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Irises For The Waterside |
There are many beautiful varieties of this iris, which is
sometimes known as the Clematis flowered iris of Japan, and
among the attractive names, many of which are of Japanese
origin, are, 'Gei-sho-ui', double flowers veined and margined
rosy-claret on a white ground; 'Kuma-funjin', double royal
purple with yellow blotch; 'Purple East', single deep violet-
purple; 'Tiger Dance', double veined violet and red-purple on
blue ground; 'Warei-Hotei', royal purple with yellow blotch;
'Dresden China', double silvery-lavender flowers with soft
yellow blotch. All grow between two to three feet high,
and varieties described as double have six petals rather resem-
bling clematis, while the single flowers have three petals.
Handsome in every way, Iris sibirica and its forms, although
growing well in the border, look first class when grouped
beside a pond or stream, or in other moist or boggy situations.
The attractive foliage is rush-like in appearance, and when
seen and heard being moved about by the wind, it always
causes attention. The flower stems grow between three to
four feet, the flowers themselves, which appear in June, being
both dainty and yet substantial.
Really established clumps present an imposing sight,
although for continued free flowering and general healthiness,
it is best to divide the clumps every four years or so. Another
way to increase stock is to sow seeds, which normally set
freely, and can be gathered and sown without difficulty. Since
the roots go down deeply, the ground when being prepared
should be deeply moved, while a top dressing of manure or a
good substitute each spring, will ensure blooms of good
quality.
For a giant, Iris delavayi should be grown. It will top five
feet and give delight with its two-inch-wide blooms of vivid
violet spotted white. If an unusual colour is wanted then Iris
tenax should be grown for it has flowers of a rare poise, the
colour being greyish-claret and although classed as a Cali-
fornian iris it loves bog conditions, which is unusual.
Although not all the moisture-loving irises have been men-
tioned, the selection given will show how varied is the range
available.
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