Iris: The Classic Bearded Varieties - Softcover

Austin, Claire

Softcover

ISBN 10: 184400080X ISBN 13: 9781844000807

Publisher: Quadrille Publishing Ltd, 2004

Synopsis

Bearded irises are the most popular and glamorous of all irises. They are romantically associated with cottage gardens but can also be grown in the most inhospitable of city locations. It is even possible to cultivate them to have a succession of flowers for 3 months. This title should be of interest to specialists and new enthusiasts alike. It focuses exclusively on bearded irises and provides an introduction to the genus, as well as all the necessary practical know-how for growing them successfully and detailed information on 70 varieties.

About this title

Review

Who better than nurserywoman Claire Austin, specialist iris grower, to write this definitive work on bearded irises? With nearly two decades experience in their cultivation, she gives a clear, knowledgeable picture of this ancient genus and shows how to choose and grow the myriad of varieties currently available. Depicted in Minoan murals, carved on Mogul marble walls and appearing on the sides of Egyptian tombs, their beauty and intrigue have perpetuated through the ages. With today's modern hybridizing their flowering season spans three months or more, justifying them a place in every garden. Renowned as an English country garden plant, their spiky foliage also ensures them a home in more contemporary settings, giving a modern lift to this centuries old genus. After a brief introduction explaining their physiology and history, Claire has selected 70 different varieties, mixed between the tall bearded and the medians, with colours ranging from the deepest maroon and purple to the more traditional lilacs and yellows. Clay Perry's photographs offer a visual feast of varieties: names such as "Oriental Glory", "Champagne Elegance", "Skier's Delight" and "Rosette Wine" conjure up visions that hold true to their names. Such variety in colour, originating from so few original species, displays the power of current breeding techniques and makes one wonder what more the future could possibly hold. Ending on the all-important aspect of planting, cultivation and propagation techniques, this is a fascinating and extraordinarily well-presented look at bearded irises, surely encouraging more people to try them for themselves.

About the Author

Claire Austin has been a professional breeder of irises for seventeen years.

Edition details

• Publisher: Quadrille Publishing Ltd
• Publication date: 2004
• ISBN 10: 184400080X
• ISBN 13: 9781844000807
• Binding: Paperback
• Language: English
• Number of pages: 104