SPECIES-X IRIS
Species Cross is a horticultural class for hybrids. Although this class was the last to be created it represents Irises that are the earliest of their kind. Someday many of these crosses may go on to develop into classes that warrant their own category. All the hybrid classes such as tall-bearded, standard dwarfs had their beginnings in those first crosses between two species. Some crosses between species have been so rewarding they have been repeated creating substantial subgroups like Sino-Siberians and Calsibes. And when tetraploid forms of two different species are crossed fertile families are created such as the beginnings of the Standard Dwarfs. This is a class of experimentation and innovation that helps us learn about species and the possibilities for the future. The highest award for this class is the Randolph-Perry Medal.