Iris and some Irids 2009

[Ragged Robin]

Your Iris japonica is so delicate, Kirsitin, I love the violet smudged effect surrounding the yellow pattern on the petals

[kirsitn]

I got it last year in a plant swap, so I'm quite happy that it decided to flower already this year. I haven't decided yet whether or not I like the color combination of the flowers, but the pattern itself is definitely nice and makes it look a bit more exotic than most of the other plants that can survive the winters here.

[Regelian]

This is an interesting siberica, Lemon Veil.  Robust and a good bloomer.

[Paul T]

Kristen,

The beauty of Iris japonica is that it grows and flowers equally well in sun or shade (well it does here at least).  In full sun it's flowers are pretty much white, while in the shade they become that lovely translucent blue.  It can unfortunately become a bit weedy here if given the chance, as it spreads happily.  It is a beautiful flower though.

Jamie,

I like that Iris sibirica, although I must admit if you had given me a name like 'Lemon Veil', I certainly wouldn't have been expecting it to be so pink.

[Regelian]

Paul,  yes; I think I would have found another name, as well.!

Here is a shot of the species Iris ensata, followed by two Louisianas that have started to bloom.  The Louisianas are bred by the Pryors in Australia.  Very special plants.

I. ensata
Moonlight Cascade
Tide Pool

[Paul T]

Heather and Bernard Pryor's (called 'Iris Haven') Louisianna irises are just beautiful, aren't they?  And they are such nice people as well.  I met them a few times when we used to have a rare plant day here a few years back.  Good healthy plants and great service.

[Regelian]

Heather and Bernard Pryor's (called 'Iris Haven') Louisianna irises are just beautiful, aren't they?  And they are such nice people as well.  I met them a few times when we used to have a rare plant day here a few years back.  Good healthy plants and great service.

Couldn't agree with you more.  Heather spent quite a bit of time helping me pick good varieties for my climate, but in retrospect, I think all their creations are of highest quality.  A pleasure to have in the garden, despite the enourmous size they can reach.

[Lesley Cox]

If you can grow these succsessfully in Germany Jamie, I'm tempted to try a couple. I've assumed my summers are too dry and winters too wet. My sister in the North Island can grow them but she lives in a milder winter and a hot but very humid summer. They are certainly magnificent.

[Regelian]

Lesley,

wet Winters are not a problem, as most of my Louisianas are actually growing in the pond and get frozen to the crown.  I've not lost one due to low temps.  Dry Summers they do not like and you may want to try growing them in a sunken pot or small pool.  They love sun and water, much like I. pseudacorus.

[David Nicholson]

Some more Irises from my garden.

Iris sibirica 'Sparkling Rose'
iris sibirica 'Chartreuse Beauty'
A yellow Dutch Iris.

[Lesley Cox]

As yet, my pond/pool is nothing more than, as they say, a twinkle in my eye, but yes, small pools might be the answer. The best I've seen in the northern part of NZ were all growing in or at the edge of water.

David, if you're not careful you'll be recognised as a fully fledged Irisarian!

[David Nicholson]

Lesley, I love 'em all.

[Regelian]

Here are two more that opened this morning.  The first is an I. ensata, probably a seedling as it closely resembles none of the varieties I grow.  The second is another of the Pryors wonderful Louisianas, 'Royal Ricochet', which grows at the edge of the pond.
We've been having very cool evenings and many flowers are not opening well.  Even some that bloomed beautifully last week are having trouble.

[David Nicholson]

Here are a few more of my Irises.

Iris chrysographes: this one was labelled 'Dark Form' (aren't they all?). It's quite nice but the markings are nothing to write home about.

The last of my Dutch Irises to flower this year.

Iris sibirica 'Gull's Wing', a lovely white form.

[Luc Gilgemyn]

They look good David - ever counted how many Iris' you grow ?