The Sir Cedric Morris Iris Florilegium

A unique collection of paintings, by leading contemporary botanical artists, of the award-winning irises bred by Sir Cedric Morris (1889-1982), artist, gardener and iris breeder who was based at Benton End in Hadleigh, Suffolk.

I first saw these intriguing irises as a beautiful display in the Main Pavillion at the 2015 RHS Chelsea Flower Show.

So I was absolutely delighted to be invited a few years later to be involved with this Florilegium painting two of the lost cultivars.

The delicate Benton Argent and beautiful Benton Arundel.

Both the display I saw at Chelsea and the National Collection of these irises has been meticulously researched and rediscovered, and now held, by Sarah Cooke the former Head Gardener at Sissinghurst, who has dedicated many years to carefully researching and rediscovering these lost, beautiful cultivars.

Sarah was awarded, together with the florilegium, a Gold medal at the 2025 Royal Horticultural Societies Chelsea Flower Show.

for more information about Sarah

garden museum article