Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum

Specific Families and Genera => Iris => Topic started by: Joakim B on March 11, 2009, 12:06:27 PM

Title: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Joakim B on March 11, 2009, 12:06:27 PM
Here is a iris xipnium xiphium from the Ajuda botanical garden in Lisbon.
It looks a bit like the Dutch ones one get in a bag but then it is the parent of them so no wonder.
Please let me know if You disagree regarding the naming.
Kind regards
Joakim
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on March 11, 2009, 12:52:14 PM
Joakim, I think you meant to write Iris xiphium     :D
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Joakim B on March 11, 2009, 01:22:54 PM
Well actually no Maggi ::) :-[
Here is the label so now You know why I was wrong
One needs to be careful where the hole is to get the whole name.
I did not check and it fellt a bit unusual with pn but then I am no expert.
I will fix the names and the picnames
Kind regards
Joakim
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on March 11, 2009, 01:27:39 PM
Well, that was a real way to confuse the viewers!  No fault of your typing then, Joakim!  ;D
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on March 11, 2009, 08:42:25 PM
I think this one will be a cultivar of I. xiphium Joakim. The wild species would be blue, so this is, in fact, one of the Dutch irises you mention. Unless of course, it varies to that extent in the wild but I've never heard that it does.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on March 11, 2009, 08:51:01 PM
This page from PBS is handy......http://pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/index.php/SpanishIrises#xiphium
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on March 11, 2009, 09:00:11 PM
Lesley, just been looking at what BM has to say on Iris xiphium in 'The Iris'

".........The one or two flowers are usually blue or violet in the wild forms, with an orange or yellow median blotch on the falls but they are sometimes wholly yellow or rarely white"

"Not surprisingly, with such a wide area of distribution there is a lot of variation and names have been attached to some of these variants as follows:- 'Battandieri' a white form with an orange ridge on the falls"

I have to say though when I first saw Joakim's pic I thought 'Dutch Iris'
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Joakim B on March 11, 2009, 10:38:37 PM
You did here me thinking that so I am not sure what it is. (Hybrid)
Can be an unusual one that also have been introduced into the trade and there assumed to be a hybrid?
The normal blue and the yellow lusitanica might result in something like this?
They can also have bought a cheap pack and hoped for it to be the real deal.
I do not know.
Kind regards
Joakim
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on March 12, 2009, 03:34:07 AM
Which posts still lead me to think your pic Joakim, is not quite the species. The PBS pic of xiphium v. lusitanica is wholly yellow and I have seen this in gardens but yours has that Dutch look about it and the colouring seems to support that. However, it's probably splitting hairs to be pedantic about it, except that in a botanical garden one would like material to be accurately named. (It certainly is NOT always the case here in Dunedin. Good garden but some names are way out, especially of Arisaemas.)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Rafa on March 12, 2009, 11:04:21 AM
Iris attica KV 274

Note: interesting video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PlDJyCRp1T8
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on March 12, 2009, 11:19:45 AM
OOH! Rafa! the colours, the details!  8) 8) 8)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Oron Peri on March 12, 2009, 11:55:56 AM
Rafa, you have made my day, SUPERB PHOTOS!!!
and thanks for tha attachment of the video, it is amazing to see all these color forms.

Do you grow this Sp in pots or in the garden?
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Jim McKenney on March 12, 2009, 12:43:20 PM
Wonderful, Rafa.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Hans A. on March 12, 2009, 01:51:48 PM
Rafa thanks for sharing this great pics of this breathtaking plants! :D
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on March 12, 2009, 02:19:20 PM
Truly brilliant attica Rafa !!  :o :o Like paintings !  ;D
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Rafa on March 12, 2009, 02:51:36 PM
Thank you friends!

Oron, I grow most of Iris in this type of plastic pots (15x15x20 cm). I recognize they are very ugly, bad isolated from warm/cold etc.. but very useful when you have a little garden, it helps to arrange better the space. Anybody knows this kind of square pots in clay (and cheap :-\ ;D)

I enclose pictures of Iris taurica f. yellow, very vanilla scent!

Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Anthony Darby on March 12, 2009, 03:23:05 PM
Gosh, so tiny but so exquisite! 8) :o
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on March 12, 2009, 08:55:14 PM
Absolutely beautiful Iris Rafa, your I. attica is well in advance of mine. I wasn't sure about I. taurica and looked it up in the Kew Check List where it is shown as a synonym of Iris pumila ssp. pumila. On the other hand the SIGMA data base shows it as I. pumila ssp. taurica Still, whatever it's called, it's a lovely little plant.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on March 12, 2009, 09:19:15 PM
What a lovely show Rafa. The video is great and doesn't the Greek music suit them beautifully? :) It's easy to see where all the modern forms/colours come from, when we see such a selection of colours and markings on the wild plants. This was a real treat for me.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: arillady on March 12, 2009, 11:30:18 PM
Oh Rafa,
Some real beauties there. I had never thought to look on facebook for any plant material. Thank you so much for putting that link on. Wonder if the white standards, dark blue falls Iris attica is in cultivation - stunning.
The smaller iris species do well here thankfully
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Oron Peri on March 13, 2009, 11:39:32 AM
Rafa, thanks for the information and the photos, I also grow the small size Iris in these kind of pots,
even a bit smaller 10x10x18.
they seem to enjoy it also for the fact that soil dry quickly.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Rafa on March 14, 2009, 03:34:14 PM
another two Iris, Iris taurica f. violet (or Iris pumila subsp.taurica) and Iris pseudopumila f. yellow
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Hans A. on March 15, 2009, 03:27:53 PM
Rafa, thanks for this fantastic Irisshow - many hardly seen species :o !

Something a bit more common is Iris suaveolens which is an flower now.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Tony Willis on March 15, 2009, 05:03:28 PM
Rafa super pictures and I really enjoyed the video which brought back memories of seeing them above Delphi
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on March 15, 2009, 08:27:20 PM
Rafa, thanks for this fantastic Irisshow - many hardly seen species :o !

Something a bit more common is Iris suaveolens which is an flower now.

Hans, for those of us whose climate rules out Oncos, Regelias and most of the Junos a good form of Iris suaveolens is all we have left :(
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Armin on March 15, 2009, 09:19:28 PM
Rafa,
thank for the I.attica You Tube link. Excellent.
Great pictures from everybody.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Hans A. on March 16, 2009, 08:33:28 AM
Rafa, thanks for this fantastic Irisshow - many hardly seen species :o !

Something a bit more common is Iris suaveolens which is an flower now.

Hans, for those of us whose climate rules out Oncos, Regelias and most of the Junos a good form of Iris suaveolens is all we have left :(

Sorry David, I think I expressed me vague  :o :-\- I refered to all the nice dwarf Pogons Rafa showed (which also should be growable in a frame in GB)- in relation to them Iris suaveolens is one of the commonest.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Rafa on March 16, 2009, 12:04:30 PM
very beautiful one, Hans, in few hours I will post yellow form of this species, you currently grow it, isen't it?

This is Iris astrachanica Iris scariosa (thank for correct the ID Yuri)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on March 16, 2009, 12:08:57 PM
OOH! My word! Would you look at the colour of the pollen on that anther in pic P1010014  !!!! Fabulous!
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Rafa on March 16, 2009, 01:07:00 PM
It is a shame my camera just have f.8 diafragm, and this means not much depth field to have focus in all parts...
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on March 16, 2009, 01:32:59 PM
Fabulous Rafa !!!  :o :o :o
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Miriam on March 16, 2009, 03:01:33 PM
Magnificent!
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Yuri Pirogov on March 18, 2009, 11:09:50 AM
Rafa,
Magnificent plant, but not I. astrachanica (=I. scariosa) which should have two flowers in inflorescence.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: arillady on March 18, 2009, 11:43:07 AM
Stunning iris Rafa - whatever it might be.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Tony Willis on March 18, 2009, 06:14:21 PM
my first Iris attica in flower
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Gerhard Raschun on March 18, 2009, 07:40:38 PM
wonderful picts here !!!

The last two weeks were very busy !

But here are some picts of the last days.....

 I. albicans ex Yemen
 Iris bicapitata
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on March 18, 2009, 09:06:14 PM
OOH! My word! Would you look at the colour of the pollen on that anther in pic P1010014  !!!! Fabulous!

It would be very nice to see little blue-backed bees when they've visited. :)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on March 18, 2009, 09:09:31 PM
Lovely Irises Tony and Gerhard. I haven't seen I. bicapitata before.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Rafa on March 19, 2009, 12:11:12 AM
fantastic! I specially apreciate the good picture of a true Iris albicans, commonly mixed up with Iris germanica var. florentina.
Gerdhard, please save me a division if it's possible this year.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: arillady on March 19, 2009, 12:37:33 AM
Gerhard and Rafa,
Is there a chance of you posting a picture of each side by side just to highlight the differences? - I albicans and Iris germanica var.florentina
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Rafa on March 19, 2009, 12:50:52 AM
I found this in flickr. It is a good picture to see the diferences, basicly they are:

Iris albicans: Flowers unbranched, bracts green/purple, papery  just in upper part.
Iris germanica var. florentina: Flowers branched, bracts completely papery.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: arillady on March 19, 2009, 03:34:01 AM
Thanks Rafa. So it is mainly that albicans is a single flower to a stem whereas I. g. var florentina is branched. Albicans is the shorter name, being single flowered and has less paperyness - just thinking out loud of how to remember the differences.
I g var florentina has more in all parts.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on March 19, 2009, 11:28:06 AM
Forgive me if I am being dim but surely the Iris shown in Gerhard's photo of I. albicans does NOT have a single flower... there is a secondary branch??????
There is less branching than in the photo of I. g. var florentina, and I can see differences in the flower, but the branching difference is confusing me.... :-\
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Joakim B on March 19, 2009, 01:05:13 PM
Maggi maybe the flowers on the stem are not counted as stem while if there is extra green there is a stem?
These definitions might be used differently for different plants.
So what is commonly grown in gardens in Portugal is I germanica var florentina?
I ask since there was a plant in the botanical garden of what looked to the "normal stuff" that was labelled albicans.
I will see if I can dig up the picture.
The garden is run with the help of volunteers so this may explain some misnamings.

Kind regards
Joakim
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Rafa on March 19, 2009, 08:06:58 PM
Rainbow!

Iris lineata
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Regelian on March 19, 2009, 08:18:50 PM
Rafa,

very striking flower.  Quite a bit duskier than I. stolonifera.  Did you raise this from seed or aquire it as a plant?  I'm currently trying to collect various regelias but have never seen this species available.  I've found them to be quite strong growers, but the seed is a bit trickier to germinate than the Oncos.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on March 19, 2009, 08:34:28 PM
What a great plant, and what a great pic too.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Rafa on March 19, 2009, 08:42:05 PM
thank you!

I have this clone fom Archibalds, and it produces seeds so I will send you some. I think it is an easy species to germinate with forced germination, due the big size of the seeds.

Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on March 19, 2009, 08:44:48 PM
I'm trying to remember all the things I've forgotten about iris structure but I think Joakim may be right Maggi in that the side flower in albicans is the normal "extra" that just about every iris produces after the main bud. Even oncos and junos do it (not sure about retics). The branching on the germanica v. florentina is quite definitely a side branch from the main stem, with its own ration of main and side flowers. Someone will shoot me down about this, and that's fine. I'd rather know the true story. 

Now I think about it, the extra or second bud usually comes from the same spathe (bract) as the original, so your question re the picture above remains valid. ???
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Rafa on March 19, 2009, 09:02:20 PM
I think Iris albicans has been collected very few times from type locality in Yemen, and on the other hand Iris florentina has been in Europe since Middle Age, so most probabily all that we saw in Peninsula Iberica, Portugal and Spain is that species.

I received a plant from a friend in Portugal very close to Iris albicans as it has't branched flowers (at beginning) but as it grow the flowers the branch started to be mor separated from the stem, but not so large than in Iris florentina.

I would like to living material to appreciate the differences.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Regelian on March 19, 2009, 10:15:46 PM
Rafa,

I had heard that the 'true' I. albicans is probably an ancient hybrid and is actually a triploid, being almost sterile. It's wide distribution is attributed to Muslim tradition of planting it on graves. (Lesley, had you heard this story as well?) I ordered a piece from Paul Christian, which will hopefully bloom this year.  It does display enormous (hybrid?) vigour.  I will try to do a chromosome count on the plant I have and then compare inflorescences with fotos.  Certainly a plant with a fascinating history.  I was hoping to try using it in my aril breeding, but I'm told the chances are poor.  All the more reason to give it a try.  I'll have to keep my eyes open for a florentina and cross check the chromosomes.

I'm using quite a bit of seed from Archibalds this year for forced germination.  Still too early to be sure if I've been successful, as I have had quite a few soft seeds from I. hoogiana.  Might be my technique.  The other species are starting to sprout, but I don't count the chickens while still in the shell!  Let me know when seed may be ripe from lineata.  I've been advised to plant it 'green', to get around germination inhibitors.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on March 20, 2009, 02:37:50 AM
Yes Jamie, I've heard this story and a very nice story it is. I guess it's true enough as well.

While on the subject of seed sowing, I have some very fresh seed of Iris barbatula from my own plant, if anyone would like to try it. If so, PM me privately. It flowers early summer.

[attachthumb=1]
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Rafa on March 20, 2009, 01:33:45 PM
oh! beautiful species!!

My friend Jim Kee has sent me twice this species and I lost it twice!! >:(. It is very rare because other species I grow from same section are almost impossible to kill due bad cares...

Here two species, I don't know the names. I received first one as Iris suaveolens f. yellow, but I think it is somthing similar to I. reichenbachii? comes from Greek Macedonia. The second one is an species that Gerdhard Raschun gave me (thanks again  ;)) also Balcan Macedonian plant relative to I. reichenbachii.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Gerhard Raschun on March 20, 2009, 07:08:45 PM
My shown I. albicans should be right.It is the clone from PC, collected AH 9170.

In my opinion the the bud is on the main stem.

Sorry, I can`t show a pict of I. florentina, my plant ( from the historical collection of the bot. garden Vienna) doesn`t grow well here outside in zone 6b.Iris x germanica `Madonna` and I. x germanica `Macedonia` too. I should put them inside in winter under glass.

Here also some picts of introduced plants on Teneriffa, taken this year in the botanical garden Porto della Cruz and the second pict near Mercedes.The last pict shows branches !!!

Rafa: You are welcome, I have noticed your wishes, you `ll get division of AH9170 and an other clone.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Gerhard Raschun on March 20, 2009, 07:20:44 PM
Dear Rafa,

the I. reichenbachii is from Macedonia.I`m surprised about the colouration.In my garden it shows every year more brown colouration on the falls.My plants still rest in the garden, yesterday we have had a snowstorm.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on March 20, 2009, 07:31:29 PM
My shown I. albicans should be right.It is the clone from PC, collected AH 9170.

In my opinion the the bud is on the main stem.

Ah! Now I see what is meant.... yes, I see now that the bud on Gerhards pic is a secondary bud on the main stem rather than on a "branch" ....... I was confused before, now I see the light! Thank you :D
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Rafa on March 20, 2009, 07:36:09 PM
Thank you Gerdhard,

Really different coloration in my garden. I put it in silice soil, could it be the reason? which type of soil do you use?
It is very beautiful plant with this orange/yellow beard!

Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Joakim B on March 22, 2009, 10:39:30 PM
I just read a Portuguese magazine that told the same story of I albicans being spread by the moors (Arabs) to have on the grave yards.
The ones I have seen seams to vary in size a bit. Maybe due to the water it receives or not?
It was stated that it smells very good and I agree that the ones that is commonly grow smell very good and more than most iris cultivars.
I have not had time to dig up the photo but will do it soon to see that compared to my own  to determine what is generally grown in the Iberian peninsula.

Kind regards
Joakim
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on March 22, 2009, 11:07:43 PM
Rafa, Your Iris lineata is another stunning species.
One more never seen before, and very well captured.
I'm very surprised by the difference of flowering time between your are and mine !!
I know you're living in the south, but I remember some recent pictures under the snow,....
Is it hot now ?
Here, even in the south of France, we are about 1/2 weeks late / last year.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Rafa on March 23, 2009, 08:43:18 PM
Fred, I live central Spain, Guadarrama Mt. range. It is very cold but also very hot, and generaly dry. It could snow even in May! ???
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Rafa on March 25, 2009, 04:37:00 PM
Hello,
This is an Iris that I lost the label. I think it could be Iris pallida subsp. cengialtii
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on March 25, 2009, 05:10:26 PM
Splendid colors Rafa, not so pallida  ;D
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on March 25, 2009, 07:46:56 PM
Hello,
This is an Iris that I lost the label. I think it could be Iris pallida subsp. cengialtii

I think so too Rafa.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on March 25, 2009, 08:50:28 PM
Another  truly stunning flower Rafa !!  :o
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on March 25, 2009, 09:31:06 PM
Hello,
This is an Iris that I lost the label. I think it could be Iris pallida subsp. cengialtii

The first time I've seen this species. A lovely colour. When I had it from a seedlist it turned out to be a Siberian. :'(
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Tony Willis on March 28, 2009, 02:45:36 PM
Three Iris attica in flower now.All from seed from near Delphi.The two cream coloured ones are a slightly different shade to each other
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Diane Whitehead on March 31, 2009, 05:02:08 AM
Here is Iris confusa, in a pot in an unheated greenhouse, flowering
 earlier than the ones outside.  I grew it from seed from Darrell
Probst who collected it in western Szechuan.

Its leaves are in bunches at the end of long canes, and the flowers
are surprisingly small - only about 3 cm across.  I had expected flowers
as big or bigger than those of I. japonica.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Tony Willis on March 31, 2009, 10:41:55 AM
Diane that is really interesting.I have never seen a picture of the true species before and only seen its growth described in books.It is difficult to see it as an iris with those canes. The flowers may be small but very nice.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on March 31, 2009, 11:08:00 AM
Gracefull !!!
never seen it before, thank's Diane  :)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Gerhard Raschun on March 31, 2009, 07:42:35 PM
Iris aff. babadagica v. alba from Janis, culture under glass, from last week
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on March 31, 2009, 07:50:21 PM
A really nice species Gerhard.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Gerhard Raschun on March 31, 2009, 07:59:20 PM
Hello,
This is an Iris that I lost the label. I think it could be Iris pallida subsp. cengialtii

Definitifly a member of the pallidae-group =>brown, dry bracteen

But it is very difficult to distinguish the species in this group:

I. cengialtii is a very tall, and late flowering species, 2 weeks after I. pallida. The flowers are mostly not as dark as you can find in I. illyrica. It is possible to find the plant in Slovenia, south alps.

I have plants of different sources in my collection, is it possible that I have sent you a plant ?

Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: art600 on April 01, 2009, 12:07:37 AM
Here is Iris confusa, in a pot in an unheated greenhouse, flowering
 earlier than the ones outside.  I grew it from seed from Darrell
Probst who collected it in western Szechuan.

Diane
Your plant brought back many happy memories of a trip to China in 1980.  We visited Mt Emei and I found this Iris uprooted and strewn across a path.  I collected some and succeeded in flowering it.  Identification was made on a visit to Kew.
I remember the plant made vigorous growth, but did not ever produce many flowers.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Diane Whitehead on April 01, 2009, 01:57:47 AM
That's odd.  Darrell mentioned that Iris wattii had been uprooted and left lying.
Is it only iris that suffer this treatment, and do you think it is people or animals
that do it?

Our nearby wild iris (douglasiana etc) don't get touched by deer or cows,
and I recall pictures of some Chinese iris that form big clumps because
they are unpalatable, maybe to yaks?
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: art600 on April 01, 2009, 08:31:59 AM
Diane

We put it down to people - though I can think of no reason why they would do it   ???
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Tony Willis on April 02, 2009, 08:41:45 PM
Diane

We put it down to people - though I can think of no reason why they would do it   ???

Arthur they knew you were coming along and would give it a good home!
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on April 02, 2009, 08:52:25 PM
Iris suaveolens 'Purple Form'



Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on April 02, 2009, 09:09:28 PM
Very nice pot David !
Could have gone to the show !  :D
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on April 02, 2009, 09:12:29 PM
I would have had to give it a lot of TLC Luc. It tends to get forgotten until it's flowers come out.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Armin on April 02, 2009, 09:48:53 PM
David, nice pot ful.
Congratulations!
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on April 03, 2009, 12:51:15 AM
A lovely potful David. I haven't seen the same plant in its 'Rubromarginata' form on the Forum, a very fine deep red edge to the foliage. Doesn't anyone grow it in the UK? It is the commonest form here.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Rafa on April 03, 2009, 07:37:03 PM
really beautiful pot David! :o

This is an Iris tingitana project
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: mark smyth on April 03, 2009, 07:53:57 PM
jaw dropping Iris everyone. My own collection is only just showing signs of life.

Rafa, are those spanish Iris?
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Rafa on April 03, 2009, 09:58:13 PM
This species is from North Afria, but it was descrived one time in Spain. This particular plant was original colleted by Mike Salmon.
all the best.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Joakim B on April 06, 2009, 03:59:01 PM
Wild out looking for orchids I found Iris at two places.
They are only 10cm high and all blue. Well In the first site was only one but in the the there were several in different shades. I thought I had taken several pics but only found one fuzzy from the second place to illustrate the colour.
Not sure what type of iris it is but will try to figure it out with a flora.
It is from a calcareous mountain in Portugal, Serra de Aire.
Found in openings in a valley forest site 1 and in mixed open forrest in second.
The second site also had a lot of muscari.
Kind regards
Joakim
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Tony Willis on April 06, 2009, 04:07:54 PM
they look like Gynandriris sysirinchium to me
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Regelian on April 06, 2009, 04:41:15 PM
I agree with Tony.  I used to grow this plant, but it doesn't like our wet Winters.  Interesting that it is growing wild in Sweden!
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on April 06, 2009, 05:07:50 PM
I agree with Tony.  I used to grow this plant, but it doesn't like our wet Winters.  Interesting that it is growing wild in Sweden!

 Jamie.... Joakim divides his time between Sweden and Portugal... he saw these flowers in Portugal ..."It is from a calcareous mountain in Portugal, Serra de Aire."  :)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Hans A. on April 06, 2009, 05:32:10 PM
Here an actual picture of Moraea sysirinchium (syn. Gynandriris sysirinchium) taken today in my garden - this turkish plant is quite differrent to this Joakim showed.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Joakim B on April 06, 2009, 10:17:29 PM
Sorry for the confusion.
The plants were/are in Portugal.
I only found when reading Tony´s comment about Gynandriris Morea sisyrinchium that exist in an other mountain for which I have a flora. Here they are described as 10-30 (45) cm and the ones I took pictures of (and all the others there) where 10cm. This may be due to the draught or drier places here compared to the place which the flora refers to. Both pics taken from above. Apart from the second being badly out of focus they both represent the plant OK.
The illustration in the flora is closer to the one seen in Hans A. photo.
I do not know if it is Gynandriris Morea sisyrinchium or not, if so it was not a iris but well within the iris family.
I have a non illustrated flora over Portugal and see what is said about the irises and see if there is any references about this place of them and try to see if I have other suggestions.

Kind regards
Joakim

EDIT later after looking closer to Hans A photo I must say that the ones I saw looks a bit different. Maybe due to a difference due to them being on different sides of the mediteranian.
May have been introduced by Mores (Arabs) some 500 years ago so might be a mix? It might also be a native.
More will follow
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on April 06, 2009, 10:47:41 PM
Joakim,

your plant look's like Moraea monophylla much smaller than M. sysyrinchium.
I'll try to find a picture of it.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: tonyg on April 06, 2009, 11:43:06 PM
Iris lazica - a great garden plant not needing the warmth that Iris unguicularis enjoys for good flowering.  This one is the surviving bit of a big clump that outgrew its site years ago.  Now on the edge of a heap of 'arisings' it can still flourish.  It deserves better, I will move it after flowering.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on April 07, 2009, 12:02:36 AM
I like this plant which is also available in white  ;)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on April 07, 2009, 05:36:43 PM
Iris suaveolens , from balkans

(http://i84.servimg.com/u/f84/11/84/35/03/eos5dm24.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=493&u=11843503)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Tony Willis on April 07, 2009, 09:23:05 PM
Two forms of Iris suaveolens from NW Turkey
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on April 07, 2009, 09:32:34 PM
Tony, very nice yellow form !
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Tony Willis on April 07, 2009, 11:22:11 PM
I have not seen the purple form in Turkey which is also nice.They are all very similar to Iris attica (if not the same)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lvandelft on April 08, 2009, 06:33:10 AM
I have not seen the purple form in Turkey which is also nice.They are all very similar to Iris attica (if not the same)
Tony, I grow both and can say that I. attica (the one I have) is not so easy as I. suaveolens, which I grew for more
than 40 years as Iris mellita.
The leaves of I. attica are more upright and the color is different too and my I. suaveolens will take several weeks
to flower after I. attica.
Here 2 pics. of my attica (one I showed in Flowering now).
The second one I made a week earlier when I had just one flower.

Iris attica
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on April 08, 2009, 08:12:23 AM
Smashing little Irises !!  :D
Your yellow specimen with the dark falls looks lovely Tony !

I didn't know I. suaveolens and I. mellita were one and the same thing Luit -still learning  ;D!... another trick of name-giving botanists trying to get us confused ?

Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Hans A. on April 08, 2009, 08:46:37 AM
Fred, Tony and Luit - thanks for showing this fine darf iris species!
I grow one as Iris attica ( i am not sure if it really is) the upright leaves are about twice as long as in Iris suaveolens.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Tony Willis on April 08, 2009, 10:24:42 AM
I have a number of both Iris attica and I. suaveolens.The leaves are all shapes and sizes depending on how well they are growing. I find them all difficult in my wet climate.I have them both in flower now.

Luit I think that Iris mellita has been around so long because it is easy to grow and propagate. I have in fact not seen it for sale here for some time now.

As to names I know time passes and botanists need to get their names in print to keep the money coming in but if you look in 'The Iris' by Brian Mathew there is a picture opposite page 110 of Iris attica in Turkey near Balikesir which is where my suaveolens comes from. The distinguishing feature seems to be if the bracts are keeled or not. I read a little while ago that the irises around Delphi which is in Attica hence the name, have now been called suaveolens!
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Tony Willis on April 08, 2009, 10:48:38 AM
This is what I am calling Iris reichenbachii which comes from Mt Ossa in Greece. This is just south of Mt Olympus which Mathew gives as the southern limit of this species. This is from seed from 1995. The flower seems too small for the size of the plant to me,it would probably be better if it had several flower stems
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on April 08, 2009, 10:56:27 AM
Thanks for your point of view on the naming of suaveolens/attica/mellita Tony !

I have I. reichenbachii producing 5 or 6 flowering stems in the Garden -  they'll be opening in a couple of days.  I'll be posting a picture here.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: arillady on April 08, 2009, 11:04:27 AM
Tony is that tallness usual in reichenbachii? - any that I have grown have been small stemmed. I was justing thinking that drawings of the different irises on clear paper to size would be good. You could then superimpose each on top of the other to see the differences.
I do grow a few suaveolens but no atticas at the moment -well it does depend what has survived this prolonged drought.
 
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Tony Willis on April 08, 2009, 11:10:13 AM
Pat

I have found this species on both Mt Olympus and Mt Ossa and this is typical of its size in the wild. Mathew gives its height in a range of 10- 30cm. The ones I have seen have been at the top end.Both the attica and suaveolens are up to 15cms.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lvandelft on April 08, 2009, 07:15:10 PM
I found only an old picture (scanned dia) and a picture I made once in the glasshouse
of Iris mellita (suaveolens), but they show very good what I meant with the difference to
what I grow as Iris attica.
For comparing one of I. attica (again) and finally one of the yellow I. suaveolens.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Regelian on April 08, 2009, 09:45:10 PM
According to what little research has been documented, although many of these Iris look similar, we are dealing with different chromosome counts and basic ploidies.  I. attica is listed as having 16 chromosomes (1n=8), I. reichenbachii 24 chromosomes (1n=12), I. mellita (suaveolens) is diploid, but I haven't found a documented count.  As I have aril hybrids with it, I have thought it was 1n=12.  Unfortunately, I do not grow any of these species, only I. pumila, which is a tetraploid (4n=32) and hybrids based on I. chamaeiris, an amphidiploid, 8-8-12-12, giving 4n=40. 

If any of you have plants of provenance to be counted, I could add it to my current chromosome project with arils.  I only need a healthy fan from which I can harvest active roots.  I can't promise anything, other than it may help to shed some light on what counts are attributable to which collections.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Tony Willis on April 08, 2009, 09:59:50 PM
Jamie

I have lots of plants of known provenance of several species if you are interested,I will write to you seperately.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on April 08, 2009, 10:42:12 PM
Iris mellita (suaveolens) also comes in the 'Rubromarginata' form with its fine red line edging each curved leaf.

Presumably Iris pumila is I. attica? and I agree, Iris suaveolens with curved leaves, Iris attica/pumila with straighter leaves. This is entirely from a rock-gardener's point of view and the experience of the plants I've grown ober 50 years. I know NOTHING about chromosomes, etc. Jamie, you are saying that I. attica is NOT I. pumila?
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Regelian on April 08, 2009, 11:22:11 PM
Lesley,

although one is always going out on a limb when dealing with descriptions based on preserved specimens, which is the case with all Iris species, the living plants attributed to these species are genetically different.  Now, we can dance with the angels on the head of a pin and admit that we are unsure as to what actually constitutes a true species, but, especially for gardeners, being able to put a name with specific qualities together is the basics of understanding. 

Now, according to chromsome studies that have been done, what we accept as I. pumila and I. attica are two very different genetic entities.  They may appear similar, but they are not interfertile (after the F1).  This is due to their different chromosmal composition.  It has been suggested that attica and pumila represend diploid and tetraploid versions of the same genetic species basis, which I do find a tenable conclusion, but we are unable to prove this one way or the other without some very detailed research of the actual chromsome composition.  This would require dedication and quite a sum of money to realize.  Probably why it has not yet been done.

Now, as someone who hybridizes to produce better garden plants, the actual chromosome counts and their compatability are more important than knowing whether we have natural tetraploids in this case or not.  We do know that I. chamaeiris is an amphidiploid, which leads one to believe that nature has long been playing around with the genome of these smaller iris species.  It has been argued that it is a cross between an n=8 and an n=12 diploid species that then doubled its chromosomes, making it fertile.  An example of nature doing what we do with cochicine to get fertile families.  Another possibility is a cross between two tetraploid species, such as I. pumila (n=8, 4n=32) with I. aphylla (n=12, 4n=48), giving an amphidiploid of 40 chromosomes (8-8-12-12), which is the actual chromosome combination of I. chamaeiris.

Over generations of breeding within the original F1 cross, we eventually get a stabile and reproducing population, that we have given the species status to.

Coming back to your question, yes, they are for our purposes two different species.

Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Regelian on April 08, 2009, 11:37:56 PM
Tony,

I would certainly be interested.  Let me know what would be possible.  Provenance makes the results much more creditable!  There are many plants in circulation which, despite knowing their ploidy, cannot confirm that this is applicable for a given distribution.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on April 09, 2009, 12:32:44 AM
Thank you Jamie. I suspect you and I may not have a lot to talk about if we were to meet. ;D
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Regelian on April 09, 2009, 08:27:12 AM
Thank you Jamie. I suspect you and I may not have a lot to talk about if we were to meet. ;D

Oh, I think we would find a few 'classic' gardening subjects to waffle on about.  I do love picking tidbits and hearing of personal relationships with the botanical world.  ;D ;)  Plus, you do live in one of the greatest gardens Mother Nature ever concieved.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Hristo on April 09, 2009, 09:36:59 AM
Hi there,
Anyone got the foggiest what cultivar name this little DB iris might go by?
Cheers  :)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Rafa on April 09, 2009, 05:12:33 PM
very beautiful Iris indeed.

Here one of my favourite Iris
Iris stolonifera
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Rafa on April 09, 2009, 05:53:26 PM
But..! I missed all that marvellous species. Since I posted Iris tingitana I haven't seen all your Iris!. Well I want all of them, thank you! ;D
About Moraeas I don't know if M. monophylla was recordered In Portugal, but I don't think so as in the rest of Peninsula Iberica only grows M. sysirinchium, so maybe is a new record for Portugal.


Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Miriam on April 09, 2009, 06:16:06 PM
Amazing Rafa :o-great use of light!
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on April 09, 2009, 06:25:29 PM
Wondefull pic rafa !
I've never had any flower with mine... may be this year ??
Your pic look's like a painting I've seen somewhere..  ;) ;D
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Oron Peri on April 09, 2009, 06:41:53 PM
Rafa,

Wonderfull species, I. stolonifera seems to arrive from another planet.

Have you found only one plant of M. monophylla or was it a colony?
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on April 09, 2009, 08:26:55 PM
Thank you Jamie. I suspect you and I may not have a lot to talk about if we were to meet. ;D

Oh, I think we would find a few 'classic' gardening subjects to waffle on about.  I do love picking tidbits and hearing of personal relationships with the botanical world.  ;D ;)  Plus, you do live in one of the greatest gardens Mother Nature ever concieved.

And of course there's always politics, religion and the weather. ;D
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on April 09, 2009, 09:04:06 PM
I've just had a look at an Old Forum page from 2005 and found among other lovely things, Iris goniocarpa. It looks just about the same as my I. barbatula. Are they synonyms?
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Regelian on April 09, 2009, 09:52:18 PM
Lesley,

I. goniocarpa Baker is a pseudoregelia and thus not closely related to I. barbatula from sub-genus Nepalensis, according to Köhlein.  More I have not found and, as I. barbatula is described only about 10 years ago, there is little cultural info. Could it be that the foto you found is incorrectly labeled?  I've never seen a foto of I. goniocarpa and it is not listed in the SIGNA species data base.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on April 09, 2009, 10:00:34 PM
http://www.srgc.org.uk/discus/messages/141/14820.html
 is the page in the Old Forum and here is the photo posted there by Cliff, from the show ( it is not his plant)
[attach=1]

Iris goniocarpa (??)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: arillady on April 10, 2009, 12:29:41 AM
Fred you may have seen Iris stolonifera used on the 2004 ASI Yearbook cover. Rafa great photos - I have a young seed grown plantlet; and a rhizome from Marcus Harvey - if it has survived summer. Looking forward to flowering this strangely coloured regelia
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on April 10, 2009, 05:21:29 AM
And here is my I. barbatula. Maybe IT is wrongly named. I've had it for 10 years, from a local nursery and under that name. I couldn't find a reference to it either in Kohlein or Mathew.

[attachthumb=1]

[attachthumb=2]

Culturally it is easy, planted out in a gritty, slightly damp raised bed, with such as sino-ornata type gentians, small primulas, hacquetia, Trillium rivale, dwarf rhodos and the like. I've divided it 3 times into about 20 pieces , for the nursery and have had seed 3 times as well. It bulks up again quickly after dividing which I've done in spring, before it starts to come through. It flowers early summer (Late Nov/early Dec). The flowers are stemless, right at the base of the plant and the seed pods are at ground level. I love it.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on April 10, 2009, 05:25:31 AM
Apart from a little more white on mine, they look incredibly similar. Pity I can't see more of the leaves on Cliff's image.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: arillady on April 10, 2009, 09:22:29 AM
Lesley thank you for the envelope that arrived this week.
Another site that you might like to check is the SIGNA website for the iris in question.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Regelian on April 10, 2009, 09:41:30 AM
Lesley,

I agree with you, they look to be the same species.  Perhaps the description for I. barbatula, from 1995, is actually a synonym, but I have the feeling that the goniocarpa plant may have actually been I. barbatula, which may have been described from this specimen!  I'll drop a note to Dennis Kramb and Harald Mathes, perhaps they can clear the air.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on April 10, 2009, 10:30:38 AM
A bit late seeing it but I need to say this :
Rafa,  your I. stolonifera is truly wonderful !!!  :o :o

Lesley,
Keeping my fingers crossed for germination of the I. barbatula seed...  8)  Thanks again  :-*
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: WimB on April 10, 2009, 11:17:41 AM
One of the small Irisses is flowering now:

Iris attica
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Paul T on April 10, 2009, 11:27:54 AM
And as I have said in the other Iris topics as I have caught up with them..... fantastic pics everyone.  Thanks.  Only checked a couple of pages in this topic as too many to catch up on..... love that stolonifera and that beautiful one from Lesley, whichever name it is.  ;D

Thanks again for all the wonderful viewing everyone.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Rafa on April 10, 2009, 01:33:17 PM
Lesley, talking about Iris barbatula, I received a suprise from you :o some seeds of your plants!, MANY THANKS!

I am trying to get all forms possibles from Iris stolonifera, as it is my favourite Iris, but I am not sure if many names like Network, Sina Dark, Turkish Dancer etc... are hybrids or just natural selections with particular characters... this confuses me a lot with all those terrible hybrids names  :-X ;D, I prefer to use simple names Iris stolonifera f. dark (coll. Sina) or Iris stolonifera f. bicolor (coll. etc...
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: SAXIFRAGE at LYMINGE on April 11, 2009, 08:51:35 PM
I hope I'm not intruding on this page, but I must just show you that I grow one or two little bits other than Saxifrage. With it nice and warm today my Iris Afganica burst into flower.
Best Wishes David.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: SAXIFRAGE at LYMINGE on April 11, 2009, 08:54:52 PM
This close up is a little better, picked the wrong one.
David 
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Miriam on April 11, 2009, 09:18:13 PM
WOW :o
magnificent Iris!!
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on April 11, 2009, 09:20:10 PM
I think the AGS show goniocarpa must be wrongly named. It certainly looks like my barbatula and not very like a pseudoregelia which tend to have spotting or mottling on the flowers. Below is a picture of my I. hookeriana (not hookeri), typically regelian. :D

[attach=1]
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: arillady on April 12, 2009, 01:06:00 AM
You are certainly not intruding David. What a marvellous pot.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on April 12, 2009, 01:56:29 AM
Very nice flower and big plant !!!
Thank's for sharing
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Hristo on April 12, 2009, 03:27:13 PM
Lesley, that flower belongs on Star Trek! Fab!
Here I offer ( I think ) Iris reichebachii, but let me know if anyone thinks otherwise.
Cheers
Hristo
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Magnar on April 13, 2009, 07:37:17 AM
I know I'm far behind most of you, but now at last flowering has started also north of the Arctic circle.
This Iris, which I bought as I. hyrcana Talish, is always the first spring Iris to flower in my garden. It greeted me yesterday morning, in a place that the previous day was still covered with ice and snow. The ground is still frozen around the plant, but it doesn't seem to mind. As I understand this Iris should now be called I. reticulata v hyrcana.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Hristo on April 13, 2009, 07:42:27 AM
Magnar,
WOW! I am almost envious, you have it all to come yet!
Super looking Iris and coping so well out in the open garden.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Rafa on April 13, 2009, 02:48:36 PM
a request from Pat.. 8)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on April 13, 2009, 03:39:57 PM
Fantastatic rafa !
I understand the flower was captured by an artistic painter eye  ;)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Armin on April 13, 2009, 05:36:39 PM
Magnar,
a beautiful Iris 8)

Rafa,
the flower of I. stolonifera from a sight of a bee must be like entering the entrance of a cathedral! 8) :o 8)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on April 13, 2009, 05:55:50 PM
I've found some nice forms of Iris chamaeiris in the south of France, near Cannes.

Very dark form


(http://i64.servimg.com/u/f64/11/84/35/03/dscn0210.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=516&u=11843503)


bicolor form

(http://i64.servimg.com/u/f64/11/84/35/03/dscn0211.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=517&u=11843503)

and as I don't want to put them twice, here is the link to another post with some more Iris pic here : http://www.srgc.org.uk/smf/index.php?topic=3399.0
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Rafa on April 13, 2009, 07:14:26 PM
Very nice forms, specially bicolored one! :o
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on April 13, 2009, 07:17:54 PM
A truly lovely Iris.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Hans A. on April 13, 2009, 09:26:03 PM
 :o  :o :o - I did not see all this superb plants! thanks for showing all the cultivated and wild plants!
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: arillady on April 13, 2009, 11:52:43 PM
Just imagine if we could not post pictures!
What a superb photo Rafa and the Iris chamaeiris forms are stunning.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Paul T on April 14, 2009, 12:44:35 AM
Rafa,

Stunner of a closeup pic of the stolonifera.  Beautiful!!  8)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Joakim B on April 14, 2009, 04:26:51 PM
Rafa does Your sisyrinchium have yellow back in the throat?
I do not know how wide the spread in colour of it is but mine do look a lot like your monophylla.
The flora (without pictures) that I am looking in only have sisyrinchium for Portugal and also in the region where I were. So if sisyrinchium is variable it might be it. If not, then monophylla. The other iris that exists in Portugal are not  fitting the description.
Might be the other one but planted /spread by humans?
Against that talks the fact that I saw them on two different places even if it was only one at the first. Botha are orchid places so might have been spread indirectly by humans.

Jaime interesting project hope You will be able to tell the results when time comes. Some extreems may be used as types rather than the normals and if plants are tetraploid they might be better suited for gardening and hence spread well and be different from what normally is seen in nature.

Lesley chromosomes are of interest in to see if they will get a fertile outcome. If they are very different they will not but if similar they will. So if one want to be scientific in understanding why it does not work it can be used. Just try and error can give similar information but takes time. Specially if one need to wait for the third generation

Kind regards
Joakim
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on April 14, 2009, 10:14:25 PM
Here is another pic of Moraea monophylla, from crete, to compare :

(http://i64.servimg.com/u/f64/11/84/35/03/07_01010.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=519&u=11843503)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on April 14, 2009, 11:08:20 PM
Joakim, I appreciate your information about chromsomes but unless one is of a scientific inclination - which I'm not - one is not likely to have the relevant notes on one's book shelf and it's not as if one can just pop out to the garden and count them, is it. :)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: arillady on April 15, 2009, 08:54:52 AM
Fred the Moraea looks lovely and the grey gravel sets it off nicely.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Joakim B on April 15, 2009, 09:17:51 AM
Fred Thanks for this lovely picture.
I do not remember the foliage as so twisted but I may not have noticed in the grass (or they where more protected there and less twisted). I think they look similar but I may miss some important information and have no knowledge about the variation of sisyrinchium.

Lesley with time the information about chromosome will be in all books maybe only as a map of who have high chances of mating with whom. That is where they come into common use I would say. So that is why I wish Jaime good luck with his work.

Has anyone else seen sisyrinchium that is only 10 cm or so with a bit yellow as in my picture?

Thanks again for the help.

Kind regards
Joakim
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Paul T on April 16, 2009, 11:48:19 AM
Beautiful picture, Fred.  Just perfect!
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: WimB on April 17, 2009, 03:35:29 PM
Some irisses that are flowering in my garden now:

the first one is Iris taurica, the others are cultivars but I forgot the name:
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on April 17, 2009, 05:17:19 PM
Here are some Iris reichenbachii , yellow and violet forms, but I'm not really sure of the identification for the yellow form...
Iris suaveolens yellow ??

If somebody can give his feeling....


(http://i64.servimg.com/u/f64/11/84/35/03/iris_r12.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=528&u=11843503)  (http://i64.servimg.com/u/f64/11/84/35/03/iris_r13.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=529&u=11843503) (http://i64.servimg.com/u/f64/11/84/35/03/iris_r14.jpg) (http://www.servimg.com/image_preview.php?i=530&u=11843503)

Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on April 17, 2009, 07:06:21 PM
Lovely Irises Wim and Fred I can't help with identification though. maybe lesley will when she comes on-line.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on April 17, 2009, 09:51:03 PM
No, not really. The little white looks like 'Bright White' but there are so many in each colour. I have several yellows with a red spot and this is not quite like any of them. As for the reichenbachiana/suaveolens, I'm no better there, sorry. All are lovely though. I very much like the dark purple reichenbachiana.

Haven't had to get up at 4.30 this morning to go to work. What luxury, to lie in bed until...5am  :( when the dogs woke me.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Rafa on April 17, 2009, 11:30:44 PM
Fred, I think first one is Iris reichenbachii f. yellow and second one is Iris suaveolens
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on April 18, 2009, 07:42:52 AM
OK, Thank's for your help, but it's right they are so similar in cultivation.....
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Rafa on April 21, 2009, 05:54:53 PM
this is iris filifolia subsp. filifolia
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on April 21, 2009, 06:36:43 PM
Beautiful Rafa.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Regelian on April 21, 2009, 08:28:48 PM
Blooming today is this surprising iris 'Benazir', from Lawrence Ransom.  It is an aril-bred, although one doesn't see it at first glance.  The top review reveals the hexapogon characteristics!  6 beards. ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Regelian on April 21, 2009, 09:23:15 PM
A cutie of only a few centemetres, I. 'Punk', also from L. Ransom.  Note the little horns.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Paul T on April 21, 2009, 09:59:03 PM
Ah, so there are "space ager" dwarf beardeds now?  I had wondered whether anyone was developing and releasing them.  Good stuff!!  8)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: WimB on April 25, 2009, 09:01:20 AM
Here are some of the irisses that are flowering now in my garden:

Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: WimB on April 25, 2009, 09:10:57 AM
I forgot two:

1) Iris 'Webmaster'
2) Iris 'Snugglebug'
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Regelian on April 25, 2009, 08:01:22 PM
A sibling to 'Punk', again with a horn, 'Outrage'.  Very floriferous, but the flowers seem to last only 2 days.

Excuse the poor foto.  Mowed the lawn ;D
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Armin on April 26, 2009, 09:45:36 PM
Congratulations!
Lovely Irises 8)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on April 27, 2009, 08:16:31 AM
Lovely Iris' everybody !
Wim, I love your "Webmaster" - nice veinings and colour !
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: WimB on April 27, 2009, 08:56:08 AM
Luc, I only bought it last year so that's the first and only flower it has this year, I can't wait to see it in a couple of years when it is a big clump. If you want to I can put you on the list to receive a piece.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Gerdk on April 29, 2009, 12:35:24 PM
Just found flowering

Iris ruthenica nana - from wild collected seeds.

Gerd
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: tonyg on April 29, 2009, 01:34:40 PM
That is a little gem Gerd.  Will it make seed in your garden?  ... I hope so ;)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Armin on April 29, 2009, 05:21:20 PM
Gerd,

Wow! :o :o :o
That's a little beauty :D
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Ragged Robin on April 29, 2009, 06:51:47 PM
Here, here, the markings look like ink on wet paper
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on April 29, 2009, 08:03:57 PM
Very very nice flower gerd !
seems to be not so easy to maintain; congratulations
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Gerdk on April 29, 2009, 09:45:28 PM
seems to be not so easy to maintain; congratulations

Surprisingly this species grows as easy as 'normal' Iris ruthenica.
Never had problems with it.

Nevertheless thanks for the compliments alltogether.

Gerd
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on April 29, 2009, 10:50:47 PM
Lovely pictures Gerd of a delightful iris. I find it gets a bit scuffy as it ages but my clump is probably 50cms across now. It is not very happy about division (probably because the very tough roots go down at least 50cms or more) and I expect to lose part of it when I do that. But it's a delightful species.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on April 29, 2009, 11:24:20 PM
I'm trying to remember where I gort mine from. It could have been from seed but whose? It has never set any seed itself, or none that I've found. The flowers are stemless, the tube coming from the ground apparantly, so if any seed is formed it will be right on the ground.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Paul T on April 30, 2009, 05:47:47 AM
Gerd,

Love that small ruthenica.  Fascinating looking iris.  I agree that it looks like ink on wet paper as Robin suggested..... are you sure it isn't actually pure white and that you didn't just go out there with a purple texta and colour it in?  ;)

 ;D
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Gerdk on April 30, 2009, 02:33:51 PM
Lesley, My plant is from AGS seeds - collected NW Yunnan - coll.no. SDR 418
- sown in 1996

Paul, Good advice for next April 1st  ;)

Gerd
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Paul T on May 01, 2009, 03:03:55 AM
Gerd,

I'll keep that in mind, that you're keeping it in mind.  Expect me to treat with some skepticism anything new that you post next April 1st.  ;)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on May 01, 2009, 05:07:50 PM
Here is a pic of my Iris schachtii Yellow Form.

 
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on May 01, 2009, 09:41:05 PM
Superb David !!
and very early !!!
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Rafa on May 02, 2009, 12:36:29 PM
beautiful plant, David!
I grow purple form and it has bloomed 2 o 3 weeks ago, unfortunately one night frozen (-3şC) and all the flowers and buds were destroyed..
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on May 02, 2009, 07:03:23 PM
Here is a pic of my Iris schachtii Yellow Form.

 

Very nice David !  :o
How tall does this one grow ?
Is it outside ?
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on May 02, 2009, 07:24:44 PM
Thank you folks but I have to admit I can claim no skill with this one as I bought the plant at the Exeter AGS Show at the end of March to add to my (currently very limited!) collection of small species Iris. We were away from home for a week and when we left there was no trace of a flower stem but when we returned last Thursday it was in full bloom in a very small plastic pot in the greenhouse.

Brian Mathew says that it is a short plant, 10-30cm at flowering time and there are Yellow and Purple forms. It is named for Wilhelm Schacht the former Curator of the Munich Botanical Gardens. It was first gathered near Ankara (Turkey) but it's range is known to stretch from Eskisehir province eastwards to Kayseri and Sivas provinces. Grows in dry and open rocky situations in scrub or in open woods at altitudes of 400-1700 meters.

All I have to do now is keep it over Summer, probably outside, and try not to loose it in the same way that I lost my Iris chrysographes last year :(
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on May 04, 2009, 03:59:39 PM
Here is my first Dutch Iris of the season to flower, about a week earlier than last year. The Pieris in the background is P.'Valley Valentine' just beginning to colour up nicely after sulking it's way through the very cold winter we had this year.



Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Armin on May 04, 2009, 09:09:22 PM
Its a beauty, David.
Well done.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on May 05, 2009, 08:22:32 PM
Thank you Armin, it has a pet name in our family it's always referred to as my "boiled egg Iris"
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Armin on May 06, 2009, 10:25:47 PM
David,
I agree - it looks like that :D
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Anthony Darby on May 09, 2009, 10:47:43 AM
Here is Iris xiphhium from Rafa, flowering now in the greenhouse. I'm thrilled with it! ;D
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on May 09, 2009, 06:48:18 PM
Very nice indeed Anthony.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Hristo on May 17, 2009, 05:30:54 AM
I purchased some Duth Iris bulbs under the cultivar name of 'Rust', this is the frist one to flower, patently not 'Rust' but very pretty!
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on May 17, 2009, 10:20:37 AM
Dutch Iris are sometimes scorned as being "common" but in my eyes they are lovely colourful plants. Nice one Chris.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on May 17, 2009, 11:01:19 AM
Already posted in the flowering now thread, but thought it belonged in here too :

Iris hookeri
in reality slightly darker blue than on the picture.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lvandelft on May 17, 2009, 11:33:59 AM
I purchased some Duth Iris bulbs under the cultivar name of 'Rust', this is the frist one to flower, patently not 'Rust' but very pretty!
Must be a fancy name Chris, because as far I can see it is not registered under that name.
But is is a nice one!
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Hristo on May 17, 2009, 02:17:47 PM
David, I couldn't agree more, if you like Iris how can you fail to collect these bulbs?
Luit, don't ask me why but I had the name 'Royal Ensign' in my head as a cultivar that was blue and yellow, googled it and found nothing, so maybe just a dream......
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on May 17, 2009, 04:40:45 PM
Already posted in the flowering now thread, but thought it belonged in here too :

Iris hookeri
in reality slightly darker blue than on the picture.

Lovely Luc. I have about a dozen seedlings growing on and if any of them turn out to be as good as yours I shall be well pleased.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Hristo on May 17, 2009, 04:46:07 PM
Luc, I'll second David on that, lovely clean flowers, very attractive.......
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Regelian on May 18, 2009, 08:58:20 AM
Here is a shot of a I. bastardi (pseudacorus x ensata).  I have no idea if it is a named clone or simply a seedling in the garden, as I do no recall ever ordering it, but it may have been a gift.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on May 18, 2009, 09:04:26 AM
Looks great Jamie !
What a fall !!!!  :o
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on May 18, 2009, 10:00:01 PM
It is exquisite Jamie and reminiscent of the relatively new race of hybrids (sterile, unfortunately) bred by the Japanese, called "eye shadow" irises. I have none of these and we may not import them because pseudocorus is not merely "not permitted" but expressly prohibited as it can clog natural waterways, irrigation ditches etc and has done so in the North Island especially, causing a lot of damage.

Having said that, here are a few of these supremely lovely cultivars.

[attachthumb=1]

[attachthumb=2]

[attachthumb=3]

[attachthumb=4]

[attachthumb=5]

[attachthumb=6]

[attachthumb=7]

[attachthumb=8]

I think I showed some of these once before, prehaps a year or more. The pictures are from a Japanese Iris Soc journal, commemorating their 70th anniversary, if I remember rightly.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Regelian on May 18, 2009, 10:44:35 PM
Wow, :o ,those are fabulous, Lesley,

I had seen a few others in Europe, but none with such definition and colouring.  I may have to do a few crosses this season.  Thanks for the inspiration.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on May 18, 2009, 10:58:59 PM
I think these may have been achieved in a relatively difficult way. Would you like me to send a photocopy of the accompanying article which explains it all? And to anyone else interested? If so, send me postal addresses privately.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Regelian on May 19, 2009, 04:56:30 AM
Lesley,

that would be most generous!  Especially as I can hardly see that 1) I would be able to procure a Japanese journal and 2) difficulty would slow me down!  Do you still have my address?
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on May 19, 2009, 05:25:41 AM
Indeed I do. I'll be on to it within a couple of days. The weather here is snow and hail today. I sincerely hope I can spend all of tomorrow huddled up by the fire, the dogs keeping my feet warm. :)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: olegKon on May 19, 2009, 10:47:21 AM
Amased by all the irises shown here.
This is a small Iris taurica flowering for me for the first time
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Paul T on May 19, 2009, 01:29:55 PM
I remember discussing the 'Eye Shadow' irises a year or two ago.  I was stunned by them then as I am now.  I would love to grow them myself as well, but would imagine that we may have similar problems with importing them here too.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Diane Whitehead on May 20, 2009, 05:38:19 AM
Dr Tamberg is trying to double the chromosomes of Mr Shimizu's
eyeshadow iris so they will be fertile.

http://www.tamberg.homepage.t-online.de/homep3e.htm

I wonder if he has been successful yet.

Hiroshi Shimizu's article describing how he developed the iris
is in English at
                    http://www.japan-iris.org/English/eye_shadow.html

Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Regelian on May 20, 2009, 08:48:56 AM
Thanks for the link, Diane,

I will hopefully be seeing Tomas Tamberg this July and will ask how things have come along.  He took a year or two off from his work with hybridizing, but is back into the game again.

Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Oron Peri on May 20, 2009, 09:50:59 AM
Iris foetidissima is in bloom at the moment, this is one of my favorites since it needs no irrigation and can grow in heavy shade, under trees, in dry areas.
The flowers are nice but the seeds pods are amazing in Autumn.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: mark smyth on May 20, 2009, 12:32:50 PM
Wim your yellow Iris 2 with brown blotch looks like Pogo (Page 58 Re: Iris page
« Reply #858 on: April 25, 2009, 09:01:20 AM )
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Paul T on May 20, 2009, 01:11:12 PM
Oron,

Is that purple one really an Iris foetidissima?  I've never heard of any other than in shades of yellow, plus it looks to have much more substantial leaves and a different flower shape?  I would have thought that the second pic that you have labelled as citrina is actually the straight species, because I think that the citrina version is a more solid yellow than the yellow and brown species.  Whatever your purple one is I think it is rather nice, but I figured you would want to have it labelled correctly. 8)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Oron Peri on May 20, 2009, 02:12:35 PM
Paul,

The purplish Iris foetidissima I have posted is the common form that grows wild in a few European countries .
Mine are from seeds I have collected from the wild in Italy, and they all look the same with very little variation.

Varieta Citrina is  or as it called 'Citrina' has been growing in cultivation for many years but I couldn't trace its origins.
I have found a few sources of it mentioning it arrived from Cedric Morris in the UK but I'm not sure if it appeared in cultivation or found in the wild...
Hopfully someone from the forum can give us some more information.

Attached the typical seed  pods of the first plant i have posted.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on May 20, 2009, 10:53:49 PM
Thanks for the eye shadow link Diane. I vaguely remember that you gave it before, when they were mentioned. I need to get better organised. So perhaps Jamie and Fermi, you don't need the photocopies? The link has exactly the same material. Most of the remaining part of the journal is in Japanese characters so not of much practical use, but drop me a note if you still want the photocopies.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on May 20, 2009, 10:57:17 PM
Paul, I. foetidissima varies quite a lot with yellows, purples and blue shades. I love it for the fruit too but for that reason - they are very poisonous) it is the other (with pseudocorus) which is a prohibited species in NZ. It's already here of course, in dofferent forms and in quantity but we may not import it. I doubt if anyone wants to.

Jamie, if you think about it at the time, mention to Thomas Tamberg that plants from the seed he distributed in NZ in 2000, are doing very well, blooming freely and are very good garden plants. The seeds I was given were from Sibirica Setosa crosses.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Paul T on May 21, 2009, 05:28:10 AM
Up until now I had never even heard of a non-yellow version of foetidissima.  I've only ever seen the yellow one here.  The seedpods are fantastic, and apparently there is a yellow podded form (and I think I heard rumour of a white).  Only ever seen the normal orange podded ones here, with either muddy or yellow flowers.  Must try to track down the purple or blue forms, as they're probably a lot nicer than the dirty yellow I've previously seen.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Regelian on May 21, 2009, 05:28:25 PM
here are a few of the siberians that have started to bloom.  I used to do a lot more with them, but space has held me back.  I have quite a few white, and the one shown I believe is 'Marshmallow Frosting', but may be 'King Of Kings'.  I can't keep them apart.

'Sultan's Ruby' is a wonderful raspberry colour, very difficult to capture on 'film', as is the colouring of 'Sparkling Rosé'.  'Other World' is a strong growing tetraploid
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on May 21, 2009, 09:26:26 PM
'Sparling Rose (rosay) is beautiful. For some reason I've always had a prejudice against the pink/magenta/reddish siberians but am gradually getting over it. I suppose it was just that the rich blues and purples were so magnificent.

Paul, there is also at least one, maybe more, variegated foliage form of I. foetidissima.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Paul T on May 22, 2009, 06:57:54 AM
Jamie,

That 'Sultan's Ruby' is a good strong colour, isn't it?  Beautiful.  I grow only the one pink siberian, called 'Pink Haze' and it is a soft pale pink one.

Lesley,

Yes, I grow the variegated foetidissima.  It has muddy browny and yellow flowers.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Joakim B on May 22, 2009, 05:46:52 PM
Paul the one I have in a flora of a part of Portugal is light purple and with yellow standards (things sticking up) so a sligtly more yellowish form than Oron has.

I have them growing in a pot but think they are too deep since they have not flowered yet.
They must have come into the soil in the grdencenter where i Bougt the plant. I actually bought extra many hibiscus syracusa a 2 € to heve these irises. It took me some 2-3 years to figure out what it was. Our neighbour have some flowering with seed pods later on. ::)
How stinky are they? The name means stinky does it not?

Kind regards
Joakim
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Oron Peri on May 22, 2009, 06:14:41 PM
Joakim

This species has deep roots, and grows much better when planted out in the garden.
It prefers shade, and grows well even under Pine and Oak trees.
The name comes from the fact that when you crush or cut the rhizome it smells badly.

Not just foetida but foetidissima... ;)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Joakim B on May 22, 2009, 06:55:24 PM
Thanks I have it in full sun in Portugal both in pot and planted out. I have it in Sweden in two places one in sun and one on the north side of the house so maybe it will bloom sometime. I presume that it is better to propagate it from seeds than cut pars of the rhizome then. Thanks for the warning.
The neighbour has hers in much more shade so maybe I will put some seeds in a shady place.
Thanks for the advice
Joakim
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Regelian on May 22, 2009, 09:50:04 PM
I've had this spuria Iris for some years and rather like its pure white with clear yellow spot.  Unfortunately, I have no idea what cultivar it is.  Anyone recognize it?  About160cm tall!
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Paul T on May 22, 2009, 11:18:06 PM
Jamie,

Could be the good old Iris ochroleuca by the look of it?  Others here will know for sure whether it is that or a more modern cultivar.  8)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Oron Peri on May 23, 2009, 07:55:50 AM
Jamie

It looks like Iris orientalis or at least has its blood in it.

Iris orientalis is a very tall species and has this large yellow eye on the fall.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Paul T on May 23, 2009, 08:09:40 AM
Oron,

That is synonymous with ochroleuca isn't it?  I have no idea which nowadays has prominence?   ???
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Oron Peri on May 23, 2009, 08:13:21 AM
Paul, you got a head of me, i was just writing to you saying that ochroleuca is a synonymous of I. orientalis.

So we where both right...
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Paul T on May 23, 2009, 08:32:54 AM
 ;D ;D ;D
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Regelian on May 23, 2009, 07:10:24 PM
Thanks, guys,

I had thought it may be the species, but it is a fine plant, which one doesn't expect from species.  I am growing a few other species this year from seed, so it will get some company.  It is lightly fragrant, by the way.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Armin on May 23, 2009, 10:02:49 PM
Hi,
beautiful Iris species.

My ordinary Iris sibirica is now in flower. After I've replaced my heavy loam soil by a sand/compost mix it is nicely and quickly clumping up.

I've also an almost white one (very pale one) in flower. The flower size and height is smaller than the blue I. sibirica.
Does it have a cultivar name?
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on May 23, 2009, 10:52:21 PM
I'm thinking Jamie's orientalis may be a more modern cultivar because orientalis tends to be a bit cramped and twisted in the flower and always seems to have two flowers out at once from the same spathe. The newer cultivars have cleaner lines so that the individual flowers are better displayed. There are some excellent yellow/white combos as well as all the other colours.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on May 23, 2009, 10:55:30 PM
Joakim, I hope your I. foetidissima flowers for you too but if seed is set, do be very careful to keep your little one away from it. The seeds are truly beautiful, big, bright red and to a little child have the very tempting look of something sweet and edible but they are quite severly poisonous. When my grand children were young I removed all the pods well before they opened. Now they are older, I can't get them anywhere near the garden.  :)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: arillady on May 24, 2009, 12:18:32 AM
If anyone is seriously interested in spuria irises I suggest you contact Robert Pries who compiled The Illustrated Checklist of Spuria Irises for The Spuria Iris Society a section of The American Iris Society 2005 - limited first edition

The book is A4size and weighs 900grams. 284 pages and is full of colour photos. Covers the species as well as hybrids and many other subjects that are invaluable.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Regelian on May 24, 2009, 11:15:09 AM
Pat,
thanks for the book tip!  I simply adore books and my shelves are bowing under the weight of blossoms and animals and art and...you get the drift.

Lesley,
interesting point, as, if this is not a hybrid, it is a very fine form of the species.  As i recall, it was a gift from an Iris firm.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Hans A. on May 24, 2009, 11:55:45 AM
I agree with Lesley, I also would think the shown spuria is a spuriahybrid, but I am not a specialist in this section.
Here a plant I grow as Iris orientalis  (next to Phoenix roebelenii ;)) - height about 1m.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Joakim B on May 24, 2009, 03:30:23 PM
Lesley thanks for the concern about the kids regarding the seedpods of the iris. Unfortunally the seedpods are on the neighbours plant in the common garden but I will try to make sure the kids do not get to them.

Jaime Tamberg have one like Yours with a cultivar name. Mine came from Hungary (but I do not know from where originally) and is later than most of the bearded ones. It is around 140cm. I have posted picture from last years. They sometimes get a bit crocked but I think they flower well. They are extremely strong growers and physically push the bearded Iris rhizoma out of the bed.

Armin I would expect that I sibirica would like a more moister retaining soil like loam. It is the bearded that are liking the more well drain soil of sand.
There is some cultivars on the Tamberg website and quite a few that are more on the cream side of white. At least one is a bit later than the rest and by that prolonging the season. It is also a bit smaller. I do not remember any name so not very helpful.

Kind regards
Joakim
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Joakim B on May 24, 2009, 04:07:24 PM
Here is the iris I have and I think it is more yellow than most.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Armin on May 24, 2009, 05:32:05 PM
Joakim,
my Iris sibirica is growing in North direction / half shade with more moist then loam. Your assumption is right.
Thanks for the link (Tamberg). Very interesting web pages.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Hristo on May 25, 2009, 05:29:15 PM
Joakim, I love the poached egg look of that last iris you posted, super juxtaposition!
All the Dutch Iris are flowering, the names are the ones they were bought under.
Iris 'Rusty'
Iris 'Amber'
Iris 'Golden'
Iris 'Silver beauty'
Iris 'Sapphire' - Luit, this may be the same as the Dutch Iris for which I had no name!
Iris 'White'
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lvandelft on May 25, 2009, 10:18:53 PM
Chris, Sapphire is right. It's just that your names are not complete, which makes it diffficult to know which is which.
It should be Sapphire Beauty, Amber Beauty, Golden Beauty, Silver Beauty, probably White Beauty and Rusty Beauty
These are all rather old varieties, except Rusty Beauty which is from 1987
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Hristo on May 26, 2009, 08:47:34 AM
Hi Luit,
Thanks for the corrections!
Luit, are there many new cultivars out there?
I bought all of these except the white off e-bay as the seller there was the only source I had found that sold a number of cultivars.
In the UK I had a cultivar that was much darker brown in flower than 'Rusty Beauty'.
I live in hope for seed and some of my own open pollinated hybrids in the future!
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Joakim B on May 26, 2009, 05:47:05 PM
Chris do they flower now (the Dutch)?
In Portugal they are before the tall bearded ones, at least by me.
I think they are great plants that do well in the garden but not so well in pots (for me). I only have the garden center ones but enjoy them.
The tall white orientalis I think I got in Hungary at a market bought from an old man. I have not seen many there but maybe due to them being later than we visit. They are later than the bearded in Hungary so we have not seen it flower only the floering stems at Autumn. They grow very well there. They flower at the same time as the later TBI in Portugal.
I have seen it here in 2 or 3 gardens but I think they where whiter.
I do not know if they are grown in gardens in Bulgaria?
Kind regards
Joakim
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: akoen on May 26, 2009, 06:17:28 PM
Here is an white one with no label. It is from seed and it is the first time it is flowering for me.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Diane Whitehead on May 26, 2009, 06:23:38 PM
Anne,

What an elegant shape your iris has.  I like the delicate brown
marks on the hafts.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: akoen on May 26, 2009, 07:29:32 PM
Anne,

What an elegant shape your iris has.  I like the delicate brown
marks on the hafts.

Me too.  :)
It have rather small flowers on long stems.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lvandelft on May 26, 2009, 09:18:37 PM
Hi Luit,
Thanks for the corrections!
Luit, are there many new cultivars out there?
I bought all of these except the white off e-bay as the seller there was the only source I had found that sold a number of cultivars.
In the UK I had a cultivar that was much darker brown in flower than 'Rusty Beauty'.
I live in hope for seed and some of my own open pollinated hybrids in the future!
Chris, there are every year coming new cultivars on the market. But the breeders and trade are only interested in good cultivars for year-round cutflowers.
In the retail trade mostly mixed hybrids are offered and there might even be very nice ones in such packs.
In the wholesale trade, bulbs are mostly sold to cutflower producers in big quantities.
And mostly surplus bulbs will be used to fill mixed packets for gardencenters and mail order business.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on May 26, 2009, 10:44:02 PM
Anne, I think you lovely white is from the Sibirica group, probably a hybrid - a seedling from a hybrid.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: akoen on May 26, 2009, 10:55:23 PM
Anne, I think you lovely white is from the Sibirica group, probably a hybrid - a seedling from a hybrid.

Yes I believe that to. It's gonna be quite nice when it grows bigger.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on May 28, 2009, 07:30:21 PM
A few more of my Dutch Irises.

Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Paul T on May 29, 2009, 12:35:59 PM
Anne,

That dainty white sibirica type is very, very nice.  I love the shape and markings.  Congratulations.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: kirsitn on May 29, 2009, 01:00:46 PM
Iris japonica, flowering since about a week ago.

Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Ragged Robin on May 29, 2009, 07:37:55 PM
Your Iris japonica is so delicate, Kirsitin, I love the violet smudged effect surrounding the yellow pattern on the petals
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: kirsitn on May 29, 2009, 09:14:33 PM
I got it last year in a plant swap, so I'm quite happy that it decided to flower already this year. I haven't decided yet whether or not I like the color combination of the flowers, but the pattern itself is definitely nice and makes it look a bit more exotic than most of the other plants that can survive the winters here.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Regelian on May 30, 2009, 08:38:49 PM
This is an interesting siberica, Lemon Veil.  Robust and a good bloomer.

Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Paul T on May 31, 2009, 06:22:03 AM
Kristen,

The beauty of Iris japonica is that it grows and flowers equally well in sun or shade (well it does here at least).  In full sun it's flowers are pretty much white, while in the shade they become that lovely translucent blue.  It can unfortunately become a bit weedy here if given the chance, as it spreads happily.  It is a beautiful flower though.

Jamie,

I like that Iris sibirica, although I must admit if you had given me a name like 'Lemon Veil', I certainly wouldn't have been expecting it to be so pink.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Regelian on May 31, 2009, 10:33:20 AM
Paul,  yes; I think I would have found another name, as well.!

Here is a shot of the species Iris ensata, followed by two Louisianas that have started to bloom.  The Louisianas are bred by the Pryors in Australia.  Very special plants.

I. ensata
Moonlight Cascade
Tide Pool
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Paul T on May 31, 2009, 12:07:35 PM
Heather and Bernard Pryor's (called 'Iris Haven') Louisianna irises are just beautiful, aren't they?  And they are such nice people as well.  I met them a few times when we used to have a rare plant day here a few years back.  Good healthy plants and great service.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Regelian on May 31, 2009, 01:17:12 PM
Heather and Bernard Pryor's (called 'Iris Haven') Louisianna irises are just beautiful, aren't they?  And they are such nice people as well.  I met them a few times when we used to have a rare plant day here a few years back.  Good healthy plants and great service.

Couldn't agree with you more.  Heather spent quite a bit of time helping me pick good varieties for my climate, but in retrospect, I think all their creations are of highest quality.  A pleasure to have in the garden, despite the enourmous size they can reach.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on May 31, 2009, 10:50:58 PM
If you can grow these succsessfully in Germany Jamie, I'm tempted to try a couple. I've assumed my summers are too dry and winters too wet. My sister in the North Island can grow them but she lives in a milder winter and a hot but very humid summer. They are certainly magnificent.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Regelian on June 01, 2009, 09:29:42 AM
Lesley,

wet Winters are not a problem, as most of my Louisianas are actually growing in the pond and get frozen to the crown.  I've not lost one due to low temps.  Dry Summers they do not like and you may want to try growing them in a sunken pot or small pool.  They love sun and water, much like I. pseudacorus.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on June 01, 2009, 08:18:24 PM
Some more Irises from my garden.

Iris sibirica 'Sparkling Rose'
iris sibirica 'Chartreuse Beauty'
A yellow Dutch Iris.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on June 01, 2009, 10:23:36 PM
As yet, my pond/pool is nothing more than, as they say, a twinkle in my eye, but yes, small pools might be the answer. The best I've seen in the northern part of NZ were all growing in or at the edge of water.

David, if you're not careful you'll be recognised as a fully fledged Irisarian! ;D
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on June 02, 2009, 07:57:00 PM
Lesley, I love 'em all.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Regelian on June 04, 2009, 09:08:31 AM
Here are two more that opened this morning.  The first is an I. ensata, probably a seedling as it closely resembles none of the varieties I grow.  The second is another of the Pryors wonderful Louisianas, 'Royal Ricochet', which grows at the edge of the pond.
We've been having very cool evenings and many flowers are not opening well.  Even some that bloomed beautifully last week are having trouble.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on June 04, 2009, 07:31:14 PM
Here are a few more of my Irises.

Iris chrysographes: this one was labelled 'Dark Form' (aren't they all?). It's quite nice but the markings are nothing to write home about.

The last of my Dutch Irises to flower this year.

Iris sibirica 'Gull's Wing', a lovely white form.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on June 04, 2009, 07:35:19 PM
They look good David - ever counted how many Iris' you grow ?  :D
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on June 05, 2009, 07:29:29 PM
I've never counted them Luc, if I did it would worry me how much I've spent trying to get a reasonable collection together ;D There are still lots of gaps which might be helped next year when some seedlings may reach flowering size.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Roma on June 05, 2009, 09:58:23 PM
Irises flowering in my garden.
Pacific Coast Iris 'Broadleigh Carolyn', pretty colour, nice big flower but not enough of them.
Iris chrysographes 'Black Form'.  I think I got this many years ago from the late Jack crosland.
An Iris grown from seed at the Cruickshank  Garden in Aberdeen.  Probably a forrestii cross.  It lingered many years in a pot in my cold frame but has really taken off since planted out 2 years ago.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Regelian on June 05, 2009, 10:12:20 PM
Roma,

your I. forrestii hybrid is wonderfully exotic.  Beautifully subtle colouring. Is it your own creation? 
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: akoen on June 06, 2009, 08:20:16 PM
Iris sibirica Mrs Roow
Iris sibirica ?
Iris chrysographes black form
Iris versicolor 'Kermesina' from seed
Iris setosa ?
Iris from seed.? Small flowers
Iris hookeri 'Monstrosa'

Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Paul T on June 07, 2009, 10:33:10 AM
Great pics everyone.  I am very much starting to wonder about the Iris chrysographes "black form" as we have now had 3 I think totally different things under that name.  I like every one of them, but they barely even resemble each other.  I love all the pics though.  8)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Ragged Robin on June 07, 2009, 10:46:23 AM
Wonderful Irises both  Iris chrysographes black form and I. forrestii hybrid look magnificent in 'the wild' setting - this is a colour and height effect I could see working here on my sunny alpine slope - are they easily found in the UK?
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Otto Fauser on June 07, 2009, 12:56:59 PM
Great pics everyone.  I am very much starting to wonder about the Iris chrysographes "black form" as we have now had 3 I think totally different things under that name.  I like every one of them, but they barely even resemble each other.  I love all the pics though.  8)
          Paul , in case you would like a plant of of I. chrysographes "black form ' please let me know , as I have a large clump of it enjoying growing in a spot where the soil is heavy and moist. It is like the form posted by Anne Karen .
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: akoen on June 07, 2009, 04:54:59 PM
Some more today. :)

Iris forrestii hyb. from seed.
Iris rubella from seed. I believe it is an chrysographes.
Iris sibirica Melton Red Flare. Maybe. Not sure. It has big flowers.
Some ting from seed.

Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Roma on June 07, 2009, 11:42:58 PM
Jamie,

At the Cruickshank Garden there were a number of irises growing together labelled forrestii, douglasiana and innominata.  Self-sown seedlings appeared which looked like forrestii but with different coloured flowers.

As far as I remember I collected seed off what I hoped was pure forrestii but finished up with this hybrid as well as a yellow one which may be a hybrid too.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Paul T on June 08, 2009, 12:42:58 AM
Great pics everyone.  I am very much starting to wonder about the Iris chrysographes "black form" as we have now had 3 I think totally different things under that name.  I like every one of them, but they barely even resemble each other.  I love all the pics though.  8)
          Paul , in case you would like a plant of of I. chrysographes "black form ' please let me know , as I have a large clump of it enjoying growing in a spot where the soil is heavy and moist. It is like the form posted by Anne Karen .

Otto,

Yes please!!!!!!!!!!!  I'll give it another go.  Hopefully it'll do well, and I'll try growing some from seed too in case that helps.  The couple of times I have seen it in flower in person it has been "to die for", so I would love to get it growing successfully here.  Got to love black flowers.  ;)  Thank you!!
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: akoen on June 12, 2009, 03:34:08 PM
I have some more Iris.

Iris forrestii
And lock at this seedling. It is from Rubella. An chrysographes
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Paul T on June 12, 2009, 10:47:08 PM
I just love the colour on that last one.  :o
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Regelian on June 12, 2009, 10:53:58 PM
Anne,

they are both truly lovely.  I've never had success with I. forrestii.  The few times I've tried to raise them from seed, they always turn out to be something else.  Probably just as well.  I have no idea where to plant them!
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: akoen on June 12, 2009, 11:38:10 PM

Mine I. forrestii is also from seeds. I got just one lilac.

And the last one is truly lovely. Have never seen anything like it.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Ragged Robin on June 13, 2009, 10:04:31 AM
Strong or delicate your irises have wonderful colouring  and markings and it must be so satisflying have grown them from birth, Anne Karen  ;)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on June 13, 2009, 11:23:10 PM
The second picture is particularly interesting because it introduces both a new colour and a new shape into chrysographes seedlings. I hope you keep on working with this one and raising further batches of seed, especially from this, if it sets seed.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on June 17, 2009, 08:04:43 PM
This one may not excite you but it sure does really excite me as it's my very first Iris grown from seed to flower for me. Lesley was kind enough to send me seed from which I sowed a batch of ten in May 2007 and I currently have eight plants and this is the first of them to flower. I sowed a second batch of ten in May 2008 and although 8 germinated I lost five over the last winter but the remaining three are doing very well indeed.

Iris decora.

Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Paul T on June 17, 2009, 10:01:07 PM
Very nice, David.  2 years isn't bad for an iris species to flowering.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on June 17, 2009, 10:19:39 PM
Well I'm pleased to see that one hasn't turned up in the "Wrong Seed" thread David. ;D
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on June 18, 2009, 08:11:21 AM
Very "decorative" David !!  ;)
Well done !
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Paul T on June 18, 2009, 11:16:43 AM
Luc,

Yes, I'm sure it does rather add to the garden decore (not sure how to put the little accent in that I think should be above the e), doesn't it?  ;D

 ::)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Rafa on June 18, 2009, 07:02:46 PM
oh yes! very nice indeed
Here is Iris variegata var reginiae
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on June 18, 2009, 07:17:56 PM
Oooooooh, that is nice Rafa.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on June 18, 2009, 07:25:11 PM
wow Rafa - what a marvelous flower !!  :o
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on June 18, 2009, 08:07:30 PM
The pics to follow are not very much to shout about now but I hope that next year my couple of new Iris beds will look very colourful indeed.

I suspect I'm not the only one amongst us who sows all kinds of seeds with utter abandon without considering where on earth I'm going to plant them out when they've germinated and grown on a bit? I had a fairly large number of seedlings of various Iris species and for some time I've been wondering what to do with them. So, today I lifted a number of fairly ancient Primula denticulatas which had really exceeded their sell by date, dug some good compost and grit into the soil and made a couple of new Iris beds.

For the record (really for my record as I'm sure to forget!) here is what I planted:-

2 x I. chrysographes "Inshriach Form" sown January 2008 from SRGC Seed Ex.
2 x I. thompsonii sown January 2008 again from SRGC Seed Ex.
12 x I setosa ssp. canadensis sown January 2008 from SRGC Seed Ex.
6 x I. spuria ssp. musulmanica sown February 2007 from Jurasek seed.
1 x I species not known-lost label. Seed ex Pilous probably sent to me by Rafa in 2006/7
6 x I. sintenisii sown 2007 from SRGC Seed Ex.
6x I. sibirica from seed collected from my own plants and sown January 2008
1 x I species unknown-lost label. Seed ex. Jurasek probably sent to me by Rafa in 2006/7
6 x I. spuria ssp. maritima sown february 2008 from SRGC Seed Ex.
3 x I. lutescens sown April 2007 fro seed purchased at an AGS Show.
2 x I. tectorum sown february 2008 from SRGC Seed Ex.   

Happy day!




Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Rafa on June 18, 2009, 11:20:44 PM
Well done David, I hope to see them in bloom next year maybe?
So you are a Happydayer?  :o ;D only joking, this was how people used to greet one another in a tv series I used to watch when I was 5 years old!!, which was called "Children of the Stones" with Gareth Thomas as main character. I am still a BIG fan!!  ;D


Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: arillady on June 19, 2009, 12:02:35 AM
Rafa what a lovely iris - have not seen Iris variegata var reginiae before.
Hope your plantings David come to fruition as you must imagine them
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on June 19, 2009, 08:32:42 AM

I look forward to see what it looks like next year David !!!  ;)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on June 19, 2009, 08:19:37 PM
Had to replant the whole of one of my new Iris beds today thanks to bloody cats and had a row with a cat owning neighbour who threatened ro report me to the RSPCA. Mind you, I did threaten to borrow a rifle.  >:(
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Eric Locke on June 19, 2009, 10:20:40 PM

Oh David, Poor pussies. :o :o :o


Eric
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: arillady on June 19, 2009, 11:36:08 PM
David a spray bottle with water and on the longest setting is a bit kinder than a rifle. I use it on a desexed male cat which can annoy me at times.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: arillady on June 19, 2009, 11:37:53 PM
Or chicken wire over the area - I know it doesn't look all that good but until things grow more it is a deterrent
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Paul T on June 19, 2009, 11:42:25 PM
David,

Here, I think we can borrow a humane cat trap from the RSCPA and trap the offending cat and take it to the pound.  The cat is not harmed at all but the owner has to pay to get it back out again.  After a couple of these I would imagine that the owner would start to think about whether to let their cat loose or not.  Personally, I think that cats should be confined to the owners backyard just like a dog has to be.  You can build cat pens etc to keep them confined and still give them plenty of space to roam around a bit.  The amount of damage that cats do to wildlife is horrendous, and then of course there are the ones that go feral and live wild.  A LOT of damage has been done to the Australian native wildlife by domestic cats out hunting from their homes, or going feral.  I like cats a lot, as I like most dog breeds (hey, I just like animals in general, I'm a bleeding heart  ;D) but they should be confined and desexed like dogs are required to be, particularly as they come and dig and leave their deposits in our gardens all the time (and boy do they stink!  :-\)

Good luck with finding a humane way to deal with yours. :(
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Paul T on June 19, 2009, 11:46:09 PM
David,

Pat is right with the wire, ugly as it is.  I find also that a good coarse mulch will help too, as the cats don't use that for their latrine facilities.  Initially after planting the mulch is not a problem around the iris fans..... but after a few weeks once the roots are re-established you need to pull the mulch well back from the rhizomes.  It might at least help a little to keep the cats off?
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lvandelft on June 26, 2009, 07:02:42 AM
Yesterday I made a short visit to the Connoisseur Collection where I saw a beautiful Iris, which
was acquired in August 2008.
Just the naming of it made me puzzle a bit.
Either it comes from a country where the sky is just as blue as this flower  :-\ , or the breeder gave
the name after a long night with many wodka's  ::) ::) ::)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: fermi de Sousa on June 26, 2009, 09:25:03 AM
Perhaps it was raised in New Zealand  ??? - the land of the long white cloud?  ;D
cheers
fermi
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on June 26, 2009, 09:56:11 AM
Or perhaps he had the wrong iris beside the name?
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: arisaema on June 26, 2009, 10:02:42 AM
Colour blindness seems common among Iris hybridizers, the one below is a sibirica-hybrid named 'Blue Butterflies' ;D
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Paul T on June 26, 2009, 10:08:32 AM
At least it is closer to blue than that latifolia!  ;D
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: olegKon on June 26, 2009, 11:34:40 AM
Can anybody help identify this iris. I received it as I.attica, but have douts. The flower is much alike blue I.lutescence, but the size is twice as small. The second picture shows both. Thanks.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lvandelft on June 26, 2009, 10:05:37 PM
Those who gave their comments will have understand that I was teasing a bit yesterday.
It was more to show that little  mistakes are very easy happening, which again shows that
no supplier can guarantee that he only supplies flawless.
Despite the wrong name or plant I find these Iris latifolia very beautiful!

Today I could photograph another new  purchase from the same supplier.
This one is at least true deep blue like the description in the catalogue says.

Iris latifolia Dark Waves  [J.Ruk. 2008]
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Paul T on June 26, 2009, 10:36:51 PM
Luit,

I really like the form of that one.  Good, broad petals with great substance.  Rarely ever see the latifolias here.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on June 29, 2009, 05:14:54 PM
Here's my Iris reichenbachii grown from seed received from the SRGC  2007/8 Seed Ex. under number 2094 and sown on 14 January 2008. Looks very pretty too, but only one germination from seven seeds sown (most probably my fault and not that of the seeds!). Bit late flowering though isn't it?

Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Rafa on June 29, 2009, 10:43:13 PM
congratulations David, very nice and healthy plant  :o
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Paul T on June 29, 2009, 10:45:05 PM
David,

That is amazingly quick from seed to flowering.  If you're only talking 18 months I wouldn't be discounting the possibility of more seeds still germinating.  I've found irises can be very sporadic in their germination times.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on June 29, 2009, 11:34:30 PM
Paul's right David, more may come. It's very nice anyway.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on June 30, 2009, 08:05:43 AM
Flowering out of season - but verrrrry nice yellow David !!
Young plants often do have a bit of a strange perception as to seasons are concerned don't they !
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Joakim B on June 30, 2009, 09:51:18 AM
Very well done Mr Nicholson :o 8)
This results tempts even me to sow more iris ::)
Congratulations
Joakim
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on June 30, 2009, 05:06:28 PM
Thanks everyone. Just to be on the safeside I re-checked my records just to make sure I hadn't confused my sowing time. I hadn't, and I did sow the seeds on 14 January 2008 and potted on the only seedling to germinate on 25 June 2008. Regretfully I didn't save the seed pot to see if anything else came up :(
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on June 30, 2009, 10:23:45 PM
I shall be sowing a lot more too, very soon, the seedlist from NZ Iris Soc just out. Limit of 30 per member, 50c per packet. I'll be able to replace quite a lot that I've lost due to general neglect over recent years. Mostly they have been in pots far too long, and the pots overgrown by grass. BAD GIRL!!! >:(
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: arillady on July 01, 2009, 12:15:12 AM
My practice is to just pot up to a larger pot without dividing - I have lost seedlings in the past from dividing. As I do not really sell plants much it does not matter. The iris seedlings seem to not have a setback if I follow this practice of all in together - even if other seed has not germinated.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Paul T on July 01, 2009, 02:25:24 AM
Lesley,

Ah, it warms my heart to know I'm not the only one guilty of that!  :o  I would love to get more species Irises, but where would I put them (it never seems to stop me though!  ::)).
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Roma on July 02, 2009, 10:21:07 PM
Glad to know I'm not the only one to leave seedlings in pots for years and still go on sowing more.
The following spent several years in small pots before being planted out.  They were flowering two or three weeks ago.  I'm not sure if they are Iris forrestii or hybrids.  they are nearer the true plant than the mauve ones I showed previously.
One lot is making a decent clump but the other is getting overgrown and only produced one flower which the slugs found before I did.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on July 02, 2009, 11:12:02 PM
Lovely yellows Roma :)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Paul T on July 03, 2009, 12:49:11 AM
Roma,

Love that yellow clump.  Beautiful flowers on it. 8)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Regelian on July 07, 2009, 02:54:57 PM
Here is a shot of Iris versicolor growing in-situ on the shores of Shoestring Bay, Cape Cod.  The water is tidal and brackish.  There were a few different clones making up the population, ranging from light to medium blue.

The mosquitoes were the size of a Buick! :o :o :o
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Paul T on July 08, 2009, 12:43:02 AM
Jamie,

I've told you a million times not to exaggerate... they're only the size of Volkswagons.  ;D ;)

Nice versicolor!! 8)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Ragged Robin on July 08, 2009, 07:58:05 AM
Really great photo of Iris versicolor in situ in the wild, Jamie, with their wonderful green sword-leaf backdrop - the shape and colours are stunning
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Otto Fauser on July 13, 2009, 01:51:35 PM
the 'common' dwarf Cretan form of I .unguicularis asks for nothing more than a hot ,dry
spot in the garden , but what a pleasure it is to pick a bunch of it on a cold and bleak
winter's day to scent a warm living room .
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Ragged Robin on July 13, 2009, 07:04:28 PM
Absolutely, Otto, it is the most delicate iris in every way at a time of year when it is most welcome - even one stem in a glass on the table makes winter less grey  :)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Paul T on July 14, 2009, 12:51:30 AM
Otto,

I didn't realise that these iris were perfumed?  I've never cut one for inside, either.  Does this apply to just the dwarf form?  I have a few different varieties, but not that one, which is why I am asking.... particularly about the perfume.  I might have to go out and pick a couple now and see what they're like.  Any particular treatment for them as a cut flower?
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on July 14, 2009, 10:12:43 AM
Paul, cut them relatively young and pop them in a small vase with water, they smell delicious(ly?)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Gerdk on July 23, 2009, 08:03:07 PM
Raised from seeds received in 2007 here is Iris serotina - an autumn flowering member of the family.
Thanks to RDD!

Gerd
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on July 23, 2009, 08:32:44 PM
Lovely Gerd, how long from sowing to flowering please?
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on July 23, 2009, 08:39:22 PM
I'm impressed that you have flowers after only two years.... what an elegant flower  8)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on July 23, 2009, 08:50:17 PM
........ and if I had read Gerd's post properly I wouldn't have asked the question-sorry Gerd :-[
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Otto Fauser on July 24, 2009, 12:54:35 AM
Gerd , you are a better gardener than I am - I had to wait 3 years from sowing seed till
 flowering ,
         Otto.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on July 24, 2009, 06:55:51 AM
Congratulations gerd,
lovely plant, very elegant and... seeds seems to love you :)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Ragged Robin on July 24, 2009, 08:46:01 AM
Congratulations Gerd on your Iris serotina first flowering in super-time - so delicate and a gorgeous colour  :)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Gerdk on July 24, 2009, 08:50:41 AM
Thanks for compliments alltogether - no special treatment. David, seeds were sown
at the end of September 2007.

Gerd
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Rafa on July 24, 2009, 12:24:09 PM
you know Gerd, it is very big satisfaction to me to see these pictures! the effort that I did collecting these seeds,very far from my home have sense when you see what happend if the seeds are in the correct hands!

congratulations  :D
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Rafa on July 24, 2009, 12:32:47 PM
of course, I am sure all of yours will have the same results with my seeds sooner or later, as ALL in SRGC are expert gardeners!
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on July 24, 2009, 01:44:00 PM
Rafa,  can you tell us a little about the natural  habitat of the Iris serotina, please?
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Rafa on July 24, 2009, 03:10:46 PM
This species grows in central Spain (Cuenca) and Anzalucía (Jaén, Cordoba...) maybe more places. I found it in dry limestone slopes, but north exposition, so they are most of the day in shade. It is very hardy and very resistant to the draught thanks to its papyraceus tunics, many many layers. Some of the trees you can find with this species are Pinus pinaster, Quercus ilex subsp. ballota... and also shrubs like Ononis aragonensis, Lavandula latifolia, Santolina chamaecyparissus subsp. squarrosa, Santolina rosmarinifolia.... I also remember hundreds of Allium molly, Anthericum liliago and Ornithogalum narbonense fructifying.

It is the most distinctive Xiphium Iris, it is the only species that blooms when is going to be dry. In Gerd's picture you can see the plant has lost all the chlorophyll in all the parts except flowers. Also the standards have reduced the size to an insignificant.

In my notes, I wrote it blooms 01/August and the seeds  01/October. The germination rate is almost 100%

Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on July 24, 2009, 03:51:32 PM
Thank you , Rafa..... super to  learn these facts.  8)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Ragged Robin on July 25, 2009, 08:50:37 AM
Super for me too, Maggi, and thanks Rafa for all the detail - I think this iris is lovely - does it grow in bare earth or scrub?
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: arillady on July 25, 2009, 09:16:28 AM
Iris planifolia and Iris susiana to the left (two fans)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Rafa on July 25, 2009, 10:54:52 AM
These are old pictures, I think I posted in other year... As you can see all is absolutely dry, like most of the places in Spain in this season.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Rafa on July 25, 2009, 10:58:19 AM
You grow a big group of I. planifola Pat! I hope your I susiana will bloom, maybe we could exchange pollen?
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: arillady on July 25, 2009, 11:27:48 AM
Rafa I am glad you posted the photos of the natural habitat of Iris serotina - so does that mean they flower late in the season when the weather has really warmed up?
The Iris susiana is looking the healthiest it has ever looked even with its virused leaves - says she as she touches wood!
The planifolia clump has been left insitu - including all summer when it was so dry and hot. It has been rain off and on for ages now with the old sunny day such as today when it is possible to get out there and try to mow the grass/weeds and pull weeds out of the aril patches. I have decided that the remains of the gravel patch can be used for another patch for the aril seedlings that are germinating.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Rafa on July 25, 2009, 12:04:07 PM
Yes this is, it blooms when the rest are almost finish fructifying, except Iris latifolia and Iris boissieri that are currently making the seeds.

Iris planifolia grows everywere in south Spain, even in border roads or agricultural fields borders. I think you can grow them in any part of the garden.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Gerdk on July 25, 2009, 12:16:33 PM
Yes this is, it blooms when the rest are almost finish fructifying, except Iris latifolia and Iris boissieri that are currently making the seeds.


Rafa,
Thank you for showing Iris serotina in its native environment. It seems there is some variation in color and size of the flowers when compared with my (single) flower.
Is this species the only one of the genus which flowers towards autumn?

Gerd
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Paul T on July 25, 2009, 12:44:06 PM
Pat,

Heck of a clump of planifolia.  Beautiful!!
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Otto Fauser on July 25, 2009, 01:38:59 PM
Pat , what an extra ordinary clump of I. planifolia - Congratulations  - it never does it in my
 garden . Your climate favours the Junos and Oncos much more than my hillstation climate .
   but I shall persevere- they are so outstandingly beautyful , but so is the very easy
 Iris unquicularis ssp. cretensis , glorious at the moment , and flowering particularly freely
 after our long ,hot summer .
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Rafa on July 25, 2009, 10:39:43 PM
I think so Gerd, in northern hemisphere.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Hans A. on July 25, 2009, 11:29:46 PM
@Gerd, I am really impressed  :o- I sow this species the same year (thanks to RDD   :D) but most seedlings germinated this year and I have some doubts the few which germited 2008 will flower next year ::)

@Pat - Congratulation! wonderful clump of Iris planifolia. :D
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on July 25, 2009, 11:34:44 PM
Pat, I didn't know iris planifolia was a July flowering species   ;D :D ;)
very nice clump, the biggest one I've ever seen !

rafa, thank's for your wild pics ! very very interesting species
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Rafa on July 26, 2009, 12:07:49 AM
Well, so many good results are make me think in collect again this year  ;)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on July 26, 2009, 06:46:47 AM
Excellent idea rafa  ;D ;D ;)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on July 26, 2009, 10:42:12 PM
The seeds you send to me Rafa, also germinated very well, just about every one I think. They'll be another year or two but are looking very good now, in late (I say hopefully) winter. They haven't died down following germination at all.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Joakim B on July 27, 2009, 01:08:04 PM
General question of when is a good time to split iris?
I am thinking of both bearded and the orientalis hybrids.
I am hoping that the answer is that it is possible now with 3 more month of temps above 15C.
They are dying down a little but might be growth of the rhizome.
I had to dig up one and it had good roots so they seem to be "active now" in a Mediterranean climate.

If it is possible now but not a good Idea then I would be happy to know when is a better time.

Kind regards
Joakim
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Regelian on July 27, 2009, 01:19:36 PM
Joakim,

now is when I start replanting and dividing my beardeds and arils, as they are going dormant.  Water iris, siberians and company I divide in the Spring or the Autumn, as this seems to be more fo a dormant period.  Other Iris I've not grown to the point where they need to be divided! :-X :'(
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Joakim B on July 28, 2009, 06:15:57 PM
Thanks Jamie
I will see if I can split some of the plants now.
Kind regards
Joakim

PS does anyone want seeds of the orientalis shown earlier than just let me know. Growing very well and is around 1.5 m.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: arillady on July 28, 2009, 11:55:55 PM
Joakim,
I. orientalis does well here so I would like some seed.
I will send my postal details separately.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Oron Peri on July 29, 2009, 08:46:39 PM
Rafa
I. serotina is really an exception, blooming so late after leaves are completely dry.
Beautiful photos of it in its native habitat.
As for Lesley,mine also had 100% and easy germination and was the last species to enter dormancy.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Rafa on July 31, 2009, 12:10:52 PM
fantástic, Oron
It is an species very interesting for dry and warm places, due its particular adaptations.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: arillady on July 31, 2009, 11:39:55 PM
Rafa the seeds that you sent me have also germinated well and are just about to be planted out - most of them - some will be kept in a pot as a safe guard.Thanks so much.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on September 17, 2009, 05:39:39 AM
Will someone please name this iris for me. I was given it some years ago as I. unguicularis 'Starker's Pink' which of course it isn't. The flower (the first in all that time) is very deep purple (more so than in the picture) and well marked, short stemmed, and the foliage is tough and grassy, widish grass.

[attachthumb=1]
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on September 17, 2009, 06:47:06 AM
Seems to be I. unguicularis .
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Ragged Robin on September 17, 2009, 05:25:09 PM
It looks very like one that flowered for me in the UK winter - is it scented Lesley?
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on September 17, 2009, 09:16:15 PM
It's definitely unguicularis - as, of course, is 'Starker's Pink' - but I thought this may be cretensis? I don't know if it's scented Robin. There's a very strong (gale-force) wind at present which blows any scent away and my knees are too sore right now to get down to ground level anyway. Arthritis is a b....r.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: arillady on September 17, 2009, 11:56:50 PM
Iris subbiflora x Iris revoluta ex SIGNA 03B018
Iris suaveolens BIS 26 violet & yellow UD Germany
And for Lesley
Iris unguicularis cretensis
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on September 18, 2009, 01:51:51 AM
Well that's not very like mine Pat. My stem is more procumbent and much shorter though the foliage is very simliar. It's also difficult if not impossible to pull off the dead leaves. What about I. u. var cretica then?
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: fermi de Sousa on September 21, 2009, 08:42:17 AM
This was raised from seed from the AGS Seedex 2007 as "Iris species ex Turkey"; sown 24/04/07; first seedling 8/07/07.
[attachthumb=1][attachthumb=2]

I'm not sure if it was wild collected? Would Diane still have information on it?
cheers
fermi
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: arillady on September 21, 2009, 09:27:24 AM
Lesley I must admit I do not know the differences between all the unguicularis. My plant may be wrongly labelled anyway.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Diane Clement on September 21, 2009, 01:31:16 PM
This was raised from seed from the AGS Seedex 2007 as "Iris species ex Turkey"; sown 24/04/07; first seedling 8/07/07.
(Attachment Link) (Attachment Link)
I'm not sure if it was wild collected? Would Diane still have information on it?   

I might, I'll check when I get home (I'm at work now).  Do you have the number, Fermi?
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: fermi de Sousa on September 22, 2009, 12:14:48 AM
This was raised from seed from the AGS Seedex 2007 as "Iris species ex Turkey"; sown 24/04/07; first seedling 8/07/07.
I'm not sure if it was wild collected? Would Diane still have information on it?   

I might, I'll check when I get home (I'm at work now).  Do you have the number, Fermi?
Hi Diane,
I'm now at work and didn't think to check last night. I don't usually record the number but I may still have it on the copy of the original request....now where would that be ???
I'll check tonight! Thanks again.
cheers
fermi
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Ray Mills on September 30, 2009, 11:50:25 AM
Hi Lesley, your iris could be I lazica, it has a flower like that of unguicularis on a short stem. The foliage is short and wide(ish). Here's a pic again the flower is more purple than the shade in the photo...
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Tony Willis on September 30, 2009, 04:26:06 PM
I think it is clearly Iris unguicularis. This occurs across a huge area of Mediterranean Turkey and is very variable in size and colour. Cretensis is barely distinguishable apart from size.

I. lazica has much broader leaves but almost identical flowers
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on September 30, 2009, 08:42:52 PM
Dunno Ray. The foliage is quite narrow really, certainly narrower than on my "normal" unguicularis and the flower tends to be flattish and the stem set at a wide angle rather than upright but I had a letter from the donor yesterday and when I reply I'll send him a pic and see what he thinks.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Tecophilaea King on October 13, 2009, 12:04:15 PM
Hi Folks,
I have a very small, charming little Iris sp.flowering at the moment, a real beauty.
Unfortunately no name (prezzie from friends) and Leslie suggested to put it on the Iris page.
Both Paul and Leslie suggested either I.cristata or I.lagustris.
Would love to have it identified please?  by the real Iris experts.
Look forward to the next post.
Thanks,  Bill
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Tecophilaea King on October 13, 2009, 12:25:14 PM
Another small Iris flowering in the nursery is the delightfull Iris kamaoenensis, hope I spelled the name right?
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on October 13, 2009, 02:38:52 PM
Bill,
the main difference between I. cristata and I. lacustris is the very short perianthe tube for I. lacustris ( less than 0.5 cm  instead of 3-8 cm for I. cristata ), which is also a very small plant
hope it will help you  :)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: fermi de Sousa on October 14, 2009, 08:20:36 AM
Iris halophila is coming into bloom again,
[attachthumb=1]

As is PCI "Big Money"
[attachthumb=2][attachthumb=3]

Dutch Iris "Bronze Queen"
[attachthumb=4]

cheers
fermi
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Paul T on October 14, 2009, 09:19:29 AM
Fermi,

The Iris halophila looks fascinating.  In that picture it almost looks somewhere between sibirica and ochroleuca?  I'm assuming somewhere in the spuria line, but it looks like it might not be that tall?  I love the shape of the flowers. 8)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Ragged Robin on October 14, 2009, 10:31:21 AM
Another small Iris flowering in the nursery is the delightfull Iris kamaoenensis, hope I spelled the name right?

What a fabulous colour, Bill, short and very sweet  :)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: fermi de Sousa on October 15, 2009, 02:14:20 AM
Fermi,

The Iris halophila looks fascinating.  In that picture it almost looks somewhere between sibirica and ochroleuca?  I'm assuming somewhere in the spuria line, but it looks like it might not be that tall?  I love the shape of the flowers. 8)

Hi Paul,
Last year was the first time the whole clump flowered well and produced these early flowers on shortish (~ 30cm) stems and a few weeks later threw up taller (~45cm) stems! No, it is not 2 separate plants as I only planted a single one (albeit labelled I. albertii!). It is also known as Iris spruria ssp halophila.
cheers
fermi
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Paul T on October 15, 2009, 03:12:45 AM
Fermi,

Ah, so I wasn't imagining the spuria appearance.  Very nice, particularly with that shorter stature.  The only problem with the spurias is they can be a bit large and aggressive, whereas yours is much more diminutive and perhaps better behaved spreading-wise?
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: arillady on October 15, 2009, 12:18:16 PM
Yes Paul there are a few smaller spurias that are not thugs.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Paul T on October 15, 2009, 12:29:41 PM
Pat,

I've not come across them before.  What are they like?
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: arillady on October 15, 2009, 12:32:14 PM
I have a few clumps which I would have to check the species in the morning as they are part of the scenery nowadays. The ones I have are about a foot to 18" high. Tough as nails too.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Paul T on October 15, 2009, 10:27:30 PM
Pat,

That's what I love about the spurias, although they do seem to prefer a bit of water don't they?  I know they'll grow happily in bog conditions, but have had them growing in quite dry normal garden conditions as well.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on October 15, 2009, 11:31:44 PM
Are any thugs Pat? I haven't found that though I haven't had well established clumps for long at a time. Paul they like some water while actively growing, before blooming but they will also take extreme drought when established. The roots can grow very long and some have been recorded at over 20 ft deep. Iris lactea (not a spuria) has been recorded at 30 ft, the roots still present when wells were sunk to that depth.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Paul T on October 16, 2009, 01:12:55 AM
Lesley,

Some of them can spread pretty healthily.  I had 6 of them at my old place, and I am hoping that I have pieces of them in pots here. I tried to dig bits from what was each clump when my sister sold her place a few years ago, but they had all well and truly grown together so I don't know whether I was successful.  My favourite that I had was Mahogany Lord, which was a wonderful chocolate mahogany colour with yellow signals.  It ended up at least 2m wide as it spread so well.  I am hoping that at least one of the ones in my pots is that one, as it was the one I really wanted to keep.  I must find somewhere to plant them, but the space is the problem. ::)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on October 16, 2009, 06:28:18 AM
I guess that explains it, you're talking tall hybrids whereas I have mostly only species, and shorter ones at that.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Paul T on October 16, 2009, 06:31:58 AM
Lesley,

My experiences with species were ochroleuca and crocea (I think?), both of which were as tall as the hybrids.  That's why I didn't realise there were shorter ones.  I'll definitely have to try to source some, as I love the spurias but am concerned about the space (which is why I still have them in pots). ::)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on October 16, 2009, 06:55:01 AM
Try some of these Paul, most available from SRGC and AGS seed lists if you can't souce the plants, and they germinate well. Graminea (scented of greengages, yum yum), sintenisii, kerneriana, maritima, musulmanica, carthaliniae and Fermi's halophila. Some of these are listed in Mathew as subspecies of spuria itself but all are distinct and shorter plants, very beautiful and in a variety of colours and forms. Kerneriana is a butter yellow and has twisted, spidery petals, one of my favourites. Brandzae is listed by Mathew as a ssp of sintenisii and says it doesn't seem worth cultivating, though he hadn't seen living material. My mother grew this many years ago and it was about 40cms high and extraordinarily slim, with fine, elegant flowers in violet and blue. I though it was very beautiful and I'm hoping the plant I currently have as brandzae, turns out to be the same, when it flowers.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Paul T on October 16, 2009, 09:21:41 AM
Thanks Lesley,

I currently have graminea coming along from seed (but to be honest didn't realise it was a spuria), and have grown sintensii in the past (also didn't know it was a spuria).  I had quite a few species some years ago, but lost over time as so often happens.  ::)  The sintensii was a rather nice little plant from memory.  I might have to see about finding some of these again.  Thanks for the info. 8)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on October 17, 2009, 07:57:34 PM
If memory serves me right, in the past both sintenisii and graminea have been listed as in no group especially, but on their own. However Mathew (The Iris) lists both as spurias. Who am I to argue? :)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: arillady on October 17, 2009, 11:35:23 PM
I. graminea is one that I have tried a few times and have not got past seedling stage. I. sintenisii needs a cool root run too.
As Paul has said some of the taller ones can grow very wide in thick clumps - losing the centre as they circle out.
I think of ochroleuca as a medium size Paul - well the ones I grow here are. I. crocea is very tall. I like the SIGNA and BIS lists as they have them listed in order of size usually. Paul I will send you some of my smaller ones when I check the best time to dig and post.
There was a publication The Illustrated Checklist of Spuria Irises compiled by Robert Pries for the Spuria Society a Section of the American Iris Society 2005. NOt sure if it is still available through Robert. I could check. Photos throughout but a heavy ringbound publication. US A4 size. Mahogany Lord is a 1993 Blyth creation. The best source for spurias (named) in Australia I think is Coleen at Impressive Irises - but they are trying to sell the business as they are moving.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: arilnut on October 18, 2009, 12:12:24 AM
Hello. I have checked and the Spuria checklist is not available at all.

John
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on October 23, 2009, 05:31:52 PM
Just a note to suggest that you might enjoy seeing this page:
http://www.srgc.org.uk/smf/index.php?topic=4382.msg116659#msg116659
.... to see some wonderful scenery and flowers in  the grasslands of Brasil. 8)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Tecophilaea King on November 02, 2009, 08:36:48 AM
Hi Folks, I mentioned before, that I am really getting interested in the Irises, but hate when people give/swap me bulbs or rhizomes with no names.
Could someone please identify these irises? Thanks, Bill
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Paul T on November 02, 2009, 10:47:25 AM
Bill,

They both look like they could be forms of foetidissima I think.  Are they both evergreen, shiny green leaves, grow in either shade or sun?  I have one that is I think a blend of the two, although closer to the yellow than the mauve in colour, which is why I am thinking they may both be forms.  The first one I'm more confident with than the second one, as the second one seems to have thinner leaves.  I quite like the colour of both of them.  Very nice.

Anyway, there be experts here who will be far more confident in ID than me.  8)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on November 02, 2009, 07:13:51 PM
Yes, both forms of I. foetidissima. The seeds are highly poisonour so keep children away from them. The poisons centre in Dunedin say they have more enquiries about this plant than any other.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Paul T on November 03, 2009, 11:17:20 AM
Howdy All,

A couple of the Iris laevigata that I have in flower at the moment.  They are 'Rose Queen' and 'Elegantissima', which as you can see has the most brilliantly variegated leaves.  They contrast beautifully with the dark blue flowers, and you get the wonderful foliage all through summer as well.  8)

Please click on the pic for a larger version.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on November 03, 2009, 12:40:18 PM
Very good looking flowers Paul !! Really smashing !  :o
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Ragged Robin on November 03, 2009, 03:45:12 PM
I agree with Luc - Rose Queen is a gorgeous colour but the variegated leaves are very striking too
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Paul T on November 03, 2009, 10:09:46 PM
And unlike some of the variegated iris that have the leaves going green over summer, this one keeps it's variegation all season, so even after flowering it stays a feature.  8)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: fermi de Sousa on November 10, 2009, 07:39:40 AM
The Iris halophila looks fascinating.  In that picture it almost looks somewhere between sibirica and ochroleuca?  I'm assuming somewhere in the spuria line, but it looks like it might not be that tall?  I love the shape of the flowers. 8)
Hi Paul,
Last year was the first time the whole clump flowered well and produced these early flowers on shortish (~ 30cm) stems and a few weeks later threw up taller (~45cm) stems! No, it is not 2 separate plants as I only planted a single one.
cheers
fermi
The second crop of flowers started a few days ago and you can see in the pic that they stand at almost twice the height of the earlier flowers. Does anyone know if this is usual for this species?
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cheers
fermi
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Paul T on November 10, 2009, 08:28:24 AM
Cool, Fermi.  Two for the price of one.  ;D  I like it even more!!  8)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on November 10, 2009, 07:16:37 PM
I haven't seen a reference to flowering in that two-tiered way, but a great thing to happen.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: fermi de Sousa on November 11, 2009, 04:38:23 AM
More Spuria iris ( taller hybrids) in flower:
"Golden Lady" and "Intensity"
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cheers
fermi
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Paul T on November 11, 2009, 10:52:24 AM
Fermi,

I love em both!!  The colour of 'Intensity' is so unusual.  Very nice!!
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on November 11, 2009, 09:16:51 PM
Am I right in saying that in the UK we don't see many Spuria cultivars for sale?
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: fermi de Sousa on November 12, 2009, 12:06:00 AM
Am I right in saying that in the UK we don't see many Spuria cultivars for sale?
Would you like to try some from seed, David?
cheers
fermi
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on November 12, 2009, 09:54:09 AM
I most certainly would Fermi, thanks very much indeed.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: fermi de Sousa on November 13, 2009, 03:02:28 AM
Hi David,
I'll save some from this year's flowers for you.
Another Spuria just coming into bloom is "Barleycorn"
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And this Siberian is called "Sapphire Rose"
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the first Louisiana, "Black Gamecock"
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cheers
fermi

Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on November 13, 2009, 04:40:20 AM
Scrumptious, Fermi
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Paul T on November 13, 2009, 06:56:48 AM
Wow, Fermi.  Those are wide falls on 'Barleycorn'.  Great colours to it, too.  The colours and shapes have advanced since I last bought Spuria a number of years ago.  That one is just so different.  Thanks for showing us.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: arillady on November 13, 2009, 10:19:06 PM
Fermi,
Iris halophila - is it seen grown? If so it might be two forms from two sources combined to get the two tier effect.
Off to NZ on Monday - well to Sydney for two nights - then to Queenstown. Back on the 29th.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Paul T on November 14, 2009, 03:41:28 AM
Enjoy your trip, Pat.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: arillady on November 14, 2009, 06:09:53 AM
I certainly will Paul!!! :D :D
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Paul T on November 14, 2009, 06:43:32 AM
I'm jealous.  I'd love to go back to NZ again.  I visited there in my teens (I can't believe that it was more than 20 years ago!!  :o  Where has the time gone.  ::)).  NZ is a wonderful mix of so many climates from the lgaciers to the beach.  I would so very much like to see it again. :'(
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on November 14, 2009, 09:34:18 PM
Any time Paul. :)
Are you going to the NZIS Convention Pat? Or maybe that's over. In Central Otago I think this year. My own talls aren't out yet, not even one.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Paul T on November 15, 2009, 12:46:17 AM
And given that Adelaide is forecast 40'C today, I'm sure that a holiday away will be a blessed relief.  I think they've had 8 straight days now over 35'C, a new record.  And here the 33'C+ for most of the last week has been bad enough (35 forecast today and 36 tomorrow)..... up to 40'C at this time of year is just ridiculous!!  It's still only spring!!  :o :o :o
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: arillady on November 15, 2009, 04:00:39 AM
Lesley I am the keynote speaker on arils at the NZ Convention - hence the trip.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Paul T on November 15, 2009, 04:07:36 AM
Pat,

I was thinking you had left today, but checked and realise it is tomorrow.  I thought you were missing today's temps down there. ::)  At least Sydney won't be as hot, and neither should anywhere in NZ.  ;D
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on November 15, 2009, 09:03:44 PM
Dunedin is forecast to have 13C today Paul, just 11 yesterday, and snow to low levels in the south. That could include the mountains round Queenstown. I see Canberra is to have 36 today.

Pat, if you get to have a last glance at the Forum before you leave, do mention it, and especially the iris pages and the wonderful onco topic. I'd bet a good bit that those at the Convention will never have seen the like before. You'll be talking with Gwenda. Please give her my love. I have a letter half written to her.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Oron Peri on November 19, 2009, 07:13:46 PM
The first autumnal Iris in bloom: Iris vartanii,
Luckily i have found that growing it in shallow pots it produces new bulblis each year, otherwise i need to hand pollinate it which is a back breaking job...
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on November 19, 2009, 08:20:51 PM
Beautiful potful Oron !!


"Luckily i have found that growing it in shallow pots it produces new bulblis each year"

I would never have expected this type of Iris to thrive in a shallow pot  ??? ???  I would have thought they were expected to be planted quite deep ?
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on November 19, 2009, 08:32:53 PM
It is too. Don't be too worried about having too many bulbils Oron............. ;D
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Hans A. on November 20, 2009, 09:35:11 AM
Wonderful plants, Oron!
Did not expect them so early.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Miriam on November 20, 2009, 04:26:47 PM
Wonderful Oron!
I hope I could see it soon from a closer look  ;)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: art600 on November 20, 2009, 04:32:20 PM
Oron

Beautiful - but I understand it would be difficult for us to grow in the UK  :(
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Ragged Robin on November 20, 2009, 04:32:58 PM
me too  ;)

Your iris is such a delicate shade - it almost looks pale lavender grey - I love the markings on the falls, Oron
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on November 20, 2009, 04:46:39 PM
Oron

Beautiful - but I understand it would be difficult for us to grow in the UK  :(

It would outside Arthur but some good examples have been shown on the Forum under glass. Alex showed a particularly nice one.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: art600 on November 20, 2009, 05:09:11 PM
Oron

Beautiful - but I understand it would be difficult for us to grow in the UK  :(

It would outside Arthur but some good examples have been shown on the Forum under glass. Alex showed a particularly nice one.

But I still recall others saying it was difficult - Alex grows some wonderful plants very well.  Would like to believe it is otherwise as I rate this type of Iris among my favourites and would love to grow it.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Oron Peri on November 21, 2009, 09:27:11 AM
Oron

Beautiful - but I understand it would be difficult for us to grow in the UK  :(
Thank you fox,

Arthur,
I. vartanii is a low altitude species, growing not far from the Mediterranean sea.
I don't think it is hardy enough for the UK and surly needs many sunny days.
Brian Mathew told me he was growing it for quite a long period of time so  it is probably possible if grown under glass in some areas, but good ventilation is essential.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on November 21, 2009, 09:52:24 PM
Here is Iris kamaonensis which came out yesterday. It is quite different from Bill's (page 72) and this is true colour. The falls are strongly recurved underneath but I though it worth straightening one out to see the different colouring and marking. So strongly recurved than in being straightened, the blade has creased. I think it is very beautiful and the tawny edges, and beard enhance the otherwise purple and white mottling. I've carefully hand pollinated and am not without hope as I get a little seed on I. hookeriana from my single clone. (Well, I have 6 now but the last 5 are seedlings from the original one.)

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Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Regelian on November 21, 2009, 10:03:07 PM
Wonderful!  I hope the pods take.  This one has been on my wish list for a few years.  You don't happen to have access to onco or regelia pollen, do you?  A cross could be most interesting.

jamie
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: daveyp1970 on November 21, 2009, 10:03:53 PM
Lesley that is stunning am i right in saying its bearded,thats one for my hit list.
just had a look for it and found this Regelian http://www.thebotanicalnursery.com/Iris_kamaoensis.htm
im not sure if this is the same plant or another iris
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on November 21, 2009, 11:52:00 PM
No pics available yet in the nursery link. (Great dogs though :D)
I was hoping my I. hookeriana would flower at the same time but though there's a bud starting, it's probably 2 weeks away. It is stemless whereas the one above has a short stem of about 4 cms with something else above it then the incipient capsule then a long flower tube, again about 4 or 5 cms.
I'll put the hookeriana pic below, for comparison. This from a couple of years ago. It didn't flower last year.

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Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on November 22, 2009, 12:01:04 AM
Yes Davey, the kamaonensis is bearded but not of the section of "bearded irises" as we generally know them, Section Iris. These have no aril or fleshy bit on the seeds unlike the other bearded species in Sections Oncocyclus, Regelia, Psammiris. These two above are in section Pseudoregelia and if your nursery link is still listing it, I'd definitely be ordering some if I were you.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Paul T on November 22, 2009, 11:47:40 AM
The first autumnal Iris in bloom: Iris vartanii,
Luckily i have found that growing it in shallow pots it produces new bulblis each year, otherwise i need to hand pollinate it which is a back breaking job...

Oron,

Any chance of a little bit of back breaking one of these years?  It is on our quarantine list so SOMEONE here in Aus must have it, but I haven't ever seen it available.  I am thinking that seed would be the only possibility, as we of course can't receive anything other than seed into the country.  I am not meaning necessarily this year, even next year would be wonderful.  It look to be a real beauty.  8)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: David Nicholson on November 22, 2009, 05:00:33 PM
Lovely Iris kamaonensis Lesly. It seems Brain Mathew wasn't that successful with seed production "....cross pollination between different clones seems to be essential....."
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on November 22, 2009, 08:45:30 PM
Yes David, I noted (with a sinking feeling in my tummy) BM's comment and what he hasn't been able to do, it's not likely that I can. On the other hand, my climate may suit a little better. I did get seed from the closely related hookeriana, a single clone. I didn't pollinate that so assume bees or others did the trick for me. :) I may be able to get another from Louise but only worth doing if they're raised from seed in the first place.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: fermi de Sousa on November 22, 2009, 11:35:58 PM
The first autumnal Iris in bloom: Iris vartanii,
Luckily i have found that growing it in shallow pots it produces new bulblis each year, otherwise i need to hand pollinate it which is a back breaking job...
Truly lovely, Oron!
And I'll second Paul T's request! I can offer you a free Physio consultation it you get a back ache as a result ;D
cheers
fermi
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on November 22, 2009, 11:54:03 PM
The first autumnal Iris in bloom: Iris vartanii,
Luckily i have found that growing it in shallow pots it produces new bulblis each year, otherwise i need to hand pollinate it which is a back breaking job...
Truly lovely, Oron!
And I'll second Paul T's request! I can offer you a free Physio consultation it you get a back ache as a result ;D
cheers
fermi
That's an offer you surely can't refuse, Oron... fermi has MAGIC hands.... if only I had him here now for my shoulder..... :'(
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: BULBISSIME on November 24, 2009, 08:19:28 PM
Beautifull plant Lesley !
Never seen it flowering ! I hope you'll get seeds but seems to be very hard with only one clone  :'(
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: arillady on December 08, 2009, 08:46:37 AM
Just catching up on some of the posts.
What lovely irises shown by Oron and Lesley -  uhm the Iris vartanii is not offered as seed very often which is a pity. I have never seen it before.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Oron Peri on December 08, 2009, 12:54:42 PM
The first autumnal Iris in bloom: Iris vartanii,
Luckily i have found that growing it in shallow pots it produces new bulblis each year, otherwise i need to hand pollinate it which is a back breaking job...
Truly lovely, Oron!
And I'll second Paul T's request! I can offer you a free Physio consultation it you get a back ache as a result ;D
cheers
fermi
That's an offer you surely can't refuse, Oron... fermi has MAGIC hands.... if only I had him here now for my shoulder..... :'(

oops, sorry i have noticed your message only now,

Fermi, Maggi,

It is an excellent offer, but I'll have to refuse it politely since it is going to cost me something like 2000$ + 24 hours flight....I prefer staying with my back as it is, thank you anyway ;)
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Janis Ruksans on December 08, 2009, 03:06:23 PM
The first autumnal Iris in bloom: Iris vartanii,
Luckily i have found that growing it in shallow pots it produces new bulblis each year, otherwise i need to hand pollinate it which is a back breaking job...
Superb vartanii, Oron. I'm growing it for many years but still never saw flowers. I'm planting it in deep pots, but it allways forms leaves before winter starts and leaves regardless of covering allways are damaged. At least now I know how it looks.
Janis
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Lesley Cox on December 08, 2009, 07:54:50 PM
Two things about the Iris kamaonensis I showed a couple of weeks ago. My pollinating has been fruitless - literally - as the stem is now browning off with no pod formed and I said it was probably from Halda seed. In fact it originated with Margaret and Henry Taylor, some years ago. Seed or a plant? I'm not sure.
Title: Re: Iris and some Irids 2009
Post by: Maggi Young on April 08, 2011, 02:45:51 PM
merge
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