I’d wanted to visit RHS Rosemoor to see how far reality lived up the reputation of its rose garden (no complaints) and for the chance to explore other collections too: of irises, for example. The attractive purple veining and the voluptuous flower form of the one above was particularly striking.
Iris ensata ‘Rowden Autocrat’ was introduced in 1999 by Rowden Gardens Nursery in the UK (since sold and renamed Tor Garden Plants) and is listed and described by the American Iris Society here.
If you like this type of iris, but are unable to source this particular one, there are many other forms of Iris ensata, all with the characteristic yellow signal. Mt. Pleasant Iris Farm’s website has some great advice on the different flower colours available and about growing and dividing Japanese Iris.
Shared for Becky’s Lines&Squares and Cee’s Flower of the Day.
Update: Since this post was written, the breeder, John Carter, has been in touch via my friend Barry Glick to explain that after their nursery was sold to Emma and Tom Robinson in 2016, they gave Rosemoor samples of almost all of their irises and are delighted that Rosemoor are displaying them together in a newly created garden.
Susan Rushton 
Looking good
Thanks, Derrick.
Oh I’m in love! What a gorgeous Iris, Susan! You really did a great job of capturing the depth of that purple and the delicate veins. Thanks for sharing this beauty with us!
It was a vigorous looking plant, but you’re right, the veining gives it a delicate look.
Wow.
Glad you liked it 🙂
Beautiful flower and colors!
Not quite a rainbow here, but a good start on one!
Oh, that is a luscious flower! Makes me think of thick cushions one could recline on.
Very luxuriant petals, I agree, with a great flounce.
I am a flower and plant lover too, and you can never have too many. Thank you so much.
These irises look very collectible! 🙂