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Iris are a genus of
rhizomatous, bulbous, or occasionally fleshy rooted perennials, some of
which are evergreen; grown for their distinctively handsome, colourful, and
sometimes wonderfully fragrant flowers, which are produced from
mid-Winter to mid-Summer.
These beautiful
flowers were originally named after the Greek goddess of the rainbow,
reflecting the wide variety of colours and shades that Irises
display.
Iris are typified by
three usually large 'falls' (pendent or semi-pendent petals), which on a
number or species have distinctive beards or crests, three usually
smaller 'standards' (erect, horizontal, or occasionally pendent petals),
and a three branched style, where in many cultivars the style branches
are petal-like. Unless otherwise stated the flowering stems are
unbranching.
Botanically Iris are
divided into various sub-categories, and this convention is also
followed horticulturally, since it is convenient to group plants having
similar characteristics and cultural requirements together.
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Peach Frost
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The easiest Iris to
grow are the Bearded, Crested, Xiphium, and Dwarf Reticulata
types.
Siberian and Japanese
types, whilst excellent in the bog-garden and alongside water, will also
tolerate drier conditions.
Juno, Oncocyclus and
Regelia types produce perhaps the most beautiful flowers, but may prove
to be the most difficult to cultivate.
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Sapphire Star
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