Iris sibirica ‘Perry’s Blue’

Iris sibirica ‘Perry’s Blue’ (22/05/2016, Kew Gardens, London)

Position: Full sun to light shade

Flowering period: Late spring to early summer

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 90cm

Eventual Spread: 50cm

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

Family: Iridaceae

Iris sibirica ‘Perry’s Blue’ Flower (22/05/2016, Kew Gardens, London)

Iris sibirica ‘Perry’s Blue’ is a deciduous herbaceous perennial with an erect clump forming habit. Its grey/ green leaves are lanceolate with entire margins and gradually narrowing to a point, up to 80cm long and 4cm broad at their base. Its blue/ pale purple hermaphrodite flowers are up to 7cm across, emerge from a branched stem which emerges from the base of the leaf cluster. Its fruit is a loculicidal capsule and up to 4cm long. Its roots are below ground rhizomes which allow this plant to steadily spread.

The species Iris sibirica, commonly known as the Siberian Iris or Siberian Flag, is native to Russia, east and central Europe and north east Turkey. In its native habitat it grows in damp woodlands and damp meadows.

Iris sibirica ‘Perry’s Blue’ Flower Bud (22/05/2016, Kew Gardens, London)

The etymological root of the binomial name Iris is derived from the Greek word for a rainbow, referring to the wide variety of flower colours found among the many species. Sibirica is derived from the Latin meaning ‘from Siberia’.

The landscape architect may find Iris sibirica ‘Perry’s Blue’ useful as an attractive herbaceous perennial with pale blue flowers. It is suitable for planting in damp locations including boggy ground and stream margins.

Iris sibirica ‘Perry’s Blue’ Leaf (22/05/2016, Kew Gardens, London)

Ecologically, Iris sibirica ‘Perry’s Blue’ flowers are attractive to pollinating insects, including bees.

Iris sibirica ‘Perry’s Blue’ prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. It will tolerate wet soils.

Iris sibirica ‘Perry’s Blue’ requires little maintenance. Large clumps may be divided in autumn.



Landscape Architecture

Iris douglasiana

Iris douglasiana (22/05/2016, Kew Gardens, London)

Position: Full sun to light shade

Flowering period: Late spring to early summer

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 70m

Eventual Spread: 60cm

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

Family: Iridaceae

Iris douglasiana is an evergreen herbaceous perennial with an erect clump forming habit. Its dark green leaves are ensiform with entire margins and gradually narrowing to a point, up to 60cm long and 2cm across at their base. Its pale purple hermaphrodite flowers are up to 10cm across, emerge from a branched stem which emerges from the base of the leaf cluster. Its fruit is a loculicidal capsule and up to 4cm long. Its roots are below ground rhizomes, are up to 1cm across and allow this plant to steadily spread.

Iris douglasiana Flower (22/05/2016, Kew Gardens, London)

Iris douglasiana, commonly known as the Douglas Iris, is native to western coastal regions of USA. In its native habitat it grows in meadows, grasslands and open woods in coastal regions.

The etymological root of the binomial name Iris is derived from the Greek word for a rainbow, referring to the wide variety of flower colours found among the many species. Douglasiana is named after David Douglas (1799 – 1834), a Scottish botanist.

Iris douglasiana Leaf (22/05/2016, Kew Gardens, London)

The landscape architect may find Iris douglasiana useful as a herbaceous perennial with attractive flowers. This perennial will tolerate occasional flooding.

Ecologically, Iris douglasiana is attractive to bees and pollinating insects.

Iris douglasiana prefers moist, humus rich, well-drained soils. It prefers a neutral to acid pH of soil, although it will tolerate most pH.

Iris douglasiana requires little maintenance. Large clumps may be divided in autumn.



Landscape Architecture

Libertia grandiflora

Libertia grandiflora (22/05/2016, Kew Gardens, London)

Position: Full sun

Flowering period: Late spring to early summer

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 90cm

Eventual Spread: 60cm

Hardiness: 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11

Family: Iridaceae

Sub Family: Iridoideae

Libertia grandiflora is an evergreen herbaceous perennial with a clump forming habit. Its mid to dark green leathery leaves are sword shaped with entire margins, up to 50cm long and 15mm broad. Its white flowers are bowl shaped, up to 35mm across and appear in clusters on erect stems above its leaves. Its fruit is an oblong capsule. Its roots are fleshy rhizomes.

Libertia grandiflora Flower (22/05/2016, Kew Gardens, London)

Libertia grandiflora, commonly known as New Zealand Satin Flower, New Zealand Iris, Tukauki or Milolkoi, is native to New Zealand. Libertia grandiflora is synonymous with Libertia chilensis.

The etymological root of the binomial name Libertia is named for Marie-Anne Libert (1782–1865) a Belgian botanist. Grandiflora is derived from the Latin grandis meaning ‘large’ and flora meaning ‘flower’.

The landscape architect may find Libertia grandiflora useful as a tough evergreen ground cover plant. This plant prefers a sheltered position.

Libertia grandiflora Leaf (22/05/2016, Kew Gardens, London)

Ecologically, Libertia grandiflora flowers are attractive to pollinating insects.

The Royal Horticultural Society have given Libertia grandiflora their prestigious Award of Garden Merit in 1998.

Libertia grandiflora prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.

Libertia grandiflora requires little maintenance. Large clumps may be divided in spring, it may take a couple of years to recover.



Landscape Architecture