SPEC: Second Bloom---I. minuteoaurea

Having been delighted with the first beardless species to bloom in my garden
this year, I. lacustris, I am now beyond delight to report that the second
beardless species to bloom is from that rare, in the U.S. at least, Series
Chinenses.  Today, quite by accident, I discovered my clump of the wee Iris
minutoaurea filled with tiny, exquisite flowers of bright yellow.  

This is the third time I have grown Iris minutoaurea, but the first time I
have ever seen it in bloom.  The first time my wife grew it as a bonsai, and
it formed a nice clump which we, unfortunately tried dividing in
June---mistake as to timing (should have been earlier) , and in dividing it
into single rhizomes, which it does not like. The second time it grew into a
nice clump and after three years died during a particularly harsh winter.  My
current clump was sent me by a friend in Japan 3 years ago.  Barbara
Schmieder in MA has told me hers blooms quite regularly, but mine did not
(but I now think I may have just not looked at it at the right time!).  This
little native of China and Korea is nothing if not a great joy.  Exquisite is
an understatement.  

Clarence Mahan in northern Va
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