigma. If I remember the story goes that it was originally thought to be a species I. Neglecta but some believe that it was a naturally occurring hybrid between I. variegata and I. pallida or possibly I variegata and sambucina. There are multiple species of iris growing wild around the Mediterranean and it is uncertain if they are varieties or hybrid crosses of each other. It was first sold commercially by Biltmore Nursery Iris Catalog in 1912. This little guy has probably under gone some natural selection over the last 200 years as well because you will notice that varieties of this selection sold by different sources are often not exactly
alike. To confuse things even more the title “Neglecta” has come to be used to name a “class” of iris that have a bi-tone color pattern featuring blue and white. Characteristics that this iris should show include dark rich purple falls that are netted with white and lavender standards. The beards are yellow. By today’s standards these would most likely be considered Miniature Tall Bearded. Although they are 2.5 feet tall the flowers are smaller than modern Tall Bearded Iris. They have a delicate form that is beautiful in a light wind.