‘King Tush’ is a regal and rather humorously named Tall Bearded Iris that makes a bold statement in the garden. While the name might raise a few eyebrows, the blooms themselves are undeniably impressive, befitting a king.
‘King Tush’ is known for its richly colored and often heavily ruffled flowers. The standards (the upright petals) are typically a deep, velvety purple or a rich, dark violet. This provides a dramatic backdrop for the falls (the lower petals), which often echo the same deep purple or violet hue, though some varieties may have slightly lighter or darker falls. The overall effect is one of intense color and luxurious texture.
What truly sets ‘King Tush’ apart, and likely contributes to its memorable name, is the prominent and often flamboyant beard. The beard, the fuzzy or hairlike growth on the falls, is usually a striking contrast to the petals, often a bright golden yellow or a bold orange. This creates a visually arresting focal point, drawing the eye to the center of the flower. The combination of the deep, velvety petals and the brightly colored beard gives ‘King Tush’ a truly majestic and perhaps even a slightly comical appearance.
Tall Bearded Irises like ‘King Tush’ typically stand between 36 and 48 inches tall (90-120 cm), making them a striking presence in the garden border. They are ideal for adding vertical interest and a touch of royal drama to any landscape. With its rich colors, ruffled form, and prominent beard, ‘King Tush’ truly earns its place as a king amongst irises, even if its name is a bit cheeky.
American Iris Society Registration Data
- Description – S. azalea pink (RHS 39D), splashed indian lake (58A) and spinel red (54C/D); style arms azalea pink; F. azalea pink with pinkish white stripes, infrequent splashes of indian lake and spinel red; beards bright medium orange; ruffled; slight fragrance. Tiger Honey X Raspberry Fudge
- Hybridizer & Year of Introduction – Brad Kasperek, 1997
- Classification – Tall Bearded
- Bloom Period – Late
- Bloom Height – 38″