Tall Bearded Iris 'Rustler': A 1987 Keppel Introduction

Tall Bearded Iris 'Rustler' is a ruggedly handsome cultivar introduced in 1987 by hybridizer Keppel. Its name suggests a wild, rustic character, and its flowers display a warm, earthy color combination.

Rustic Warmth

'Rustler' produces large, ruffled flowers with standards of a rich, coppery bronze and falls of a deep, velvety red-brown with a lighter haft and a bronze-orange beard. The colors are warm, deep, and reminiscent of autumn leaves. Stems are 36 to 40 inches, strong, well-branched, with 7-9 buds.

Garden Grit

This iris is tough and reliable. It thrives in full sun with well-drained soil. 'Rustler' increases well and forms substantial, rugged clumps. Its unusual bronze-brown color makes it a standout for naturalistic plantings and pairs beautifully with ornamental grasses and fall-blooming perennials.

Keppel's Earth Tones

Keppel has a talent for breeding irises in the bronze, brown, and rust spectrum. 'Rustler', introduced in 1987, is one of his finest achievements in this color class, combining deep, saturated earth tones with excellent plant habit.