Re: Iris "Dragonfly"
- To: Multiple recipients of list <i*@rt66.com>
- Subject: Re: Iris "Dragonfly"
- From: "* a* C* W* <c*@digitalpla.net>
- Date: Tue, 13 Jan 1998 19:06:46 -0700 (MST)
Robert Stassen asked:
> >Could any of you that just received the spring Van Bourgondien catalog
(for
> >bulbs and other perennials) assist me in identifying the iris species
named
> >Iris 'Dragonfly'? The picture resembles an overgrown crested iris, but
the
> >written description puts it height at 32-40".
>
and John Bruce replied;
> The iris I am familiar with named "Dragonfly" is a Siberian either
collected
> or hybridized by Dykes himself,1923. The description is "bluish violet
with
> a bronze throat " at 46". The vanBourgondien picture is pretty close to
the
> photo I took of Dragonfly, with the ecception of the foilage. The
> vanBourgondien foilage is too thick. Hope this helps.
>
The iris depicted under the name "Dragonfly" in the Van Bourgondien spring
catalog is a crested iris, not a Siberian. I would suspect I. milesii,
though the height given seems a bit tall, even for this one. The use of the
name "Dragonfly" is an example of the cavalier disregard of the conventions
of naming iris perpetrated by certain general purpose nurseries that was
commented on in this list within the past week.
Jeff Walters in northern Utah (USDA Zone 4, Sunset Zone 2)
cwalters@digitalpla.net
