Iris graeberiana

Description

Iris graeberiana is a species in the genus Iris, in the subgenus of Scorpiris. It is a bulbous perennial. In late spring, (or April), it has between 4–6 flowers per stem and reaches a maximum height of 45 cm (18 in) tall. It has pale silvery mauve flowers. It also comes in blueish-lavender, or blue-violet shades. The flowers are 6–8 cm (2–3 in) wide with a wavy, white crest on each fall. Which is surrounded by a pale, boldly veined zone. The white margined leaves, have glossy mid-green tops, but with greyish green bottoms, which are scattered along the stem. The leaves grow to approximately 20 cm (8 in) tall at flowering time, then they extend to twice this. They are between 1.5–3.5 cm (1–1 in) wide. It was named after Paul Graeber (a plant collector who also collected Iris hoogiana and Tulipa ostrowskiana for the Dutch Van Tubergen company). It was first published in Botanical Magazine Vol.167 on table 126 by Sealy in 1950. Iris graeberiana is an accepted name by the RHS, and the iris is recognized by the United States Department of Agriculture and the Agricultural Research Service, since 2003. It is native to Tajikistan, and Turkestan (parts of the former republic of USSR) in Central Asia. It is known as one of the more vigorous species, therefore is easier to grow the others in the subgenus. It is also hardy to USDA Zone 5–8. They are best grown in well-drained soils in open, stony places or an Alpine house, but some growers recommend outside culture, if sheltered from heavy summer rains. The plant attracts birds and butterflies. It can be seen growing in Le Grand Clos botanical garden in Bourgueil, France. Iris is a genus of 260–300 species of flowering plants with showy flowers. It takes its name from the Greek word for a rainbow, which is also the name for the Greek goddess of the rainbow, Iris. Some authors state that the name refers to the wide variety of flower colors found among the many species. As well as being the scientific name, iris is also widely used as a common name for all Iris species, as well as some belonging to other closely related genera. A common name for some species is 'flags', while the plants of the subgenus Scorpiris are widely known as 'junos', particularly in horticulture. It is a popular garden flower. The often-segregated, monotypic genera Belamcanda (blackberry lily, I. domestica), Hermodactylus (snake's head iris, I. tuberosa), and Pardanthopsis (vesper iris, I. dichotoma) are currently included in Iris.