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 
Hey SR, I’ll bet that John Carter of Rowden Gardens named this, quite a great couple John and Galen – go visit them.
He did! Thanks for the recommendation.
These are so beautiful, fabulous lines to share today
The leaves are very linear too, although I cropped them out to highlight the veins and get the square crop.
ahh the downside of squares!
the flower lines are pretty and such a unique bloom – voluptuous indeed
I’ve seen irises with similar markings before, but none with the opulence of this one.
🙂
Gorgeous iris and gorgeous photo!
Thanks – I’m glad you liked it.
Such a handsome flower! I see it needs a damp spot, so despite my love of irises, I wouldn’t be able to grow an Iris ensata in my garden! I’ll admire from afar.
Thanks for the link about growing and dividing.
My pleasure, Brian.
I’m admiring from afar too, as so often. 🙂
Nice. Veins as lines never occurred to me. Off to check my files.
I seem to define ‘lines’ extremely broadly as the discussions on one of my earlier posts has confirmed.
What a beauty, Susan. Those veins are so much more striking than any iris I’ve ever seen before. I don’t think I’ve seen any in the Royal Botanic Gardens either. Not sure whether we get them here in Australia, but maybe specialist nurseries stock that variety.
I love the purple against the green stems nice contrast.
I’m not sure either. Your laws make it a challenge to get plant material in from the UK, but perhaps it is easier from Japan.
Gorgeous colours! 🙂
Thanks, Eunice.
I’ve never met an iris that didn’t make my knees weaken, and this one is no exception. What ruffles! Glorious!
I trust you were sitting down when you saw this!
Yes, thank goodness. Else I’d have been damaged.
Fantastic flower and beautiful photo! Thanks, Susan!
My pleasure, Rita.
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.