|
|
|
 |
 |
 In moist or boggy soil in late spring, the natural spreader Iris sibirica will make nearly four feet and bear purple blue flowers that are strongly veined in darker purple. A relative is Iris chrysographes with almost black flowers which have captivating golden needlepoint patterns down their velvety falls. They need a moist soil.
There is a group of iris from America called Pacific Coast Hybrids. Of course, there is no place for snobbery in the English garden. But discernment has its place everywhere, surely? These hybrids are gauntly and jarringly cheerful. That they are ubiquitous is an enigma.
 However, if elegance and style is your thing then Hermodactylus, not strictly an iris, although a member of the Iridaceae family, is your lady. Known as the widow iris, her grass-like leaves shoot up in early spring, eighteen inches high. Little plump heads develop, which open to become acid green iris-like flowers with blackish purple falls which have the perfume of fruit gums. She must have well drained soil - the chalky Sussex Downs suit her perfectly. Hermodactylus is style personified.
This, then, is the iris family in all its convolutions and intrigue. They are as ladies at the Elizabethan court; enigmatic, disconcerting and, above all, constantly diverting. |
|
