New Zealand Tall Bearded Iris "IRWELL INDIAN MAID"

'Irwell Indian Maid' is another delightful concoction from Ron Busch. Lightly fluted Standards are a oxblood red with darker markings.  Falls also lightly fluted are coloured dark chocolate brown with a oxblood red pattern and have a dramatic overlay of golden yellow and white changing to a deep violet intensifies the pattern, accented with an old gold beard. Strong clean foliage that shows strong purple colouration at the base.
I must admit that my first instinct was to class this Iris as a Plicata or a 'barely-plicata' type Iris but my curiosity got the better of me so I wrote to Keith Keppel for his point of view. His expert impression is "Lines" have come more to the fore recently as a new (or revised) pattern option.  Pattern as opposed to "haft marks", that is. 'Irwell Indian Maid' seems to be carrying the line theme to the extreme, with the upper fall white to yellow allowing the pattern to be seen well, and the lines, so closely set, to be appreciated."

Here's hoping some adventurous New Zealand Hybridisers think about this iris with its incredible breeding potential.

Carol Rogerson the owner of South Pacific Epiphyllums is responsible for this incredible photo and Heritage Irises are privileged to display her spot on photography which once again shows off another of the Irwell breeding stable. South Pacific Epiphyllums will be offering a limited selection of Irwell Irises this season.

New Zealand Hybridisers Checklist
IRWELL INDIAN MAID  Ron Busch Reg., 2007. Sdlg. 9231/52  TB, 38″, (97cm), M. S. copper rose; style arms copper and gold; F. white veined red copper, solid colour at tips, violet blush below bronze beard. Involved parentage which includes Lady Friend,  Latin Lover, Lula Marguerite, Velvet Robes, Laurie, Rococo, Taholah, Pipes of Pan, Commentary, Emma Cook, Jungle Fires, Rich Melody,  Mary Randall, Neon Lights, Rippling Waters,  X Indian Red luminata seedling. Rossmore Iris Gardens 2008.

Photo Credit and Copyright Carol Rogerson, South Pacific Epiphyllums

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