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

Iris graeberiana
Scientific classification Edit this classification
Kingdom: Plantae
Clade: Tracheophytes
Clade: Angiosperms
Clade: Monocots
Order: Asparagales
Family: Iridaceae
Genus: Iris
Subgenus: Iris subg. Scorpiris
Section: Iris sect. Scorpiris
Species:
I. graeberiana
Binomial name
Iris graeberiana
Synonyms[1]
  • Juno graeberiana (Sealy) Soják
  • Juno graeberiana (Sealy) Rodion.

Description

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In late spring,[2] (or April),[3] it has between 4–6 flowers per stem and reaches a maximum height of 45 cm (18 in) tall.[4]

It has pale silvery mauve flowers.[4] It also comes in blueish-lavender,[2] or blue-violet shades.[5] The flowers are 6–8 cm (2–3 in) wide with a wavy,[5] white crest on each fall.[2] Which is surrounded by a pale, boldly veined zone.[5]

The white margined leaves, have glossy mid-green tops, but with greyish green bottoms, which are scattered along the stem.[2] The leaves grow to approximately 20 cm (8 in) tall at flowering time, then they extend to twice this. They are between 1.5–3.5 cm (1–1 in) wide.[5]

Taxonomy

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It was named after Paul Graeber (a plant collector who also collected Iris hoogiana and Tulipa ostrowskiana for the Dutch Van Tubergen company).[6][7]

It was first published in Botanical Magazine Vol.167 on table 126 by Sealy in 1950.[8]

Iris graeberiana is an accepted name by the RHS,[9] and the iris is recognized by the United States Department of Agriculture and the Agricultural Research Service, since 2003.[10]

Distribution and habitat

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It is native to Tajikistan,[11] and Turkestan (parts of the former republic of USSR) in Central Asia.[4]

Cultivation

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It is known as one of the more vigorous species,[4] therefore is easier to grow the others in the subgenus.[2] It is also hardy to USDA Zone 5–8.[12]

They are best grown in well-drained soils [13] in open, stony places or an Alpine house, but some growers recommend outside culture, if sheltered from heavy summer rains.[5] The plant attracts birds and butterflies.[14]

It can be seen growing in Le Grand Clos botanical garden in Bourgueil, France.[15]

Known hybrids

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It is thought to have been bred by crossing Iris graeberiana with Iris magnifica.[12]

  • Iris graeberiana 'Yellow fall',[17]
  • Iris graeberiana 'Dark Form' ; a more hardy plant but with smaller darker flowers. It is similar to Iris zenaidae but with smaller flowers.[18]

References

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  1. ^ "Juno graeberiana". www.theplantlist.org. 23 March 2012. Retrieved 21 August 2014.
  2. ^ a b c d e Brickell, Christopher, ed. (1996). RHS Encyclopedia of Garden Plants. London: Dorling Kindersley. p. 522. ISBN 978-0-7513-0436-7.
  3. ^ "How to grow Iris". www.backyardgardener.com. Retrieved 23 August 2014.
  4. ^ a b c d Cassidy, G.E.; Linnegar, S. (1987). Growing Irises (Revised ed.). Bromley: Christopher Helm. pp. 145–146. ISBN 0-88192-089-4.
  5. ^ a b c d e "Iris graeberiana". encyclopaedia.alpinegardensociety.net. Retrieved 23 August 2014.
  6. ^ Austin, Claire (2005). Irises: A Gardener's Encyclopedia. Timber Press, Incorporated. ISBN 978-0881927306. OL 8176432M.
  7. ^ "Tulipa ostrowskiana". rareplants.co.uk. Retrieved 23 August 2014.
  8. ^ "Iris graeberiana". apps.kew.org. Retrieved 21 August 2014.
  9. ^ "Iris graeberiana". www.rhs.org.uk. Retrieved 21 August 2014.
  10. ^ "Taxon: Iris graeberiana Tubergen ex Sealy". npgsweb.ars-grin.gov. Retrieved 8 January 2022.
  11. ^ "Tajikistan". lntreasures.com. Retrieved 23 August 2014.
  12. ^ a b "Iris graeberiana". www.signa.org (Species Iris Group of North America). Retrieved 23 August 2014.
  13. ^ "flag". Retrieved 23 August 2014.
  14. ^ a b "Iris graeberiana 'White Fall' | Chicago Botanic Garden". www.chicagobotanic.org. Retrieved 2022-01-08.
  15. ^ "irisbotanique".
  16. ^ "Autumn List (G-L)". www.westonbirtplants.co.uk. 2007. Retrieved 19 August 2014.
  17. ^ "PlantFiles: Juno, Scorpiris". Retrieved 23 August 2014.
  18. ^ "Juno Irises (A-l)". www.pacificbulbsociety.org. Retrieved 23 August 2014.

Other sources

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  • 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, ISBN 978-3-8001-5406-7. (Ger.)
  • Brian Mathew, 1981. Iris,