Iris, non-bearded, 2014

[johnralphcarpenter]

Iris unguicularis has its first flowers this winter.

[johnralphcarpenter]

This clump of Iris unguicularis seems to be enjoying the mild weather and is especially floriferous.

[Lesley Cox]

It seems a good rich colour form too Ralph. I think some are a bit bland, myself, though I'm not complaining about anything which flowers in winter.

[johnralphcarpenter]

It's one iris I wouldn't be without, in all its forms.

[Melvyn Jope]

Lots of buds on this Iris unguicularis being brought out by todays bright sun, this form is from just North of Sparta and is a good garden plant.

[Maggi Young]

Quite a "long" bloom  on that form, Melvyn - especially elegant.
 We struggle to get I. unguicularis to thrive here at all - a mattter of much regret.  We just do not have a suitable spot for them - SIGH!  The best we can do is a plant hanging on for grim death, with one flower in ten years if we're lucky - BIGGER SIGH !!

[Brian Ellis]

Lots of buds on this Iris unguicularis being brought out by todays bright sun, this form is from just North of Sparta and is a good garden plant.

It's a lovely colour and your photograph would make a fine print Melvyn it is so clean looking!

[Lesley Cox]

You've said what I was going to say Brian. It's a really great shade, so deep and rich and yes, the flower is very elegant. Maybe Melvyn, you'd make a bigger picture with more flowers? In which case, may I borrow it please? It's hard to get a good picture without tatty foliage and the flowers are often floppy.

[Melvyn Jope]

Yes very happy to Lesley but cannot yet. I had to pick that flower and bring indoors today because the plant has been so knocked about by the  persistent heavy rain that we have had that it was the only way to photograph the flower intact. With more rain forecast I am not sure when I will be able to get a decent photograph of the plant. In the meantime if you want to borrow this image you are welcome.

[Lesley Cox]

That's very kind of you Melvyn. I don't need it at present but recently have quite often found myself attached to a sheaf of pages containing Iris notes. So maybe later this year.

An Auckland friend has just sent me 3 large packets of different Iris ensata forms. There are literally many hundreds of seeds. I'm thinking of growing as many as possible on then asking the local council if I can make some mass plantings in the area. They would make a really great display in public places.

[johnralphcarpenter]

Iris unguicularis 'Abington Purple' looking rather battered after all the weather. I think the Narcissus are 'February Gold'.

[johnralphcarpenter]

Iris lazica, a clump that needs dividing!

[David Nicholson]

Iris lazica, a clump that needs dividing!

And aren't they the Devil's own job to photograph too. When I split mine around three years ago it sulked for two years without flowering. Mind you I gave it a right slathering (Good old Yorkshire word for taking a lot off!) It's been in flower since before Christmas though.

[Oron Peri]

Iris Xiphium starts to flower together with  a couple of small relatives; Morea sisyrinchium & M. mediterranea

[Yann]

Gorgeous