Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum

General Subjects => Plants Wanted Or For Exchange => Topic started by: DaveP on October 31, 2010, 07:32:04 AM

Title: Wanted: Dietes robinsoniana
Post by: DaveP on October 31, 2010, 07:32:04 AM: This is a very long shot, but I've been looking for a plant of this species for a while. If anyone has a piece they are prepared to sell or can point me in the right direction I'd be very grateful. The only nursery that has it according to plant finder is Derry Watkins, but it isn't listed anymore and hasn't responded to e-mails. I can source seeds, but as I get older I'm getting more impatient and would rather skip the 3-4 year wait to flowering and longer for a good sized clump if I can.
Title: Re: Wanted: Dietes robinsoniana
Post by: Lesley Cox on November 03, 2010, 08:06:18 PM: It is grown in the north of New Zealand but in the south I have tried plants and lost every one to even a slight frost.
Title: Re: Wanted: Dietes robinsoniana
Post by: shelagh on November 03, 2010, 08:30:24 PM: Look I've heard of the Atkins Diet but not Robinsons Diet just what does it entail? ;D ???
Title: Re: Wanted: Dietes robinsoniana
Post by: Lesley Cox on November 04, 2010, 04:57:52 AM: Quote from: shelagh on November 03, 2010, 08:30:24 PM
Look I've heard of the Atkins Diet but not Robinsons Diet just what does it entail? ;D ???

Dietes? Oh yes, I thought it was mis-spelt for a moment, but Deites? No.

Related to Moraea. I think D. robinsoniana is the Lord Howe Island Wedding Iris. Or is that something else? I don't think weight loss is involved. :D
Title: Re: Wanted: Dietes robinsoniana
Post by: Ezeiza on November 04, 2010, 12:00:27 PM: Yes, it is only found at Lord Howe Island and is the largest of all six species of Dietes.
Title: Re: Wanted: Dietes robinsoniana
Post by: PeterT on November 07, 2010, 06:34:52 AM: I had it for ten years but lost 3 of my four Dietes last winter, they will stand some frost though but only in a dry airy postion. However I think I can put you in touch with someone who still has a clump near Reading but he is on holiday at the moment. send me a PM
Peter
Title: Re: Wanted: Dietes robinsoniana
Post by: DaveP on October 22, 2011, 11:48:55 AM: Search finally over - I've managed to acquire a large, well-rooted division.
Title: Re: Wanted: Dietes robinsoniana
Post by: Maggi Young on October 22, 2011, 11:51:54 AM: That's good news, Dave.... good luck with it... we'll be hoping for photos of lots of flowers in due course!
Title: Re: Wanted: Dietes robinsoniana
Post by: Anthony Darby on October 24, 2011, 08:23:47 AM: It looks a bit like the plant that seems to occupy every other flower bed in car parks around Auckland? I have seen Dietes bicolor, which is creamy, too.
Title: Re: Wanted: Dietes robinsoniana
Post by: maggiepie on October 24, 2011, 01:20:00 PM: Had to google it to see what it was.

Some very nice pics here if anyone is interested.
First 6 pics.

http://blackdiamondimages.zenfolio.com/p906090074/h21330023#h219ec284
Title: Re: Wanted: Dietes robinsoniana
Post by: Lesley Cox on October 25, 2011, 09:50:43 PM: It sure sets lots of seed! In my Warkworth friend's garden (well north of Auckland) it grows to over 6ft high in flower.