Arilbred Iris

Aril Iris is an iris of the Oncocyclus or Regelia group or a hybrid among or between them.  Hybrids involving Aril Iris and ( Eupogon) bearded Irises are call " Arilbreds".  I bought some last year through the Aril International Society of which I am a member.  There are beginner to advanced Iris in this group. The ones below are hybrids of Oncos, Regelia, and bearded Iris, and because they have less Onco in them they are amenable to the garden here. There are no hard and fast rules to grow them except to try the more challenging ones in the garden is a very well-drained sandy mix. The ones that are 100% Onco's are grown under glass.




Iris Buttered Berries




Iris Bold Sentry



Iris Carole's Blue Heaven



Iris Babylon Prince



Iris Mohr Pretender

Oddballs, and spiny things!

Last Sunday June 7th we held our annual show, another stunner, where the oddballs came out to play, and compete. I always enjoy showing plants and participating. It was another successful show, with remarkably beautiful, and bizarre plants. Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, and for me they are all beautiful.

Neoporteria gerocephala

Ariocarpus kotschlibeyanus

Huernia sp.

Orbea variegata

Trichodiadema bulbosum

Euphorbia millotii

Close up of bird singing amidst the cherry blossoms on the bonsai container



Pachypodium lamerii crest ( Best succulent in show)

 

Euphorbia unispina

Polygonatum hookeri

This is the tiniest species in the Genus, and one of my favourites coming from Uttar Pradesh in northern India, and southwestern China. It grows between 3000-5000 m above sea level.   Named after the plant explorer, and botanist  Sir Joseph  Hooker, its acaulescent flowers push forth slightly ahead of the foliage. In total height it is about 5 cm. I grow mine in a lava rock trough where it spreads happily by underground rhizome. As a matter of fact it found a small porous opening and has managed to poke its head out of the side of the lava rock. This demonstrates it vigorous growth habit.
It has a pleasant carnation-like scent but of a milder quality when you nestle your nostrils over it. Who would know it's a Solomon's Seal.

Purple locks of Wisteria

My neighbours gorgeous 20 year Wisteria is overflowing down her outdoor fire escape. What a sight to behold!

 

 

Bulbophyllum thaiorum

This tiny Bulbophyllum comes from Myanmar, growing on deciduous trees at approximately 600m. There are about 6-12 flowers in an umbel which is held on a scape as long as the leaves. The flower  colour is a rich orange, and can be grown in a terrarium on a wood slab as seen below, or a similar environment. They do require constant moisture.



 

Sinningia piresiana

I love this gesneriad.  I grow many Sinningias and apart from S. leucotricha this is one of my favourites. This species has the most stunning flowers of all Sinningias, Notice the hairs on the cherry pink tubular flowers, with gorgeous thick crimson stripes towards the end, and inside the flower. This comes from Brazil as is the case with most in this genus. It has fuzzy green leaves that form a whorl of 6 leaves, and has a nice plump tuber.

 

Outing to Lost Horizons Nursery

Over the long weekend I ventured out to Lost Horizons. Tradition dictates that this occurs each May 24 weekend, and sometimes in Autumn. I always wander towards the trial beds where he grows some rare, and exceptional treasures, dividing these for sale when they have clumped nicely.

Podophyllum emodi

Podophyllum hexandrum pink flower

Trillium albidum

Trillium chloropetalum var. giganteum

Trillium grandiflorum flore pleno- a very expensive double form.

 

Anemonella thalictroides  'Cameo'

Cypripedium Pluto- A Frosch hybrid which I could not resist buying. There are 4 dirt marks on the labellum that splashed up from watering at the Nursery. Didn't realize it until after photographing it.

Glaucidium palmatum- the flowers remind me of  lilac tissue paper, very delicate. Mine is in bud for the 1st time this year.

 

Hydrastis canadensis- I love this native woodland plant aka Goldenseal with its refined foliage, and white flowers like tiny tenticles meeting at one point. Must get this plant, elsewhere we Lost Horizons does not offer it.

 

Epimedium cultivar with its arachnid like petals

Epimedium beni-yushima



 

Epimedium Harold Epstein

Epimedium Harold Epstein burgundy calyces