Iris, non-bearded, 2015

[Carolyn]

Around here I only transplant PCI when white active roots are growing. In our region that can be late autumn into the spring.
Robert, that is exactly what Brian Young said in his talk to our group - as the white roots are starting active growth - that tends to be around April in Scotland.

[Robert]

Carolyn,

Two autumn rain storms have rolled through and the temperatures have cooled considerably. I have a bed that I do not water at all during the summer planted with Iris hartwegii, Sisyrinchium bellum, and many other xeric species. The Iris and Sisyrinchium die to the ground every year. The rain and cooler temperatures have already brought new growth to the Sisyrinchium. I am still waiting for the Iris to break into new growth. It is still early. Generally I see new growth by early November. This is my signal that I can start dividing the PCI.

In other beds where I irrigate a little bit Iris hartwegii and I. macrosiphon stay evergreen, even when "dormant" during the summer. The irrigation seems to help them along as they clump-out faster and I see flowers sooner.

[Carolyn]

Amazing that PCIs manage to adapt and flourish in our différent climates! Here, sisyrinchiums grow on all summer.

[Robert]

Carolyn,

I will definitely share some photographs of the PCI Iris and Sisyrinchium this coming spring. I have some South American Sisyrinchiums too, however I have yet to try any in the summer dry areas. I am not sure they would survive.

[Jupiter]

Your American Sisyrinchium reminds me of our Orthrosanthus, which I believe is represented in South Africa as well.

Here's another of the Pacific coast hybrids I've been given.

[Robert]

Jamus,

Beautiful PCI!

There are not many that I do not like. The flowers may be ephemeral, but for me PCI are well worth growing.

By the way, the previous PCI may indeed be Iris innominata. Glossy foliage and somewhat ruffled flowers are good signs. If the Iris grows about 20 cm tall and has generally 2 flowers per stem, these would be good indications too.

Sisyrinchium bellum is our xeric Sisyrinchium species. The others are hydric for the most part. I will have to look up Orthrosanthus.

[David Nicholson]

About a week earlier than last year, Iris unguicularis. The clump didn't get it's annual hair-cut and tidy up this year so is looking pretty ragged. (much like it's owner really)

[johnralphcarpenter]

Already!

[David Nicholson]

It's been early for the last couple of years.

[fermi de Sousa]

Variegated Iris laevigata growing in a water-pot,
cheers
fermi

[David Nicholson]

It's been early for the last couple of years.

Another one, just to show the first one wasn't a fluke.

[Maggi Young]

Irisarians will be aware of the recent death of Tony Huber- who was much involved in growing iris  particularly the beardless iris.

 Brita Carson who is writing his obituary  has asked for help  in finding  lists of his  introductions and notes or photos of his plants that you may be growing.  If you can help, please contact Brita via britacarsonATbtinternet.com  ( - replacing the AT with @  )

[zeblouz]

Tony Huber was much involved with beardless irises. His species and species hybrids registrations and introductions can be seen on the American Iris Society Iris Encyclopedia in the 'hybridizers' pages.
http://wiki.irises.org/bin/view/Main/Bio/HybridizerHuberTony

Lawrence Ransom

[Maggi Young]

Excellent information, Lawrence, thank you! 

[fermi de Sousa]

Spuria iris have started in our garden:
Golden Lady
Clara Ellen
Intensity
possibly Buttered Chocolate
Fergie's Poetry
cheers
fermi