Arilbred iris are hybrids between aril-type iris species and common bearded iris hybrids. The aril irises are generally from deserts and steppes in the Middle East and west Asia, and have a reputation for fussiness in cultivation – many of them require low humidity, good drainage, and a dry summer rest period. Tucson has a great climate for these plants, but most of the rest of the world does not, so iris breeders went to work in the early twentieth century and developed hybrids that retained many of the spectacular colors and forms of the aril species, but added the forgiving nature and undemanding cultural requirements of the bearded irises.

I have a respectable collection of arilbreds, and they’re putting on a unusually good show this year.