Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum

Specific Families and Genera => Iris => Topic started by: Oron Peri on January 26, 2015, 02:04:45 PM

Title: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Oron Peri on January 26, 2015, 02:04:45 PM
First Onco for  this  season, I. atropurpurea.
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: BULBISSIME on January 26, 2015, 02:28:42 PM
Season is starting  ;D
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Maggi Young on January 26, 2015, 02:42:44 PM
The season for all the iris types seem to be starting with a bang this year - straight in with quality!
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Lesley Cox on January 26, 2015, 06:26:59 PM
Be still, my beating heart. ;D
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Hans A. on January 27, 2015, 01:08:44 PM
 :o - Great plants, Oron! Here still a few days to wait.
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on January 27, 2015, 03:12:06 PM
First Onco for  this  season, I. atropurpurea.

Black magic !!  :o :o
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Tom Waters on February 02, 2015, 07:37:36 PM
Wonderful!
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Oron Peri on February 17, 2015, 02:23:09 PM
Iris assadiana and Iris mariae are starting
and a super rapid I. atropurpurea flowering in its third season from seeds.
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Hans A. on February 17, 2015, 02:35:51 PM
Fabulous Oron!!!
First Iris atropurpurea started to flower here, Iris mariae is in buds if it should stop to rain anytime I will take pics.
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Oron Peri on February 17, 2015, 02:51:12 PM
Thanks Hans,

Weather down here  is really crazy this year, a real European winter. We are expecting snow again this weekend
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Luc Gilgemyn on February 17, 2015, 03:07:10 PM
Iris assadiana and Iris mariae are starting
and a super rapid I. atropurpurea flowering in its third season from seeds.

Fantastic plants, Oron.... as usual..  :-\
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: BULBISSIME on February 17, 2015, 04:04:43 PM
Great plants oron ! Your Iris assadiana looks strange.. could you check it's origin ?
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Oron Peri on February 18, 2015, 12:06:13 PM
Great plants oron ! Your Iris assadiana looks strange.. could you check it's origin ?


This is the origin:

Syria: N of Palmyra; Jabel al Mara
              ARGI 02-145h


Should be ok for this species,
probably another clone. [which reminds me... ::)]

Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Oron Peri on February 19, 2015, 08:49:00 AM
Many thanks Luc.

Here is one of the endless color forms of Iris hieruchamensis,
and after being hand pollinated.

Iris atropurpurea develops its seed pods rapidly. 
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: BULBISSIME on February 20, 2015, 09:10:17 AM
Oron, I love your protection agains wild pollinators :-)
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Oron Peri on February 20, 2015, 10:58:14 AM
Actually i got the idea from Miriam, it is really useful also to cover seed pods of other species,
any size of seeds remain inside.
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Hans A. on February 20, 2015, 11:02:53 AM
Yes, great idea - the other way is to remove the falls - but you have to protect the flower alrady before. It does not look better... ;)
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Oron Peri on February 21, 2015, 06:30:02 AM
The advantage of these organza bags is that they come in all sizes. I put it on the bud a day or two before they open, they have enough space in it, than i take it of, pollinate the flowers and cover it again.

The biggest advantage is that i can enjoy the flowers with their falls... ;)
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Hans A. on February 21, 2015, 09:23:03 AM
 ;D - as here only one species is flowering no protection is necessary.
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: BULBISSIME on February 21, 2015, 12:50:31 PM
Very nice form Hans !
here Iris paradoxa is blooming, and some other species will follow soon.
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Hans A. on March 01, 2015, 01:13:40 PM
Wow Fred! Superb! And very early!
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Oron Peri on March 06, 2015, 03:18:40 PM
Two of the beauties flowering today:

I. schelkownikowii starts blooming, it is only 10cm tall and grows surprisingly well here,
 and first I. nigricans for the season.
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Miriam on March 17, 2015, 01:10:59 PM
Iris damascena has started to flower in my garden

Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: krisderaeymaeker on March 17, 2015, 06:21:49 PM
Two of the beauties flowering today:
I. schelkownikowii starts blooming, it is only 10cm tall and grows surprisingly well here,
 and first I. nigricans for the season.

I like that I. schelkownikowii Oron  , so short  and compact ! Great to see them like that.
And the colour of nigricans is offcourse outstanding.   
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: krisderaeymaeker on March 17, 2015, 06:23:39 PM
Iris damascena has started to flower in my garden

Very nice Miriam , we only could wish they grow the same way here ....
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Jupiter on March 17, 2015, 07:17:49 PM
Absolutely beautiful flowers guys and girls. Miriam your Iris damascena is superb. Fred, I love your I. paradoxa, what a brilliant display!

I'm gathering information about the oncocyclus group in a database for my own reference and not surprisingly I'm having trouble with the nomenclature. They seem to have been shuffled around a lot. My copy of A Guide to the Species Iris lists Iris schelkownikowii  under "other species" and doesn't give much information. It says it's close to acutiloba, but looking at your photographs you'd never pick it! The database of species on the SIGNA doesn't list it at all. Can anyone recommend any books or other references which cover the oncocyclus in more detail? My friend Peter Gras tells me that this forum is more informative than any book in existence and I suspect he might be right! No harm in asking though...

Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Maggi Young on March 18, 2015, 10:26:51 AM
I know diddly squat about iris books, I'm afraid , so I'm no help to you - though there will be others in the forum who can make good suggestions, I'm sure -  but just thinking about this put me in mind of the book that I think  is soon to be released by the AGS - about Meditterranean plants - by Oron Peri- bound to be quite a bit about oncos in there, I should think?  Oron will, I hope, be able to tell us more......? :)
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Jupiter on March 18, 2015, 02:40:36 PM
Thanks Maggi, if it's true that a book on Mediterranean plants is being written I'll definitely add it to my Xmas wish list! That would be a very useful reference for us Adelaideans.
Otto cleared me up about I. schelkownikowii in our private correspondence.

For some reason I thought "diddly squat" was Australian slang! I don't know why I thought that. I reckon it'd sound better with a Scottish accent than an Aussie one.  :D
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Maggi Young on March 18, 2015, 04:35:28 PM
The book which I think will be called  Bulbs of The Eastern Mediterranean (or of the Levant?) was due to be published last year  - I am sure I've seen comment somewhere from Oron about him seeing the draft cover but I can't remember where.

 I hope Oron will see this soon and give us an update !
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Jupiter on March 18, 2015, 08:51:48 PM

Sounds terrific Maggi, I await that with bated breath. By the way I don't recommend A Guide to the Species Iris. It's disappointing and I feel slightly ripped off. I'm working my way through it so I'll reserve my final judgement until I've persued it more thoroughly.
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: arilnut on March 18, 2015, 09:41:01 PM
There is  - The Genus Iris by W. R. Dikes -  The Iris by Brian Mathew, my Bible  -  Iris by Fritz Kohlein.

Have fun.

John B
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Jupiter on March 18, 2015, 10:25:34 PM

Thank you John.

Here are some pictures of my babies. Don't expect flowers posted by me for a couple of years, although Peter G. tells me one year is possible.

Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Oron Peri on March 19, 2015, 04:26:34 PM
The book which I think will be called  Bulbs of The Eastern Mediterranean (or of the Levant?) was due to be published last year  - I am sure I've seen comment somewhere from Oron about him seeing the draft cover but I can't remember where.

 I hope Oron will see this soon and give us an update !

Sorry for my late answer, just got back from Canada.

Yes Maggi the book is entitled 'Bulbs of the Eastern Mediterranean' and after several delays, it is being edited now by the AGS.
Should be out this summer.
The book covers 415 species from the eastern Mediterranean including many Iris species.
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Maggi Young on March 19, 2015, 05:04:59 PM
Hardly a "late " answer  within 24 hrs, Oron!!  Hope you had a good trip to Canada - lucky you were not snowed in for a few months - we've been seeing some wild snow from the east. :o

There will be lots of us looking out for the book - glad to hear it is in train at  least.



Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Oron Peri on March 21, 2015, 11:37:06 AM
Thanks Maggi :)

Here are some Oncos from this morning:

Iris petrana

and two species with very large flowers; Iris lortetii and I. kirkwoodiae
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Miriam on March 27, 2015, 10:28:55 AM
Oron, your I.kirkwoodii is beautiful...and the others too.
Here is flowering Iris kirkwoodii ssp. macropetala.
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Maggi Young on March 27, 2015, 10:35:08 AM
Super portraits, Miriam - you must get almost  as much pleasure from these photos as you do from the plants!
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: arillady on March 27, 2015, 10:41:57 AM
Such wonderful oncos being shown this year by all - they certainly are extra special iris.
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Hans A. on March 27, 2015, 11:06:34 PM
Wow!!! :o  Oron and Miriam! Fabulous pictures!!
Here one of my alltime favourites - Iris damascena with a pollinator (Xylocopa violacea)
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: penstemon on March 29, 2015, 04:16:09 AM
Here are some pictures of my babies. Don't expect flowers posted by me for a couple of years, although Peter G. tells me one year is possible.

Flowers in one year? Now I feel like I'm wasting my time doing the forced germination and waiting twenty years for the first flower.....
Impressive technique, for sure.
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Chris Johnson on March 29, 2015, 08:26:43 AM
Flowers in one year? Now I feel like I'm wasting my time doing the forced germination and waiting twenty years for the first flower.....
Impressive technique, for sure.

I was also baffled by the comment, especially as the images carry the date 2005. I think we're missing something obvious. ???
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Jupiter on March 29, 2015, 09:07:26 AM
I don't believe it's possible to have flowers in one year, I was just repeating something I read. The 2005 is a typo by the way, should read 2015. I didn't know oncos existed in 2005!

Edit: I re-read my email from Peter and it's absolutely possible to have them flower in the second year. He has experienced it and it wouldn't be like Peter to make a mistake. Perhaps Peter will read this and can add a comment?
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Chris Johnson on March 29, 2015, 10:48:01 AM
Thanks for the clarification Jamus, it does sound extraordinary.
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: arilnut on March 29, 2015, 12:20:50 PM
I have had a couple onco hybrids bloom in their second year from forced germination
in winter.

John B
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Maggi Young on April 04, 2015, 03:16:42 PM
Thanks Maggi :)

Here are some Oncos from this morning:

Iris petrana

and two species with very large flowers; Iris lortetii and I. kirkwoodiae

I hope everyone is aware of Oron's bulb seed project?  (http://www.srgc.net/forum/index.php?topic=12097.)  Now comes an article in the Guardian about the nursery he runs with his friend Mansour Yassin: http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/apr/04/gardens-oron-peri-eastern-mediterranean-plants?CMP=share_btn_tw (http://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/2015/apr/04/gardens-oron-peri-eastern-mediterranean-plants?CMP=share_btn_tw)

Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: krisderaeymaeker on April 09, 2015, 07:42:34 PM
Iris  acutiloba ssp. acutiloba , the first of the season here .
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Steve Garvie on April 12, 2015, 10:21:17 AM
Wonderful specimens Kris!!!


Iris schelkownikowii
(https://farm8.staticflickr.com/7606/16496959654_377f87410c_o.jpg)
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: krisderaeymaeker on April 12, 2015, 11:31:07 AM
Wonderful specimens Kris!!!
Iris schelkownikowii

Thanks Steve . This is also certainly true for the one you show her.  :o Great plant and picture . Is this  schelkownikowii easy to grow ?
 
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Steve Garvie on April 12, 2015, 11:59:31 AM
Is this  schelkownikowii easy to grow ?

Thanks Kris.
I haven't had mine for too long. I bought it from Frank Schmidt who always supplies excellent plants.
It seems pretty straight-forward to grow though the flowers wilt quite quickly in full sun under glass -more so than other Iris. If I had the space then I would be tempted to transfer it to a well-ventilated frame from mid-March onwards.
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: udo on April 18, 2015, 06:38:10 PM
nice pictures from all,
here is on of my first: Iris sprengeri
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: udo on April 19, 2015, 07:04:49 PM
today in flower,
Iris schelkownikowii and Iris damascena
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: krisderaeymaeker on April 19, 2015, 07:09:37 PM
Great plants Dirk !
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: udo on April 19, 2015, 07:31:34 PM
many thanks, Kris.
It seems to have a good year.
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Jupiter on April 19, 2015, 09:30:45 PM

Beautiful Irises Dirk. Looking forward to lots more as the season progresses.
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: udo on April 25, 2015, 06:35:08 PM
some new flowers this weekend,

Iris kirkwoodii
      urmiensis
      paradoxa 'Gem of Lori' and a
      iberica Hybrid
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Chris Johnson on April 26, 2015, 06:50:35 AM
Beautiful irises, Dirk.

Can you tell me what size pots you are using and their depth, please?
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: udo on April 26, 2015, 07:01:56 PM
Beautiful irises, Dirk.

Can you tell me what size pots you are using and their depth, please?
Chris, the pots are 13 x 13 x 13 centimetre.
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Chris Johnson on April 26, 2015, 09:18:24 PM
Thanks, Dirk. A little larger than they looked in the photograph.
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: YT on April 28, 2015, 05:42:17 AM
Gorgeous arils, all :D

Iris kirkwoodii, JJA 590.256. It's the first bloom from seed sown on 1st. Nov. 2008 :)
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: johnralphcarpenter on April 29, 2015, 07:44:26 PM
Love these irises. Here's Iris sari subsp. manissadjianii.
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: udo on May 03, 2015, 07:33:22 PM
Iris paradoxa, paradoxa f.choschab, lycotis and kasruwana in flower today
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Johan K. on May 03, 2015, 09:08:58 PM
Iris iberica ssp elegantissima
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: johnralphcarpenter on May 03, 2015, 11:11:00 PM
Wow, amazing!
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Steve Garvie on May 06, 2015, 09:26:36 PM
Some wonderful irises displayed in the images above!

Here is another Iris iberica ssp. elegantissima
(https://farm9.staticflickr.com/8771/16772184714_092e7bcc9a_c.jpg)
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Jupiter on May 07, 2015, 05:38:02 AM

Oh my giddy aunt, that's a thing of great beauty Steve... I hope to have blooms like that of my own in a few years.
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: udo on May 08, 2015, 06:56:29 PM
simply wonderful Steve,
here some flowers from my garden
Iris barnumae
      lineolata
      lineolata x paradoxa choschab open and in bud
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: hadacekf on May 09, 2015, 05:41:10 PM
My only Oncocyclus Iris.
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: udo on May 14, 2015, 06:54:48 PM
some new flowers,
Iris sari and Iris polackii
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Chris Johnson on June 05, 2015, 11:43:03 AM
With the disruption over winter, I wasn't expecting the Oncocyclus to flower this year. My first and a nice surprise: Iris acutiloba x lineolata.

Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: ashley on June 05, 2015, 12:01:00 PM
Probably not very common on South Uist Chris :)    Beautiful.
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Chris Johnson on June 05, 2015, 01:11:09 PM
Indeed not, Ashley, a cheerful sight.
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: arilnut on June 10, 2015, 01:18:12 AM
Hello friends. I have waited until all were done flowering to post my photos.
I will go alphabetically.

acutiloba lineolata from Kurt V.
acutiloba lineolata from seed
grossheimi
 
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: arilnut on June 10, 2015, 01:21:40 AM
And more.

paradoxa Atrata
paradoxa Gem of Lori
paradoxa X iberica
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: arilnut on June 10, 2015, 01:25:03 AM
Next 3.

paradoxa  paradoxa
sari manasajanii ( spelling?)
urmiensis
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: arilnut on June 10, 2015, 01:31:11 AM
Last 2.

paradoxa choschab, 2nd. runner up at the Wichita annual show
My seedling of acutiloba x choschab X  Shah Kebir. Best seedling at same show
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Lesley Cox on June 10, 2015, 11:07:14 AM
Oh, what glorious things are here. Thank you all, gentlemen. You've brought some light and joy into what has been a ghastly week here.
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: art600 on June 10, 2015, 03:35:52 PM
I was lucky enough to holiday in Armenia when the Oncocyclus iris were at their peak.  An early Spring had been followed by a cold snap for two weeks including fresh snow.

We found these Iris iberica ssp. elegantissima quite by chance.  we had been provided with locations for many Oncos by kind forumists, but this site was an unexpected delight.
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Jupiter on June 24, 2015, 01:36:33 AM

Can anyone tell me the parentage of Iris 'dardanus'? I'm having trouble finding its story.

Fabulous photos Arthur. I'd love to see those in the wild some day. How did you find travelling in Armenia?
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: arilnut on June 24, 2015, 02:20:48 AM
I. korolkowii var. concolor X I. iberica.

John B
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Jupiter on June 24, 2015, 03:24:19 AM

Thank you John. Noted.
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Maggi Young on June 24, 2015, 03:38:54 PM
A little extra info on Iris 'Dardanus'
From Pacific Bulb Society : http://www.pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/index.php/ArilIrises (http://www.pacificbulbsociety.org/pbswiki/index.php/ArilIrises)

"Iris 'Dardanus', one of the regeliocyclus hybrids (a name used for hybrids made between iris in the Regelia and Oncocyclus sections) This plant is now readily available, so there is no reason not to treat yourself to these lovely bits of eye candy. "

From : http://historiciris.org/photos/dardanus-brock.html (http://historiciris.org/photos/dardanus-brock.html)

"Dardanus
G. van Tubergen, I. 1962 unregistered

AR 24" ML

Dardanus is one of the so-called regeliocyclus hybrids. Standards of violet; Falls buff-violet, veined darker.

From John Sheepers' catalog: "This large, exotic, Regelio-cyclus variety has strong, lilac standards with darker mauve veins and paler falls etched in sultry mahogany-purple."

(korolkowii 'Concolor' X iberica).

Cultural info: Plant the rhizomes horizontally with their tops exposed, in a sunny location. Fertile, neutral to slightly alkaline soil. Each rhizome should be planted more or less horizontally with the buds sideways and the root end tilted down and prior year growth tilted up. If it is planted simply horizontally, it will right itself. The cut end is from prior season division. The withered end is from the prior year's stalk. If you garden where there's summer precipitation and humidity it will need porous soil and may require some protection from rain."
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: art600 on June 24, 2015, 04:48:14 PM

Fabulous photos Arthur. I'd love to see those in the wild some day. How did you find travelling in Armenia?

We had planned our trip very carefully and used a travel company to book the hotels, transport and guide.

We had a Mercedes 16 seat minibus.  This was excellent as it had a fridge and water heating facility.  Tea and coffee with our picnics was an unexpected, but very welcome treat.
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Jupiter on June 24, 2015, 10:14:04 PM

Sounds great, but is it a safe destination for Western travelers? I don't know much about the place I confess but considering its neighbours it seems like it could be caught up in the messy business going on there now, no? Showing my ignorance no doubt, but I am on the other side of the World. ::)
 
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: David Nicholson on July 13, 2015, 01:56:46 PM
Onco growers may wish to know that a new list of Oncos for sale from August will be available from:-
oncocyclus.iris@gmail.com
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Jupiter on July 13, 2015, 10:17:07 PM

David can we have some more information on this please? Are they plants for sale only or are there seeds as well?

Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: David Nicholson on July 14, 2015, 09:47:36 AM
All plants Jamus
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Anthony Darby on July 17, 2015, 09:40:18 AM
I've got some seeds of kirkwoodii and nigricans. Apparently they can take 13 years to germinate.  8)
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: arillady on July 24, 2015, 01:12:58 PM
Or you can be lucky and have them germinate the same year or next.
The same oncocyclus cross but with different lighting in the first two photos
The next two are very close to this colour but these photos were taken late in the day after a frost - hence the floppy standards.
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Jupiter on July 24, 2015, 09:57:52 PM

Pat are these earlier than usual? I think it was August when I visited you last year... It's good to see the season kicking off down South.
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Lesley Cox on July 25, 2015, 12:03:43 AM
I am very excited to have 6 of 6 seeds germinate this week, of Iris grossheimii. This is not on our bio index as such but apparently is a natural hybrid between acutiloba and iberica ssp. lycotis, which both are so I was allowed to receive it. The seeds were from Kurt Vickery a couple of years ago and 5 came up on Monday, the 6th this morning. That's the easy part. ;D
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: arillady on July 26, 2015, 08:29:27 AM
Yes Jamus they are extra early this year. Congratulations Lesley. Haven't tried to grow Iris grossheimii but acutiloba and iberica grow relatively easily from seed
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Jupiter on August 29, 2015, 02:11:25 PM
I worked hard today on my onco iris bed which has been forming in my mind for months now. So nice to see it take shape in reality. I'll be planting the first of the irises into it tomorrow morning.  8)
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Jupiter on September 27, 2015, 01:53:48 PM
Not oncos but regelia, Iris stolonifera, seed from Kenneth Trimmer, through the ASI seed ex. I decided to try these in a large pot.
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: BULBISSIME on September 27, 2015, 04:43:45 PM
Jupiter, I. stolonifera is better in the ground as it's.. stoloniferous  ;)
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Jupiter on September 27, 2015, 09:46:16 PM
Thanks Fred. Allow me one season in my pot, because I want the pleasure of seeing it bloom from my kitchen window. I'll move it into the rock garden when it fills the pot.  :D
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: johnralphcarpenter on September 28, 2015, 12:04:28 AM
Thanks Fred. Allow me on season in my pot, because I want the pleasure of seeing it bloom from my kitchen window. I'll move it into the rock garden when it fills the pot.  :D
[/quote


Or move it to a bigger pot - that's what I did!
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: fermi de Sousa on October 01, 2015, 02:56:21 PM
The first Oncocyclus Iris in flower here - two of Pat Toolan's hybrids:
Iris kirkwoodiae x Iris atropurpurea
Iris mariae x Iris haynei
cheers
fermi
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Jupiter on October 01, 2015, 09:55:27 PM
Those are really beautiful Fermi and lovely detailed photographs. I recognise them as Pat's hybrids from my visits there. Did you do anything special to prepare the soil for planting?
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: penstemon on October 14, 2015, 04:22:32 AM
I've got some seeds of kirkwoodii and nigricans. Apparently they can take 13 years to germinate.  8)

Takes about twenty-four hours, using forced germination.....
I've been away for a while, but was there not going to be a demonstration of the in vitro method of germination?
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: fermi de Sousa on October 14, 2015, 05:22:23 AM
Those are really beautiful Fermi and lovely detailed photographs. I recognise them as Pat's hybrids from my visits there. Did you do anything special to prepare the soil for planting?
Hi Jamus,
Sorry, I missed your question!
The answer: not much!
They're planted in a raised bed in very gritty/sandy soil mix (coarse sand, a little compost and the "native" black "pug" clay)
cheers
fermi
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Jupiter on October 14, 2015, 09:43:36 AM

I'm in a dilemma at the moment, torn between whether to water or not. My oncos are still in active growth and we're having a dry spell. The bed they are in is raised and very dry. They don't look to be suffering from drought stress, which suggests to me that they are chasing the moisture down deep and developing good deep root structure. On the other hand I want to maximise growth this season before their dormancy sets in. So... to water or not to water, that is the question... no rain forecast for the week ahead so this a decision I have to make presently. Does anyone have any advice for me?

Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: johnralphcarpenter on October 14, 2015, 10:45:13 AM
They grow in the Negev Desert, maybe that's a clue?
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: penstemon on October 15, 2015, 04:16:35 AM
So... to water or not to water, that is the question... no rain forecast for the week ahead so this a decision I have to make presently. Does anyone have any advice for me?

The tips of the leaves will indicate whether or not the plants are getting enough water. Or too much.
The Levantine species do not seem to have an absolute need to go dormant during the summer; the dormancy is no doubt a response to the natural environment and not something inherent, because they can be kept green for twelve months of the year in pots, indoors.
If no one living in a similar climate offers advice, what I would do is to mist them, with a weak solution of Miracle Gro for Tomatoes, or something similar. The plants do respond to that. (I almost never fertilize anything and rarely use anything chemical, but I have found this does work with oncos, which seem to be very heavy feeders.)
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Jupiter on October 15, 2015, 04:21:05 AM
Thank you Bob, great advise and very timely. I have been considering feeding. I had a sage bit of advise from a member here in Australia who I trust. They are watered and will be fed on the weekend when a cooler change is coming through.
Title: Re: Oncocyclus Iris - 2015
Post by: Jupiter on October 27, 2015, 11:50:00 AM

Can anyone suggest what has made this samariae sickly? I remember some discussion somewhere about leaf tips being diagnostic of plant health generally but can't recall the details.

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