Iris variegata 'Hungarian Iris'

[Ex. Bakony 360 m., Hungary]

Iridaceae: a standard, tuberous, dwarf bearded iris to 20–45cm, that does not in fact have variegated leaves. Found on stony slopes and open woods. The flowering stems are branched, with 3-6 flowers. Each flower measures 5–7cm across. The standards (inner tepals) are yellow and the falls (outer tepals) are white to pale yellow, with red to purple veins sometimes fusing into a purple blotch, pointing out at an angle from the stem. The style branches and beard are yellowish. Blooming from May – June. The deep green leaves are sword-shaped, slightly curved, 1-3cm wide and around 30cm long. Bulgaria, Germany, Hungary, Slovakia, Yemen, it is an endangered and protected species in the Czech Republic and Slovakia.

USES:

I can’t find any uses listed for this species. But sometimes you just need to find a spot in the herb garden for a plant that’s pretty or unusual, and I do like this one.

GROWING INFORMATION:

To stop the germination inhibition, give seeds a warm compost (about +22°C) [about 72°F] with constant humidity for at least 6 weeks. Then keep cold (–4 to +4°C) [25 to 39°F] for 6–8 weeks. Usually, the germination starts at +4°C [39°F]. Raise temperatures gradually up to +10°C [50°F] until germination is completed. If the warm or cold period was not long enough the seeds will not germinate until the following year. They will then need another warm period (summer) and a cold period (winter). The hard-shells seeds, can be damaged, this is helpful for quicker swelling. One method is to grind the seed in dry sharp sand.

Plants like a well-drained soil, and full sun, and are ideal for the rock garden. Grown in western Europe since the late 16th century, it is a parent of many of the most colourful modern bearded iris cultivars.

9CM POTS.