Aril IrisThese are bearded iris which are comprised of two species, I onco-cyclus and I regelia, the former probably being the most exotic looking iris to be found, having heavy veining and a dark blotch on the falls. There are inter-species hybrids, which have been named (e.g. Clotho and Thor), but none can be garden grown in the UK because of their cultural requirements. They are endemic to the middle east, where they grow naturally in the mountains and desert, and have evolved to cope with the hot summers, (when they go dormant,) and the cold winters, conditions we can only emulate by growing them in a cold greenhouse or frame.Their culture is very demanding, but very rewarding when they do bloom. Clive Russell Home |