1896, Iris Macrosiphon

Garden And Forest p 488, December 2, 1896

Iris macrosiphon. — The experience of Max Leichtlin in growing this pretty Iris successfully, as given by Mr. Gerard in a recent issue of Garden and Forest, is valuable to growers. Herr Leichtlin states that at Baden-Baden they start into growth in May. This is interesting as showing how quickly plants adapt themselves to changed conditions. In its native home, here in the northern Coast Range, I. macrosiphon lies dormant during the dry, rainless season, from May to October. The first light rains start a root-growth, the old roots pushing out rootlets and new spongy rools forming at the base of the growing end of the wiry rhizome. The leaves soon start. Its growth is here a winter growth, and with its flowering in May begins the ripening, to be followed by the long summer rest. At Baden-Baden it would seem to take a winter rest and make growth in summer. Otherwise, my experience corresponds with Herr Leichtlin's, in that the best time to move the plants is just as they begin to start. Examination of a bed of several hundred collected plants moved October 15th shows that they are now (November 16th) making a vigorous root-growth.

Ukiah, Calif. Carl Purdy.

For more information on historic Irises visit the Historic Iris Preservation Society at

-- BobPries - 2014-11-06