Re: SPEC: Iris notha

In a message dated 97-05-04 19:51:38 EDT, you write:

<< can anybody help me with information regarding I. notha. I just
 bought a plant labelled as such. >>

Hi, Simone--I'm no expert, but I. notha is a species spuria iris.

According to Kohlein, it is native to Kashmir, the Caucasus and
Transcaucasia.  He says "Elegant, narrow, often arching leaves, 26-30" (65-80
cm) long, 1/2'' (1.3-1.5 cm.) wide.  Height of the scape is 40-43" (100-110
cm.).  Blossoms are large and have a diameter of up to 6" (15 cm.) Almost
vertical standards, falls held horizontally, color medium blue to light
blue-violet.  The medium blue type has the most beautiful blue color of all
the spuria iris.  There is a yellow stripe down the middle fo the falls.  The
flower stalks usually bear 3 blossoms, are relatively thin, and change
direction somewhat from node to node, so that they zigzag slightly...

Being a plant of the high steppe, it grows in full sun and a heavy clay loam,
surviving extreme drought.  Best planted in autumn.  Offsets are often hard
to grow and losses must be expected; it is better to propagate them by
seed... This elegant plant must not be cramped.  Blooming period; mid June to
early July."

In another section, he says..."All spuria species are relattively easy to
grow and are valuable garden plants.  Briefly, full sun and a warm location
are requisites for growing spuria iris successfully.  The ideal soil is
neutral to slightly alkaline."
He recommends covering the rhizome with about 2" of soil, and cautions that
they should be planted where they can grow for years, as they do not like to
be disturbed.

They also like more fertillzer than bearded irises, for optimum performance.
 

( I have a few "modern" hybrid spurias.  They should do better for you than
they do here, as they really prefer more sun and warmth. Good luck!)

Dorothy Fingerhood
DFingerhoo@aol.com
Newfield, NY, USA
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