Historic Iris Preservation Society

About the Society

The Historic Iris Preservation Society (HIPS) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to the conservation, research, and public celebration of historic iris cultivars. Founded by a group of passionate horticulturists, botanists, and garden historians, HIPS works to safeguard irises that have cultural, genetic, or aesthetic significance but are at risk of disappearance.

Our work spans from seed banking and living collections to educational outreach and advocacy for heritage gardening practices. By partnering with botanical gardens, universities, and private collectors worldwide, we strive to ensure that the stories of these remarkable flowers remain accessible for future generations.

Our History

The idea for a dedicated iris preservation group emerged in the early 1990s, when several historic varietiesonce staples of Victorian and Edwardian gardenswere reported as extinct in the wild and disappearing from private collections. A small conference held in 1994 in Oxford, England, brought together specialists who recognized the urgent need for coordinated action.

• 1995: The Historic Iris Preservation Society was formally incorporated in the United Kingdom.
• 1998: First international seed exchange program launched with the Royal Horticultural Society.
• 2003: Established the Heritage Iris Garden at the University of Edinburgh, the first living collection dedicated solely to historic cultivars.
• 2010: Published the Atlas of Historic Irises, a comprehensive reference documenting over 1,200 varieties.
• 2017: Launched the Global Iris Rescue Initiative, focusing on atrisk cultivars in Eastern Europe and the Caucasus.
• 2022: Celebrated the 27th anniversary with a worldwide symposium on climate resilience for heritage plants.

Through each decade, HIPS has evolved from a modest network of enthusiasts into a respected authority on iris heritage, influencing policy, research, and garden design.

Mission & Goals

Mission: To protect, study, and promote historic iris cultivars so that their genetic diversity and cultural heritage endure.

Core Goals

1. Conservation: Establish and maintain exsitu collections (seed banks, living gardens, tissue culture labs) for endangered historic irises.
2. Research: Support scientific studies on genetics, disease resistance, and climate adaptability of heritage varieties.
3. Education: Provide resources, workshops, and publications to gardeners, scholars, and the general public.
4. Advocacy: Influence horticultural policy to protect historic plant heritage and encourage responsible trade.
5. Community Building: Foster a global network of growers, collectors, and volunteers committed to iris preservation.

Key Programs & Initiatives

1. Seed Archive & Germplasm Bank

Located in the temperate climate of central England, the archive stores over 30,000 seed samples under controlled conditions. The bank follows the latest protocol for longterm viability, including periodic germination testing and DNA barcoding.

2. Living Heritage Gardens

Three flagship gardensEdinburgh (UK), Kyoto (Japan), and Cedar Rapids (USA)display curated collections that rotate seasonally to showcase bloom periods and historical garden designs. Each garden features interpretive signage linking the cultivar to its origin story.

3. Global Iris Rescue Initiative

This partnership with regional botanical institutions aims to locate, document, and rescue historic irises growing in abandoned orchards, wartorn landscapes, and remote mountain valleys. Field teams train local volunteers in safe collection and propagation techniques.

4. Educational Outreach

From school curricula to adult masterclasses, HIPS offers handson learning. Notable events include the annual Iris Heritage Day and a series of webinars on topics such as Propagation of Bulbous Irises and Historical Garden Design.

5. Publication & Digital Resources

The society publishes the peerreviewed journal Historic Iris Review twice a year and maintains an openaccess database that contains highresolution images, provenance data, and genetic profiles for each documented cultivar.

Membership

Joining HIPS provides access to a vibrant community and exclusive benefits:

• Quarterly magazine and research updates.
• Discounts on seeds, plants, and workshop fees.
• Invitation to membersonly field trips and garden tours.
• Opportunities to contribute to citizenscience projects.
• Recognition in the annual donor wall at all Heritage Gardens.

Membership tiers include:

• Friend $35/year (supporter level, digital newsletter only).
• Associate $75/year (includes print magazine).
• Patron $150/year (adds seed package and free workshop entry).
• Corporate & Institutional Custom pricing for organizations.

To become a member, please contact us or complete the online registration form.

Contact & Get Involved

We welcome volunteers, researchers, and anyone with a passion for irises. Reach out through any of the channels below:

• Email: info@historiciris.org
• Phone: +442079461234 (UK office)
• Address: 12 Garden Way, Edinburgh, EH34AB, United Kingdom
• Social Media: Twitter | Facebook | Instagram

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