Reticulate Iris - 2014

[David Nicholson]

The next challenge Ralph will be to get 'em to come back next year!

[Hans A.]

A rather big difference in colour  between those two pots Hans. Are both Iris histrio ??

Luc, sorry for the late reply. Had received the seeds with that name, and I think they both are. Pilous listed seeds of Ziyaret Mountains also one year as Iris histrio aintabensis, but I do not think it fits (and is not longer valid) - so i think Iris histrio is not wrong.

[Steve Garvie]

A very brief thinning in the cloud cover let some light through for a short period of time this morning and I managed to take a few quick images (at high ISO setting so a bit of noise).

Below is an iris that had lost its label but now that it is in flower it looks to be the Kuh-e-Abr (Elburz Mtns, Iran) collection of Iris reticulata.

[Otto Fauser]

Steve , your I .reticulata  c. Kuh -e - Abr is a beautiful shade of blue , like some forms of hyrcana  .

     I received this under the name of I histrio var. aintabensis M.&T (Mathew & Tomlinson ) 4501 , col .nr. Maras , Turkey , from Brian Mathew in the early 70,s and it is still with me 40 years after . I wonder if it really is a form of histrio or rather of reticulata ?

[Steve Garvie]

It's certainly very attractive Otto!
Like you, I don't think it looks like typical I. histrio aintabensis.
It looks to have both histrio and reticulata features.

Regardless of what it is there is no doubt that it is very attractive with its beautifully patterned falls!

[art600]

Otto

Agree with everything Steve said.

I was overjoyed that iris collected in 2004 were still with me, but 40 years must be exceptional.

I attach a iris seen on Kuh -e- Sabalan in 2010.  Similar colour and possibly Iris hyrcana

[Maggi Young]

    I received this under the name of I histrio var. aintabensis M.&T (Mathew & Tomlinson ) 4501 , col .nr. Maras , Turkey , from Brian Mathew in the early 70,s and it is still with me 40 years after . I wonder if it really is a form of histrio or rather of reticulata ?

 And that, in a nutshell, is why Otto is held in such high regard  internationally as a plantsman  - there are other equally good reasons why he is regarded so fondly as a friend!

[arillady]

Hear hear Maggi I agree.

[art600]

The first of my McMurtrie hybrids to bloom this year.

Not spectacular, but I think it will be a good garden plant.

[Cyril L]

     I received this under the name of I histrio var. aintabensis M.&T (Mathew & Tomlinson ) 4501 , col .nr. Maras , Turkey , from Brian Mathew in the early 70,s and it is still with me 40 years after . I wonder if it really is a form of histrio or rather of reticulata ?

Otto, whatever it is, it is absolutely beautiful.  Is it fertile?

The first of my McMurtrie hybrids to bloom this year.

Not spectacular, but I think it will be a good garden plant.

These hybrids grow well outside in the UK.

[Cyril L]

Iris reticulata var. caucasica with a velvety deep reddish purple flower, just opening.  First time flowering.  Said to grow and increase well outside, so will put it in the garden later in the year.

[TC]

I have been noting the flowering times of Kath. H. and  B.Stanley in pots and in the garden.
The ones in pots were all from the same initial bulb purchase years ago potted at the same time and kept in identical coditions.
Katherine Hodgkin flowered first on 31 December followed by a large pot on about 7 January.
Beatrice Stanley flowered in a pot on 29 Jan

Outside, in situ,it's the reverse.  B.S. in full bloom and K.H. at least a week behind.  Again, both planted at the same time in the same position.  I have no idea why, but it adds to the interest.

[Otto Fauser]

Cyril , M&T 4501 has never set seed with me  - must try to hand pollinate it this coming winter . It is a small flower but a nice colour combination .

[Roma]

Iris 'Avalanche'
The slugs got there before me
Other reticulatas under water  - Saturday, yesterday and probably tomorrow if the forecast is right

[tonyg]

A couple of iris looking good here at present.

In purple the first of my Iris reticulata seedlings to flower from seed that David Nicholson ordered and shared a few years back. Thanks David!

In blue is a vigorous form of Iris histrio obtained from Rannveig Wallis a few years back.  I started with one bulb but now have two potfuls plus a couple of escapees in the garden.