Schreiner’s Gardens

In 1915, F.X. Schreiner, a buyer for a department store in St. Paul, Minnesota, decided to move his family to the Minnesota countryside to more seriously pursue his hobbies of gardening and animal husbandry. In 1920, while on a buying trip to the east, F.X. met John Wister, the first president of the recently founded American Iris Society. This chance meeting sparked F.X.’s interest in Iris, and soon he was a serious collector. By 1925, F.X. was growing over 500 varieties on over an acre of ground. He decided to sell these Iris commercially in order to finance the acquisition and care of new Iris. In 1925, F.X. Schreiner published his first price list. In 1928 he published his first catalog in black and white with no pictures. F.X. passed away in 1931. Before his death, he offered his three children, Bob, Connie and Bernard (Gus), two pieces of advice: First, that if they were able to get along, the Iris venture would be a nice business. Second, should they decide to pursue the business, a more agreeable climate would offer a better chance of success. In 1947, the Willamette Valley was selected as the new home for Schreiner’s Gardens. The decision was based on excellent soil, an ideal climate for growing Iris, and the proximity to transportation facilities. Today, Schreiner’s Gardens cultivates 200 acres of top-quality, beautiful Iris. Their dedication to breeding and growing the finest Iris in the world has transformed Oregon into the largest grower of Iris in the United States. Coming up on four generations, Schreiners Gardens is family-owned and operated, hybridizing, growing and distributing thousands of Iris annually. The Schreiner hybridizing program has become internationally recognized as one of the best. Schreiner Iris have won an unprecedented eleven Dykes Memorial Medals, the highest award given by the American Iris Society.