Smoky, moody, and deeply saturated, Cantina is the kind of iris that makes visitors stop in their tracks. Hybridizer Monty Byers created this rich red-violet and violet bitone in 1989, and it's been a favorite ever since — especially because it reblooms reliably in a wide range of climates, including right here in Texas. The ruffled petals and layered color create a depth that's almost velvety, and a sweet fragrance makes it worth leaning in for.
Type
Tall Bearded (TB) — Rebloomer
Height
35" (89 cm)
Bloom Season
Midseason; reblooms
Color
Standards are a rich, saturated red-violet; falls open in a medium violet with a distinct bright red-violet border framing the outer edge; beards are a striking blend of violet and gold; overall impression is a layered, jewel-toned bitone with a blue-washed center shimmer on the falls
Form
Heavily ruffled; large, dramatic blooms
Fragrance
Fragrant (sweet)
Rebloom
Yes — documented in CA, CO, IA, ID, KS, KY, MD, MO, MT, NE, NM, OR, PA, TX, VA, WA, WI, Manitoba, Ontario, Netherlands
Bud Count
Not specified
Hybridizer
Monty Byers, R. 1989
Year Intro.
1990 (Moonshine Gardens)
Awards
HM 1997
Notes
Parentage: 'Well Endowed' x 'Violet Miracle'. Confirmed TX rebloomer. Hardy Zones 3–9.
Smoky, moody, and deeply saturated, Cantina is the kind of iris that makes visitors stop in their tracks. Hybridizer Monty Byers created this rich red-violet and violet bitone in 1989, and it's been a favorite ever since — especially because it reblooms reliably in a wide range of climates, including right here in Texas. The ruffled petals and layered color create a depth that's almost velvety, and a sweet fragrance makes it worth leaning in for.
Type
Tall Bearded (TB) — Rebloomer
Height
35" (89 cm)
Bloom Season
Midseason; reblooms
Color
Standards are a rich, saturated red-violet; falls open in a medium violet with a distinct bright red-violet border framing the outer edge; beards are a striking blend of violet and gold; overall impression is a layered, jewel-toned bitone with a blue-washed center shimmer on the falls
Form
Heavily ruffled; large, dramatic blooms
Fragrance
Fragrant (sweet)
Rebloom
Yes — documented in CA, CO, IA, ID, KS, KY, MD, MO, MT, NE, NM, OR, PA, TX, VA, WA, WI, Manitoba, Ontario, Netherlands
Bud Count
Not specified
Hybridizer
Monty Byers, R. 1989
Year Intro.
1990 (Moonshine Gardens)
Awards
HM 1997
Notes
Parentage: 'Well Endowed' x 'Violet Miracle'. Confirmed TX rebloomer. Hardy Zones 3–9.
