Old-World Charm Meets Modern Garden: Ancient Irises for Today

Summary: Discover the rich history and unique beauty of aril irises, including Oncocyclus and Regalia species, and how you can grow them in your garden.

Have you ever heard about the fascinating world of ancient irises? These exotic flowers, named after Iris, the Greek goddess of the rainbow, have a rich history and stunning color patterns.

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The two subgenera of the iris family we’ll explore in this article are oncocyclus and regalia, also known as aril irises.

Let’s dive into their captivating history and learn how to grow irises in your modern garden.

A Brief History of Aril Irises

Aril irises have been admired and cultivated for centuries. From ancient Egypt to the Holy Land, these flowers have played a significant role in history and art.

• Earliest known depiction: A bas-relief on the tomb of Egyptian Pharaoh Thotmes III (circa 1500 B.C.) shows an oncocyclus iris, indicating its importance in ancient times.
• Biblical connections: References to lilies in the Bible may actually be about oncocyclus irises, as there are no true lilies native to the Holy Land.
• Modern cultivation: Sir Michael Foster of England and others reintroduced aril irises to the Western world in the late 19th century, even experimenting with crossbreeding.

Growing Aril Irises in Your Garden

Although aril irises have specific growth requirements, they are not more demanding than many other exotic garden plants. With a bit of understanding and care, you can successfully grow these beautiful flowers in your own garden.

Tips for Growing Irises

Here are some helpful tips to get started with growing aril irises:

• Soil: Choose well-draining soil, as aril irises do not tolerate standing water.
• Sunlight: Provide plenty of sunlight, ideally at least six hours per day.
• Watering: Water moderately, ensuring the soil stays moist but not waterlogged.
• Fertilizer: Use a balanced fertilizer, like a 10-10-10 formula, to promote healthy growth.
• Pests and diseases: Keep an eye out for common iris issues, such as iris borers and fungal diseases, and treat accordingly.

Enjoy the Beauty and History of Aril Irises in Your Garden

Aril irises, with their bizarre color effects and intriguing history, are a perfect addition to any garden.

By understanding their unique requirements and giving them the proper care, you can enjoy the captivating beauty of these ancient flowers.

Why not make a statement in your garden by planting some aril irises today?

The Enchanting Beauty of Iris Susiana

Iris susiana, a captivating species of iris, will undoubtedly leave your garden visitors in awe. With an intriguing history and mesmerizing colors, this unique flower is a must-have for anyone looking to add a touch of ancient beauty to their garden.

Discovering the Origins of Iris Susiana

Iris Susiana’s name suggests a connection with Susa, the capital of ancient Persia. While some believe it is native to Persia and Asia Minor, its appearance indicates it may have originated from Lebanon.

Regardless of its exact origin, there’s no doubt that this extraordinary flower has a rich history.

A Symphony of Colors

The charm of Iris susiana lies in its striking color combination. Described as “a color symphony in black and silver,” this flower boasts a mesmerizing visual display:

• Gray background: A gray canvas veined with purple-black creates a dramatic backdrop.
• Black signal patch: A velvety black patch at the haft contrasts beautifully with the background.
• Large, rounded flowers: The impressive size and shape of the blooms add to their allure.
• Brownish beard: A broad, brownish beard completes the stunning visual effect.

Discovering the Unique Beauty of Various Iris Species

Iris flowers come in many different species, each with their own distinct characteristics and charm.

In this article, we’ll explore some of the most beautiful and fascinating iris species that you can grow in your garden. Let’s dive in and learn about these captivating flowers.

Iris Lorteri: A Stunning Orchid-Pink Beauty

• Origin: Found by Dr. Lortet on the southern slopes of Lebanon.
• Appearance: Creamy falls dotted with crimson; white or pale lavender standards veined with violet.
• Color effect: Orchid-pink with deep crimson splashes in the signal patch.
• Named after: Dr. Lortet of Lyons.

Iris Gatesii: A Prize-Winning Bloom

• Origin: Native to Kurdistan.
• Appearance: Silver standards veined and dotted with violet; olive-cream falls veined in violet.
• Unique color: Hints of green in the olive cast.
• Named after: Rev. T. J. Gates of the American Mission at Mardin in Northern Mesopotamia.

Iris Atropurpurea: A Flower with Biblical Roots

• Origin: Native to Gaza, where Samson is said to have destroyed the temple.
• Appearance: Dark reddish-black standards; crimson-black falls.
• Distinct features: Yellow beard tipped with black; deepest lustrous jet signal patch.

Iris Nigricans: The Blackest of All Iris Flowers

• Origin: Native to the Moab district of the Trans-Jordan.
• Appearance: Combines deepest violet with crimson-black.
• Color effect: Almost sheer ebony.

Iris Haynei (Iris Arofusca): Rich Mulberry and Mahogany Hues

• Origin: Native to Mount Gilboa, north of Jerusalem.
• Appearance: Combines shades of mulberry with mahogany-black and crimson.

Iris Saari: The Intriguing Wolf’s Ear Iris

• Origin: Native to Cilicia and central Asia Minor.
• Appearance: Creamy silver falls; yellowish-green beard; maroon markings on the standards.
• Unique features: Elusive hint of green; ram’s horn-like leaves.
• Also known as Wolf’s ear iris.

Caring for Oncocyclus Irises: A Guide to Success

Oncocyclus irises are a fascinating group of flowers that require slightly different care than other bearded iris types.

They originate from areas with dry summers and heavy fall rains, which means you’ll need to recreate this unique environment in your garden for them to thrive.

Understanding the Oncocyclus Iris Lifecycle

Here’s what you need to know about their natural growth cycle:

• Dry summers: Oncocyclus irises go dormant during the hot, dry summer months.
• Heavy fall rains: These rains trigger new growth in the plants, which are surprisingly resistant to cold.
• Winter dormancy: The irises stay dormant under a blanket of snow during the winter.
• Spring blooming: Oncocyclus irises bloom in the spring before other bearded irises.
• Foliage dies down: The foliage starts to wither in July, and the cycle repeats.

Oncocyclus Iris Care Tips for Your Garden

To grow these captivating flowers in your garden, follow these care tips:

• Storage during summer: If you live in an area with summer rains, dig up the irises in July after they finish blooming. Store the rhizomes in dry sand until early October when new growth begins to show.
• Planting in fall: Replant the irises in October to encourage new growth with the help of fall rains.
• Dry summer regions: If you live in an area with dry summers, the special storage care is not necessary.

The Exciting World of Oncocyclus Iris Hybrids

The breathtaking beauty of oncocyclus irises has inspired many hybridizers to create new varieties. These hybrids often combine the large form of oncocyclus irises with the growth habits of tall bearded irises.

Some notable hybridizers in this field include:

• E. B. Williamson: A pioneer in oncocyclus iris hybridization.
• William Mohr and Sidney Mitchell: These two contributed to the line of hybrids called Mohr irises.
• Clarence White and Tom Craig: They introduced new hybrids called oncobreds, which showcase the stunning color effects of their oncocyclus ancestors.

Discovering Regalias: The Exotic Cousins of Oncocyclus Irises

Regelias, which are native to Turkestan, the Caucasus, and the northern slopes of the western Himalayas, share some similarities with oncocyclus irises in terms of their color patterns.

Named in honor of botanist Dr. Regel, who introduced them to Europe from Central Asia, these captivating flowers have their own unique characteristics.

Comparing Regalias and Oncocyclus Irises

Although their cultural requirements are similar, there are some key differences between these two types of irises:

• Flower form: Oncocyclus blooms have a rounded shape, while regalias have a slim, pointed, and almost pagoda-like form.
• Flowers per stem: Oncocyclus irises have one flower per stem, while regelias often have two or three.

Popular Old-Time Regalia Varieties

Here are some well-known regalia irises to consider for your garden:

• Iris Korolkowi: Named after General Korolkow, this variety comes in multiple forms:
  • Green-and-brown: Olive-green falls veined with brown, and white standards veined with brown.
  • Pink: A lovely pink form veined with maroon.
  • Concolor: A heliotrope variety.
  • Violacea: Features a white background veined with violet.
• Iris Hoogiana: A popular regalia native to Turkestan, with lilac-blue petals and a yellow beard. Newer variants include:
  • Iris Hoogiana Purpurea: A stunning purple variety.
  • Bronze Beauty: A captivating bronze-colored regalia.

Tips for Growing Regalias in Your Garden

• Regalias require similar care to oncocyclus irises, but they’re not quite as demanding.
• Be prepared to recreate their natural environment for them to thrive.

Exploring Regeliocyclus and Regaliabred Irises: A Beautiful Blend of Oncocyclus and Regalias

By crossing oncocyclus and regalias, hybridizers have created two stunning groups of irises: regeliocyclus (or oncogelia) and regaliabreds. These hybrids combine the fantastic color patterns of their regalia parents with the adaptability of bearded irises, resulting in unique and captivating flowers.

Regeliocyclus Irises: A Diverse Array of Colors

Some notable regeliocyclus varieties include:

• Cumton: Boasts tints of golden bronze.
• Theseus: Features amethyst-pink petals veined in mulberry.
• Luna: Red-violet veinings on a cream background.
• Isis: Carmine and maroon on a buff background.
• Parthenope: Silver petals veined with maroon.

These hybrids require the same care as their oncocyclus and regalia ancestors.

Regelia bred Irises: A Sturdy and Adaptable Option

Lloyd Austin, a Californian hybridizer, created regaliabred irises by crossing regalia and bearded irises. These hybrids are known for their stunning beauty and adaptability. Some popular regalia bred varieties are:

• Golden Butterfly: A noteworthy yellow iris, unusual among pure regelias.
• Lemon Silk: Another yellow variety that stands out.

These hybrids make it possible for gardeners to enjoy the magnificent beauty of aril irises with more ease.

Tips for Growing Regeliocyclus and Regaliabred Irises

• Follow the same care requirements as their oncocyclus and regalia ancestors.
• Be open to exploring the diverse array of colors and patterns these hybrids offer.

This overview provides just a glimpse into the world of regeliocyclus and regaliabred irises, which are not only beautiful but also link directly to the cradle of our civilization. 

Embrace these captivating flowers in your garden and enjoy the fruits of hybridizers’ labor as they continue to create more stunning and accessible iris varieties.