The Aril Society International

The Aril Society International is a group of iris enthusiasts from around the world that are devoted to promoting the aril and arilbred irises.

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Iris paradoxa photo by Rafael Diez Dominguez  
 
AB 'Sand Dancer' photo by Rick Tasco  
 
Iris susiana, oncocyclus species  
 
The Aril Society International is a group of iris enthusiasts from around the world that are devoted to promoting the aril and arilbred irises. We are a cooperating society with the American Iris Society.

Each year the judges of the American Iris Society select the best irises in each class. Those award winning arils and arilbreds receive an actual medal based on the percentage of their aril ancestry. (See below.)

Arils, or aril irises, are wild bearded iris species found in semi-arid to desert climates from Central Asia to the Middle East. Aril irises get their name from the creamy white collar (or "aril") on their seeds. Despite their desert heritage some arils are successfully grown in places like Germany and Michigan. The term "aril" also applies to hybrids between any aril species.

Arilbreds, or arilbred irises, are the result of breeding arils with the more commonly grown bearded irises from Europe. The arilbreds are diverse in color and form and size, and therefore are a fun and exciting choice for your garden. Arilbreds will grow well wherever traditional bearded irises grow.

The Aril Society operates independently of the American Iris Society and is considered a cooperating society. Each group has its own membership dues. The big membership benefits for ASI are our annual seed sale & plant sale.

Some members host display gardens open to the public. And other members have commercial nurseries selling our favorite irises.

Our plant society bylaws are updated as of 2023 November and are available for download here:  Aril-Society-international-Bylaws-Nov-2023.pdf

Newly Posted:

Seedling Photo Contest


Useful Links:

Ken Bastow slides recovered



2017 New species iris photos



Triennial Membership Promotion!

JOIN NOW!
Earn a $12 credit towards the Plant Sale with a 3-yr or Lifetime membership.

Or Australia & New Zealand members can opt for an $8 credit for the Seed Sale.


Plant Sale Status: click here


Seed Sale Status: click here


ASI Officers List


Copyright © 1996-2023 Aril Society International.
Created April 25, 1996 by Tom Waters.
Updated 2024 February 19 by Ted Havelka.

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