Iris suaveolens, unguicularis cretensis

[WimB]

Just a question regarding these two species, should I plant them with their rhizomes under the soil or on top of the soil?

Thanks

Wim

[Paul T]

Wim,

I don't grow suavoleons, but unguicularis is treated just like any other perennial, with crown just under the ground.  Never bothers any of that family I have found, and the rhizomes do not rise to the surface over the years either.  That is in MY conditions though.

[Linda_Foulis]

Same with I. suavelolens, just barely covered.  Does fine in my Zone 3.

[mark smyth]

Like Paul my unguicularis is planted just below soil level

[WimB]

Thanks,

I'll plant them just under the soil level then.

[Anthony Darby]

I have been looking for I. u. cretensis for a long time. Does anyone have a wee root to spare?

[Tony Willis]

Anthony

I can let you have a bit. I have had it for 25 years and never seen a flower, maybe it needs a more loving home.

I should add it is a purchased plant not my own collection so I cannot guarantee it is correct.

[Maggi Young]

I can let you have a bit. I have had it for 25 years and never seen a flower, maybe it needs a more loving home.

Well, Tony, no-one can call you a quitter!
 
Here in Aberdeen we have never had any great luck with any Iris unguicularis or the Iris japonica types....maddening when one heard of folks with great patches of flower!

[arillady]

Iris suaveolens likes to have its rhizome just under the soil but I also put gravel around them as well. Iris unguicularis grows to large clumps here so it must like it here. Iris u. cretensis is a small clump but gradually increasing - only a couple of flowers this year.
Pat T
 

[Otto Fauser]

Pat, my clumps of I. u. cretensis flower profusely each year in the hottest and sunniest spots in my rockgarden,
  Otto.

[arillady]

Uhm - maybe mine needs a little feeding as it is in a hot spot.
Pat

[gote]

I have had suaveolens. It seemed perfectly frost-hardy if kept dry but succumbed in the winter wet. I would make sure drainage is on the extreme side. If I get one again I would plant it in a sunny position in a layer of gravel on top of sloping soil.
It is a very nice sp I cannot help posting pics Alas old.
Göte
The first is growing wild near Hereke Turkey.
 

[mark smyth]

Here is my unguicularis cretensis