Oncocyclus Iris 2019

[Steve Garvie]

Iris mariae -naturally grows in sandy semi-desert with its narrow range extending from the Negev to the Gaza strip and parts of Sinai.



Iris atropurpurea -this has already flowered here, a full month earlier than last year and sadly I missed the chance to get an image as the flower is now past its best. The image below was taken last year. It is endemic to Israel’s coastal plains.

[Steve Garvie]

Iris sari -an attractive but variable species. This is quite a dwarf form.



Iris damascena -This is a Syrian species native to the eastern slopes of the Anti-Lebanon range north-west of Damascus. The flower is almost 15cm across.

[Steve Garvie]

Iris schelkownikowii


Iris sprengeri


Iris iberica ssp. iberica


Iris petrana

[PaulFlowers]

Iris paradoxa - four Flowers this year and it’s remained evergreen since last year

[PaulFlowers]

I’m not sure this qualifies as an onco iris but it’s lovely anyway. iris Thor - a hybrid of Korolkoowii x Sari - beautiful anyway

[arilnut]

I. acutiloba ssp longitepela

John B

[Steve Garvie]

Iris barnumae



Iris paradoxa var. atrata



Iris paradoxa var. mirabilis -a selected clone called Isabel’s beauty.

[PaulFlowers]

Steve

Isabels beauty is stunning; wow!

Paul

[Steve Garvie]

Thanks Paul.

A few more Oncos starting with my favourite:

Iris antilibanotica


Iris meda


Iris sari var. lupina

[Rob-Rah]

The only one of mine that flowered this cold and dreary spring: Iris lineolata

[Pauli]

Wonderful pictures that create big desire!
Steve, how long do you collect? I think, it took quite a time to bring these beauties together. And this prime culture in cold and wet Scotland. If I ever make it that far north, your garden would rank as one of the most important sights!

[Steve Garvie]

Many thanks for your kind words Herbert.

You only see the photographs of good plants and not the many failures.
I started growing Oncos seriously about 5 years ago and have acquired most of my plants as near-flowering size divisions in the last 2-3 years. I still have a lot to learn!

I wish I was as good a grower as you think I am. 

[Steve Garvie]

Iris acutiloba var. lineolata



Iris paradoxa var. Choschab -unfortunately the flower didn’t last long in the recent heatwave.





Iris polakii -differs from Iris barnumae (pictured above) by its dark beard.

[Steve Garvie]

Iris auranitica -My first flowering of this species. It’s taken some years to get to this stage as I’ve nearly killed it a couple of times. I find that in Scotland it needs to be grown with the top of the rhizome uncovered as this part is prone to rot in damp air when top-dressed. Given our humid atmosphere it is almost impossible to hold this species back from re-growing in the Autumn. It needs extra light to help get it through a Scottish winter. Aphid attack of early growth is also a problem.

[Jupiter]

Congratulations Steve on your auranitica! I can sympathise with your impediments, I've had some disappointing losses myself this season, particularly rot, even in our dry climate. I can only imagine the miracles you had to pull off to get that flower!    I have three small (tiny) seedlings of auranitica looking quite good at present, so fingers and toes crossed I might see it in person in a few years.