Iris graeberiana explained

Iris graeberiana is a species in the genus Iris, in the subgenus of Scorpiris. It is a bulbous perennial.

Description

In late spring, (or April),^[1] it has between 4–6 flowers per stem and reaches a maximum height of 45cm (18inches) tall.^[2] It has pale silvery mauve flowers.^[2] It also comes in blueish-lavender,^[3] or blue-violet shades.The flowers are 6- wide with a wavy, white crest on each fall.^[3] 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.^[3] The leaves grow to approximately 20cm (10inches) tall at flowering time, then they extend to twice this. They are between 1.5- wide.^[4]

Taxonomy

It was named after Paul Graeber (a plant collector who also collected Iris hoogiana and Tulipa ostrowskiana for the Dutch Van Tubergen company).^{[5] [6]}

It was first published in Botanical Magazine Vol.167 on table 126 by Sealy in 1950.^[7]

Iris graeberiana is an accepted name by the RHS,^[8] and the iris is recognized by the United States Department of Agriculture and the Agricultural Research Service, since 2003.^[9]

Distribution and habitat

It is native to Tajikistan,^[10] and Turkestan (parts of the former republic of USSR) in Central Asia.^[2]

Cultivation

It is known as one of the more vigorous species,^[2] therefore is easier to grow the others in the subgenus.^[3] It is also hardy to USDA Zone 5–8.^[11]

They are best grown in well-drained soils ^[12] in open, stony places or an Alpine house, but some growers recommend outside culture, if sheltered from heavy summer rains.^[4] The plant attracts birds and butterflies.^[13]

It can be seen growing in Le Grand Clos botanical garden in Bourgueil, France.^[14]

Known hybrids

• Iris graeberiana 'White fall',^{[13] [15]}

It is thought to have been bred by crossing Iris graeberiana with Iris magnifica.^[11]

• Iris graeberiana 'Yellow fall',^[16]
• Iris graeberiana 'Dark Form' ; a more hardy plant but with smaller darker flowers. It is similar to Iris zenaidae but with smaller flowers.^[17]

Other sources

• S. K. Czerepanov, 1995. Vascular plants of Russia and adjacent states (the former USSR) Cambridge University Press. (note: listed as Iris graberana Sealy)
• Walter Erhardt, Erich Götz, Nils Bödeker, Siegmund Seybold: Der große Zander. Eugen Ulmer KG, Stuttgart 2008, . (Ger.)
• Brian Mathew, 1981. Iris,

Notes and References

1. Web site: How to grow Iris . www.backyardgardener.com. 23 August 2014.
2. Book: Cassidy . G.E.. Linnegar . S.. 1987 . Revised . Growing Irises. Bromley . Christopher Helm . 145–146 . 0-88192-089-4 .
3. Book: 1996 . Brickell . Christopher . RHS Encyclopedia of Garden Plants . 522 . London . Dorling Kindersley . 978-0-7513-0436-7 .
4. Web site: Iris graeberiana. encyclopaedia.alpinegardensociety.net. 23 August 2014.
5. Book: Austin, Claire . Irises: A Gardener's Encyclopedia . Timber Press, Incorporated . 978-0881927306 . 2005 . OL8176432M . .
6. Web site: Tulipa ostrowskiana. rareplants.co.uk. 23 August 2014.
7. Web site: Iris graeberiana. apps.kew.org . 21 August 2014.
8. Web site: Iris graeberiana . www.rhs.org.uk. 21 August 2014.
9. Web site: Taxon: Iris graeberiana Tubergen ex Sealy . npgsweb.ars-grin.gov . 8 January 2022.
10. Web site: Tajikistan . lntreasures.com. 23 August 2014.
11. Web site: Iris graeberiana . www.signa.org (Species Iris Group of North America). 23 August 2014.
12. Web site: flag . 23 August 2014.
13. Web site: Iris graeberiana 'White Fall' Chicago Botanic Garden. 2022-01-08. www.chicagobotanic.org.
14. Web site: irisbotanique .
15. Web site: Autumn List (G-L) . 2007. www.westonbirtplants.co.uk. 19 August 2014.
16. Web site: PlantFiles: Juno, Scorpiris . 23 August 2014.
17. Web site: Juno Irises (A-l). www.pacificbulbsociety.org. 23 August 2014.