Iris chrysographes

THE BLACK IRIS

Iris chrysographes
THE BLACK IRIS

Iris chrysographes bears sprays of the darkest, almost black, velvety flowers.
With each bloom also delicately marked with golden lines.
Looking as if they have been drawn on with a fine golden pencil.

Blooms are also deliciously fragrant and produced in summer on tall, strong stems.

With blooms held well above clumps of neat, grey green, sword like foliage.
So making an elegant combination.
Thus little wonder Iris chrysographes is one of the most highly prized of all Iris amongst discerning gardeners.

Iris chrysographes enjoys humus rich, moist but well drained soil.
And will then happily grow in Full Sun to Light Shade.

Beautiful Iris chrysographes is a native of China and Myanmar.
Where it grows in grassy meadows, stream sides, hillsides and forest margins.
So it is well able to cope with summer humidity.

70cm. High in elegant flower x 25cm. Wide clump of handsome foliage.

SEED SOWING ADVICE:

Seed can be sown at any time into a good quality seed raising mix.

First gently rub the seeds between 2 pieces of fine sandpaper to roughen the hard seed coating. This will allow moisture to penetrate the seed to initiate germination.

Then soak the seeds in water that is hot to the touch (not boiling – you should be able to put you finger in without burning).
Leave the seeds in the water for 24 hours, then repeat with fresh hot water for a further 24 hours.

Any seeds that float to the surface have not absorbed water and need to have their surface further roughened and re-soaked.
While seeds that sink to the bottom are ready to sow.

Now place the seeds in their pot / punnet and cover the seed with quality compost or fine river sand to approximately their own depth.

Then wrap the punnet in cling-wrap or a plastic bag and place in the fridge (not freezer) for 6 weeks.

Now remove from the fridge, unwrap, moisten punnet and place in a warm, well-lit position (not in direct sunlight).

Temperatures of 15-20 Degrees C. are ideal for rapid and optimum germination.

SEED COUNT: 5 seeds per pack (seed of this beautiful but rare Iris is scarce).