Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum

Cultivation => Cultivation Problems => Topic started by: WimB on September 06, 2008, 09:56:52 AM

Title: Iris suaveolens, unguicularis cretensis
Post by: WimB on September 06, 2008, 09:56:52 AM

Just a question regarding these two species, should I plant them with their rhizomes under the soil or on top of the soil?

Thanks

Wim

Title: Re: Iris suaveolens, unguicularis cretensis
Post by: Paul T on September 06, 2008, 12:59:58 PM

Wim,

I don't grow suavoleons, but unguicularis is treated just like any other perennial, with crown just under the ground.  Never bothers any of that family I have found, and the rhizomes do not rise to the surface over the years either.  That is in MY conditions though.

Title: Re: Iris suaveolens, unguicularis cretensis
Post by: Linda_Foulis on September 08, 2008, 03:10:35 AM

Same with I. suavelolens, just barely covered.  Does fine in my Zone 3.

Title: Re: Iris suaveolens, unguicularis cretensis
Post by: mark smyth on September 15, 2008, 07:29:01 PM

Like Paul my unguicularis is planted just below soil level

Title: Re: Iris suaveolens, unguicularis cretensis
Post by: WimB on September 16, 2008, 11:48:30 AM

Thanks,

I'll plant them just under the soil level then.

Title: Re: Iris suaveolens, unguicularis cretensis
Post by: Anthony Darby on September 19, 2008, 11:48:55 AM

I have been looking for I. u. cretensis for a long time. Does anyone have a wee root to spare?

Title: Re: Iris suaveolens, unguicularis cretensis
Post by: Tony Willis on September 19, 2008, 01:28:50 PM

Anthony

I can let you have a bit. I have had it for 25 years and never seen a flower, maybe it needs a more loving home.

I should add it is a purchased plant not my own collection so I cannot guarantee it is correct.

Title: Re: Iris suaveolens, unguicularis cretensis
Post by: Maggi Young on September 19, 2008, 10:21:17 PM

Quote

I can let you have a bit. I have had it for 25 years and never seen a flower, maybe it needs a more loving home.

Well, Tony, no-one can call you a quitter!
 
Here in Aberdeen we have never had any great luck with any Iris unguicularis or the Iris japonica types....maddening when one heard of folks with great patches of flower! :-\

Title: Re: Iris suaveolens, unguicularis cretensis
Post by: arillady on September 20, 2008, 01:33:38 AM

Iris suaveolens likes to have its rhizome just under the soil but I also put gravel around them as well. Iris unguicularis grows to large clumps here so it must like it here. Iris u. cretensis is a small clump but gradually increasing - only a couple of flowers this year.
Pat T
 

Title: Re: Iris suaveolens, unguicularis cretensis
Post by: Otto Fauser on September 20, 2008, 08:15:42 AM

Pat, my clumps of I. u. cretensis flower profusely each year in the hottest and sunniest spots in my rockgarden,
  Otto.

Title: Re: Iris suaveolens, unguicularis cretensis
Post by: arillady on September 20, 2008, 08:43:43 AM

Uhm - maybe mine needs a little feeding as it is in a hot spot.
Pat

Title: Re: Iris suaveolens, unguicularis cretensis
Post by: gote on September 20, 2008, 09:32:16 AM

I have had suaveolens. It seemed perfectly frost-hardy if kept dry but succumbed in the winter wet. I would make sure drainage is on the extreme side. If I get one again I would plant it in a sunny position in a layer of gravel on top of sloping soil.
It is a very nice sp I cannot help posting pics Alas old.
Göte
The first is growing wild near Hereke Turkey.
 

Title: Re: Iris suaveolens, unguicularis cretensis
Post by: mark smyth on September 25, 2008, 11:49:13 PM

Here is my unguicularis cretensis