Bearded Iris 'Happenstance'

‘Happenstance’ is a tall bearded iris introduced by Keith Keppel in 2000. The [American Iris Society cultivar record](https://wiki.irises.org/TbFthruJ/TbHappenstance) lists midseason bloom at 37 inches (94 cm), with ruffled, lightly laced opera-pink petals, paler centers in the falls, baby-pink shoulders, creamy-peach style arms, and coral-to-brigand beards. ## Flowers The AIS record gives the cultivar’s parentage and documents an Honorable Mention in 2002, an Award of Merit in 2004, and the Wister Medal in 2006. ## Site and soil The AIS page’s Tall Bearded cultural notes prefer full sun while allowing bloom in half-day shade, and favor well-drained garden soil. The [RHS border-iris guide](https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/iris/border/growing-guide) identifies Iris germanica as a bearded border iris and recommends a sunny position and well-drained soil. These are group-level growing recommendations rather than a measured trial of this named selection. ## Maintenance For border iris rhizomes, RHS advises leaving the upper portion partly exposed. Water newly planted rhizomes well during their planting year; established plants generally do not need routine watering except during severe drought. Avoid swampy ground and adapt care to local conditions.