Iris graeberiana
Iris graeberiana is a species in the genus Iris, in the subgenus of Scorpiris. It is a bulbous perennial.
Description
In late spring,, it has between 4–6 flowers per stem and reaches a maximum height of tall.It has pale silvery mauve flowers. It also comes in blueish-lavender, or blue-violet shades.
The flowers are 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 tall at flowering time, then they extend to twice this. They are between wide.
Taxonomy
It was named after Paul Graeber.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.
Distribution and habitat
It is native to Tajikistan, and Turkestan in Central Asia.Cultivation
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.
Known hybrids
- Iris graeberiana 'White fall',
- Iris graeberiana 'Yellow fall',
- Iris graeberiana 'Dark Form' ; a more hardy plant but with smaller darker flowers. It is similar to Iris zenaidae but with smaller flowers.