Rise Like A Phoenix (Black, 2017) TB HM FG AM WM

Rise Like A Phoenix is a tall bearded iris introduced by Paul Black in 2017, reaching an impressive height of about 46 inches and blooming from midseason to late in the iris season. The standards are bright mid gold with auburn veining and a warm wash at the base, lightening through the middle of the petal before deepening again toward the upper edge. Style arms are mid apricot gold. The falls are a dramatic dark velvety red black with a cream haft and center just below the beard, veined in dark red black. Dark marigold beards provide a bold focal point. The flowers are well formed and carry a pronounced sweet fragrance. Rise Like A Phoenix was bred from a complex lineage including Opening Number, Ransom Note, What’s My Line, and Reckless Abandon. It has received major recognition including Honorable Mention in 2019, the Franklin Cook Cup in 2019, Favorite Guest Iris in 2019, the Award of Merit in 2021, and the Wister Medal in 2024.