An absolute tried and true introduction from Barry Blyth still growing well and appreciated by a select group of gardeners in New Zealand. An exceptionally vigorous grower that consistently blooms on strong well branched stalks, and is bright enough not to have been disregarded as a so called "yesterday's" Iris.
In theory 'Coffee Capri' could be regarded as a Variegata when looking at the falls which the red colouration is definitely much darker and redder than the bluff red standards.
Variegata as a colour classification is defined in late 1950 publications as been ‘Having yellow or golden standards and brown, red, purple, or violet falls’. The historic irises like Hans Sass "Rameses", Amos Perry's "Mrs H. F. Bowles", and the Arthur Bliss "Dusky Maid" are earlier introduction's in the Variegata colour theme. To take this 1950 definition a little further, the likes of “Edith Wolford” generally described as a Bi-Color with its soft delicate light yellow standards and quiet, rippling blue-lavender falls could also be a variegata.
36 years old makes 'Coffee Capri" a mighty fine looking Historic Iris.
AIS Checklist 1979
'Coffee Capri' ( B. Blyth, R. 1975). Sdlg. G71-1. TB, 38" (97 cm), M. S. buff; F. buff, overlaid and veined red, edged buff; bronze beard. 'Apropos' X 'Latin Lover'. Tempo Two 1975/76
As you will see on the Pedigree chart below its only a few generations from Paul Cook's 'Whole Cloth'
As always clicking on the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version.
Photo credit and copyright Iris Hunter
I have to admit this is not a favorite, yet I truly respect its age and heritage. It has a rather odd coloration.
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