Bryan Dodsworth Iris Collection

Bryan Dodsworth (1920 – 2009) was  the most celebrated 20th Century British breeder of Tall Bearded Irises.

He lived in Nottinghamshire where he bred his Irises and was awarded the prestigious Dykes Medal for new Iris varieties no less than 12 times.

Bryan sought four things in his breeding:

• Plants with great form and structure
• Flowers robust enough to cope with wind and rain
• Plants that do well both in the garden and at shows
• Flowers with clear, clean colours.

Bryan was a perfectionist who ignored the current trend for ever larger flowers, different flower shapes and multi-coloured flower mixes.

The first Irises from the Bryan Dodsworth Collection were planted here in the kitchen garden at Abercamlais in September 2020. It is hoped that the display borders once established will provide enjoyment for visitors.

When Bryan Dodsworth died, his son Simon asked us if we would provide part of his Iris Collection a long-term home at Abercamlais as a permanent record and demonstration of Bryan’s lifetime work.

For more information about Bryan Dodsworth and his Irises please see The English Iris Company.