A. J. Bliss

Arthur John "A.J." Bliss (1862–1931) was a British iris breeder who is credited with greatly improving the genetics of many modern strains, especially those descending from his Dominion cultivar.

Early life and education Arthur John Bliss was the eldest son of Rev. William Bliss of Oxford. He was educated at Stonyhurst. He earned his living as a mining engineer in New Zealand (1881-89) and then in South Africa, retiring early due to ill health.

Career Bliss began breeding irises in about 1902, when he was living in Kent. A decade later he moved to Morwellham Quay in Devon—probably because a brother lived there—and grew his irises on an allotment. He also bred gladiolus and daffodils, but he is best known for his irises.