Iris verna-jaw dropping bog Iris (flower)
Apr 3, 2018 16:41:34 GMT -5
hcarlton, calen, and 11 more like this
Post by meizzwang on Apr 3, 2018 16:41:34 GMT -5
The Iris family seems to naturally occur throughout the world and comes in all sorts of different shapes and sizes. Fortunately for us, due to the extreme variance and adaptability of the genus Iris, much like the genus Lilium, there are some species of Iris that tolerate bog conditions and are outstanding companion plants to carnivorous plants.
Normally, Irises "don't do it for me" in general (with a few exceptions because there are some really beautiful bearded irises out there ). However, some populations of Iris verna, especially this one I acquired that originated from Onslow Co, NC, are jaw droppers! The incredible contrasting neon blue and orange color, as well as a dense, profusion of blooms on well established plants, makes this plant a worthy endeavor! Leaves are short and the plants form very compact tufts over time. Well, we haven't gotten to the point of producing massive numbers blooms that fill the pot, but I've only had the plant fora full season and some change now, so hopefully in time it'll get there.
So what is the trick to growing Iris verna? There's still much to be learned, but it does seem like the key is to grow them somewhat as though it were a carnivorous plant. Much like Lilium catesbaei, this Iris is nutrient sensitive and needs to be grown like a Sarracenia, except it can tolerate slightly higher concentrations of salt in the soil and does not like to sit in water. Here's how I grow them:
1)100% peat moss, kept moist at all times all year round. Keep damp but not water logged during the winter dormancy period. During the grow season, It can sit in water for a day or two, seems to sulk if you keep it waterlogged.
2) Fertilize with 1/4 strength maxsea 1-2x per month only during the grow season (probably 1x a month to be on the safe side). Be careful! I have personally burned the plant (see brown leaves pictured below), so maybe try 1/5 strength first.
3) grow in full sun.
4) Plant goes dormant-ish during the winter, and appears to need a cool winter dormancy to bloom.
Here's some photos of Iris verna from Onslow Co, NC. I just love how short and miniature these plants are! The flowers are barely above ground!!! photos taken late March 2018. It's pretty difficult to caputure the neon blue colors you see in person, but some of these photos come pretty close:
Some spent flowers pictured here as well. Nice thing is they don't all seem to bloom at once, so this prolongs the show to several weeks:
Ellie's reaction when she saw this flower:
Check out that orange flare....yup, they tend to wear a lot of flare, as the flower is trying to express itself (joke from Office Space in case you were wondering):
The flowers are very mildly fragrant, but you need "20/20" smell to detect it. There's still a lot to learn about this species, and I'll update this thread as more information is ascertained.
Normally, Irises "don't do it for me" in general (with a few exceptions because there are some really beautiful bearded irises out there ). However, some populations of Iris verna, especially this one I acquired that originated from Onslow Co, NC, are jaw droppers! The incredible contrasting neon blue and orange color, as well as a dense, profusion of blooms on well established plants, makes this plant a worthy endeavor! Leaves are short and the plants form very compact tufts over time. Well, we haven't gotten to the point of producing massive numbers blooms that fill the pot, but I've only had the plant fora full season and some change now, so hopefully in time it'll get there.
So what is the trick to growing Iris verna? There's still much to be learned, but it does seem like the key is to grow them somewhat as though it were a carnivorous plant. Much like Lilium catesbaei, this Iris is nutrient sensitive and needs to be grown like a Sarracenia, except it can tolerate slightly higher concentrations of salt in the soil and does not like to sit in water. Here's how I grow them:
1)100% peat moss, kept moist at all times all year round. Keep damp but not water logged during the winter dormancy period. During the grow season, It can sit in water for a day or two, seems to sulk if you keep it waterlogged.
2) Fertilize with 1/4 strength maxsea 1-2x per month only during the grow season (probably 1x a month to be on the safe side). Be careful! I have personally burned the plant (see brown leaves pictured below), so maybe try 1/5 strength first.
3) grow in full sun.
4) Plant goes dormant-ish during the winter, and appears to need a cool winter dormancy to bloom.
Here's some photos of Iris verna from Onslow Co, NC. I just love how short and miniature these plants are! The flowers are barely above ground!!! photos taken late March 2018. It's pretty difficult to caputure the neon blue colors you see in person, but some of these photos come pretty close:
Some spent flowers pictured here as well. Nice thing is they don't all seem to bloom at once, so this prolongs the show to several weeks:
Ellie's reaction when she saw this flower:
Check out that orange flare....yup, they tend to wear a lot of flare, as the flower is trying to express itself (joke from Office Space in case you were wondering):
The flowers are very mildly fragrant, but you need "20/20" smell to detect it. There's still a lot to learn about this species, and I'll update this thread as more information is ascertained.