Mrs. Andrist Iris
(Mrs. Andrist, Mrs. K. Andrist)
(Iris) Old heirloom intermediate bearded iris 1 bred in 1919 by Willis E. Fryer (1864-1930), Mantorville, Minnesota. Fryer operated a nursery which specialized in Gladioli, Delphiniums, Iris, Peonies, amongst other flowers.
Mrs. Andrist is hardy in zones 3-9b. Harbors the trait of purple-based foliage.
Historically this variety was popularly grown in the western provinces of Canada. Its popularity in prairie gardens predates the First World War (1914-1918).
“Although native to the Mediterranean, bearded iris have graced prairie gardens almost since the time of European settlement. Prior to World War I, they appeared in several mail order catalogs serving Saskatchewan.” (Saskatchewan Perennial Society, 2016 1)
Mrs. Andrist was first listed in the 1919 ‘Fryer’s New Iris’ catalog as ‘Mrs. K. Andrist’, and as ‘Mrs. Andrist’ as early as 1921.
 ‘Fryer’s New Iris’, Willis E. Fryer, 1919 |  ‘Fryer’s New Iris’, Willis E. Fryer, 1919 |
 ‘Fryer’s New Iris’, Willis E. Fryer, 1919 |  ‘Fryer’s New Iris’, Willis E. Fryer, 1921 |