Tall Bearded Iris 'Camelot Rose': Arthurian Romance from 1965

The Tall Bearded Iris 'Camelot Rose' evokes the legendary court of King Arthur with its romantic, rose-tinged beauty. Introduced in 1965 by Tompkins, this mid-century cultivar brings a touch of Arthurian legend to the late spring garden, its name conjuring images of chivalry, romance, and the fleeting perfection of an idealized realm.

Visual Characteristics

Cultivar Profile

Growing Notes

Tompkins' 'Camelot Rose' (1965) represents the early modern era of tall bearded iris breeding—the 1960s saw the first Dykes Medals awarded to cultivars with the wider, more ruffled form that would become the modern standard. Pink tall bearded irises were a particular focus of this era, as true pink (without a blue or orange cast) was notoriously difficult to achieve. Cultivars from this period often have a refined, classic elegance that many collectors prefer to the extreme frilling of contemporary TBs. They tend to be vigorous, reliable increasers with good disease resistance. 'Camelot Rose' has nearly six decades of garden history. Plant in well-drained soil with full sun exposure. The rhizomes should be planted at soil level, not buried. These irises benefit from a light application of bone meal or superphosphate at planting to encourage strong root development.