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Here is another Juno Iris species just opened up a few days ago.According to Franz Köhlein's "Iris" book description, this Juno vicaria, (syn.Iris orchioides var.coerulea) comes from central Asia on stoney slopes in Turkestan.Very closely related to Juno magnifica. The stalk is very well-developed and the blossoms are blue-violet, with dark yellow spots on the falls. Little known and probably not cultivated, according to this expert.Just one expert's opinium I suppose, can anyone confirm/verify or tell us more about this species?PS: what do the Iris/Juno growers/members think of Franz Köhlein's "Iris" book? Has anyone got this book?Thanks. Bill
How old is this book, Bill? The Iris vicarias we have here tend to be paler some with interesting markings on the falls, but these may be hybrids with I.magnifica. We also find the seed easy to germinate without needing to attack it with a knife. Thought I'd pop back and modify this by adding 2 pics- the first is I think a 'standard' I.vicaria and the second I.vicaria 'Sina' from Janis- both of which flowered here last spring. I have seedlings from garden collected seed, but it will be a few more years before these flower.
Hello Bill. I grow Vicaria along with a dozen or so other Juno's. I have both of the "iris bible's", "Iris" by Kohlein and "The IRIS" by Brian Mathew.I haven't pulled out Kohlien's for a couple years now (until tonight ) but look in The IRIS at least once a week.Mathew says Vicaria "differs" from Magnifica. It is cultivated in several specialist collections. But at the prices I can't see why all Iris lovers should not grow it.
Hi John, do you know if 'The Iris' by Brian Mathew is still available and where I could purchase this book?Thanks very much for your reply and information. Bill
Quote from: Tecophilaea addictHi John, do you know if 'The Iris' by Brian Mathew is still available and where I could purchase this book?Thanks very much for your reply and information. Bill It's usually available second hand: try http://www.abebooks.co.uk http://www.abebooks.co.uk/servlet/SearchResults?an=brian+mathew&bt.x=0&bt.y=0&sortby=3&sts=t&tn=the+iris
Hi Simon, now that you mentioned Janis Jilek, I believe now that the I.vicaria 'Sina' seed originally came from Janis a few years ago, which might explains the darker form or hybrid that I grow.
Simon,Speaking of I. magnifica, I've not been able to germinate seed of this species, yet, after 18 months in the pot. Is there a secret, or simply patience and luck. The seed is still firm. I have better success with arils!