In the modern 'barely-plicata' type Iris, the outstanding leaders of the pack are Barry Blyth's overlooked, but super beautiful 'Lipstick Lies' (1985), and more recently Paul Blacks internationally acclaimed 'Goldkist'(1993).
We now need to add to this list of outstanding leaders,'Irwell Festive Love',(2007) another magnificent hybridizing achievement of Ron Busch, .
The pure white standards are slightly open, ruffled and upright . Falls are also white with purple violet stitched on the shoulders fading to a lighter olive tone towards the edges, horizontally flared with just the right amount of ruffles. Add to this a bright lemon beard, and you have a unique plus iris.
Ron's registered and catalogue descriptions of his iris are rather uneventful, and writing descriptions are probably not one of his favourite 'Thing's to Do', but this does have the tendency for the reader's imagination to underrate the iris
Carol Rogerson the owner of South Pacific Epiphyllums sent me this photo just the other day with a note regarding Ron Busch irises that read, "Reading the descriptions of these iris doesn't really prepare you for when they flower! There is quite lot going on in each and every one of them, they really make you stop and stare and they are great photo subjects". (Sums it up really well don't you think.) It is also great to see that Ron Busch irises bloom well on the outskirts of Auckland, an area not renowned for the growing of Tall Bearded Irises.
Ron Busch stands tall among the very few past and present New Zealand's Iris Hybridiser of note, and the depth of quality in his introductions will unquestionably become a Mecca for the 'up and coming' hybridisers.
New Zealand Iris Hybridisers Cumulative Checklist 2011
IRWELL FESTIVE LOVE Ron Busch, Reg., 2006. Sdlg. 1405-1183. TB, 38″, (97 cm), M. White self, F. have violet veining around lemon beard. Involved Irwell sdlg. lines. Rossmore Iris Gardens 2008.
Ron Busch correspondence to me shows It comes from an involved parentage that includes Festive Skirt, Hay Ride, Tuxedo, Rich Melody, Land of Judah, Lady Friend, Latin Lover, Lula Marguerite,Velvet Robes, Laurie, Rococo,Taholah,Commentary, Bang, Melodrama, Earthling, Festive Skirt.
Clicking the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version.
Photo Credit and Copyright Carol Rogerson, South Pacific Epiphyllums ©.
Reproduction in whole or in part of this post, and its opinions or its images without the expressed written permission of Terry Johnson or Heritage Irises is strictly prohibited.
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