The Meredith Hues Iris was recognized as the official flower of Meredith College in 1997. However, the iris is mentioned as the Meredith College flower as early as 1904, in connection with the changing of the College colors to maroon and white from the "less dignified" palette of violet and gold. The annual May Day Queen carried a bouquet of irises at her coronation. The flowers are frequently mentioned in the Twig as decorations for receptions and parties on campus.
In 1968, Meredith College alumna Loleta Kenan Powell (Class of 1941), developed and registered an iris hybrid she named “Meredith Hues.” Powell created this by crossing the blackest iris (“Black Forest”) and the pinkest iris (June Meredith" X pink seedling) in her garden, resulting in a flower she described as having “standards of creamy white and falls of maroon neatly edged with white.” The Meredith Hues Iris is featured prominently in the landscaping across Meredith’s beautiful campus.
This photo highlights the developer's description of the Meredith Hues Iris having "standards of creamy white and falls of maroon neatly edged with white." The flowers can be spotted in various locations on campus in the spring.
The Meredith Hues Iris is featured on the President's Medallion, a ceremonial piece worn on special campus occasions.
Carlyle Campbell Library
Meredith College
3800 Hillsborough St.
Raleigh, NC 27607
919-760-8532
