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Iris chrysographes

14 Jul

Iris chrysographes (23/06/2013, Kew Gardens, London)

Position: Full sun to partial shade

Flowering period: Early summer

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 50cm

Eventual Spread: 50cm

Hardiness: 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a

Family: Iridaceae

Iris chrysographes is a deciduous herbaceous perennial with a lax clump forming habit. Its grey/ green leaves are strap like, up to 70cm long and 2cm broad. Its dark violet/ black fragrant flowers with yellow veining on the falls, are up to 9cm across and appear on stalks above its leaves. Its roots are rhizomes which aids its spread.

Iris chrysographes, commonly known as Black Iris, is native to the south China and Burma. In its native habitat it grows in meadows, stream sides and forest margins.

The etymological root of the binomial name Iris is derived from the Greek meaning ‘rainbow’, referring to the wide variety of flower colours found among the many species. Chrysographes is derived from the Latin chrysitis meaning ‘golden’ and graphis meaning ‘drawing’, in reference to the golden lines on the flowers.

The landscape architect may find Iris chrysographes useful as part of mixed herbaceous planting schemes particularly in wet locations..

Ecologically, Iris chrysographes flowers are attractive to some pollinating insects.

The Royal Horticultural Society has given Iris chrysographes their prestigious Award of Garden Merit in 1994.

Iris chrysographes Flower (23/06/2013, Kew Gardens, London)

Iris chrysographes prefers moist, well-drained soils. It prefers a neutral to acid pH of soil. It will tolerate wet soils. It will not tolerate dry soils during the growing season.

Iris chrysographes requires little maintenance. Large clumps may be divided from mid summer to early autumn.

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Categories Black Iris, deciduous, garden, Herbaceous, Iris chrysographes, Perennial, Plant of the Week, plants, Summer interest

Centaurea macrocephala

12 Jul

Centaurea macrocephala (23/07/2013, Kew Gardens, London)

Position: Full sun to light shade

Soil: Moist and well drained

Flowering period: Summer

Eventual Height: 1.5m

Eventual Spread: 60cm

Hardiness: 3a, 3b, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b

Family: Asteraceae

Centaurea macrocephala is a deciduous herbaceous perennial with a clump forming habit. Its mid green leaves are lanceolate with entire margins, up to 15cm long and 4cm long. Its yellow flowers are thistle like, up to 10cm across and borne on lax stems.

Centaurea macrocephala, commonly known as Great Headed Centaury or Armenian Basket Flower, is native to the Caucasus and Turkey. It is classified as a noxious wed in a number of states in the USA.

The etymological root of the binomial name Centaurea is named after the Centaur (a Greek mythological creature), a name given to the plant commonly known as Centaury. Macrocephala is derived from the Greek makros meaning ‘large’ and kephale meaning ‘head’.

Centaurea macrocephala may be useful to the landscape architect as part of a mixed herbaceous border, towards the back where it will have the support of other perennials. This plant is not attractive to deer or rabbits. Once established this plant is drought tolerant.

Centaurea macrocephala Flower (23/07/2013, Kew Gardens, London)

Ecologically, Centaurea macrocephala flowers are attractive to pollinating insects. Its seeds are attractive to some birds.

Centaurea macrocephala prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. This plant dislikes wet soils.

Centaurea macrocephala requires little maintenance. Large clumps may be divided in spring or autumn. Regularly deadheading will prolong the flowering period.

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Categories deciduous, garden, Herbaceous, Perennial, Plant of the Week, plants, Summer interest

Gladiolus byzantinus

10 Jul

Gladiolus byzantinus (23/06/2013, Kew Gardens, London)

Position: Full sun

Flowering period: Late speing to early summer

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 90cm

Eventual Spread: 20cm

Hardiness: 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b

Family: Iridaceae

Gladiolus byzantinus is a deciduous herbaceous bulbous (corm) perennial with an upright habit. Its mid green leaves are erect and sword shaped with entire margins, . Its red/ dark pink flowers are funnel shaped, up to 5cm across and borne on erect flowering spikes. Its roots emerge from corms, these will produce cormlets which enables its spread.

Gladiolus byzantinus, commonly known as Byzantine Gladiolus, is native to the Mediterranean region. Gladiolus byzantinus is synonymous with Gladiolus communis subsp. byzantinus.

The etymological root of the binomial name Gladiolus is derived from the Latin meaning ‘little sword’, in reference to its leaves. Byzantinus is derived from the Latin meaning ‘from Istanbul’.

The landscape architect may find Gladiolus byzantinus useful as part of a herbaceous planting scheme.