Winners (and a not winner)

Some plants are simply winners aren't they?  This magnificent Cedric Morris iris opened this week, for the first time ever.  I bought it a couple of years ago from Sarah Cook at the NCCPG plant sale at Helmingham Hall in August, it's Benton Caramel.  Cedric lived near here, just outside Hadleigh, so it's nice to have a little piece of local history growing in the garden.

Cedric Morris Iris - Caramel

Cedric Morris Iris - Caramel

It looks magnificent against the Abraham Darby rose, which is always a winner in itself - both in looks and scent:

Rosa Abraham Darby

But this plant is definitely not a winner as far as I'm concerned.  It was sold as Papaver Orientale 'Royal Chocolate Distinction', and is supposed to have "chocolate-maroon flowers above the grey-green leaves" and it looks promising at the bud stage:

Oriental Poppy

But when it opens it's like a faded version of Patty's Plum, far more maroon than chocolate:

Oriental Poppy

Of course it might have been labelled incorrectly and really is a different variety, but a chocolate coloured poppy it isn't!

Cedric Morris Irises

Last autumn I bought 3 Cedric Morris irises at the NCCPG (National Council for the Conservation of Plants and Gardens) plant fair at Helmingham Hall from Sarah Cook.  Sarah now holds the national collection of these irises and her display was one of major temptation.    The irises I bought were just tiny rhizomes, but yesterday one opened to reveal this beautiful flower.

Unfortunately I can't remember what it is called, but as Sarah has open days on the 5th and 6th June this year, I may be able to find out then. (The NCCPG Spring Plant Fair is on the 30th May, also at Helmingham Hall, and as the entry fee includes a free plant I may have to attend that too!)

Edited - it's Benton Deirdre