And is there a similar website and/or organization out there about Junos? --Lee Poulsen Pasadena, California, USDA Zone 10a James Waddick wrote: >> What are their special care needs? >> Thanks, Marguerite >> >> James Waddick wrote: >> Aril-bred and oncocyclus iris ... do take some special care. >> > > Dear Marguerite, > Glad you asked. > > First they are mix of species and hybrids. Some breeders have > produced plants that have some of the flower colors and patterns of > the wild species, but are bred with regular (tall bearded or German ) > iris. Trouble is they are as easy as the garden types, but do not > nearly express the beauty of the original. Just a bit or preparation > is needed. > > They DEMAND good drainage and full sun. They prefer totally > dry/baking summers, but can tolerate some wetness. > I grow all mine outdoors year round in a raised wall bed. We > get summer storms. In very wet climates some growers cover the beds > with glass or plastic panels to increase baking and some even dig the > iris and store dry in a shady garage or shed. More details at the web > site of the Aril Society Int. > (http://www.arilsociety.org/arilsociety.pl?index). > Although mine grow in garden clay, they are on top of rocks > and rubble that increases the overall drainage. > > The more pure species (either subgenus Oncocyclus or Regelia) > the more they restricted they are in their needs, but many 50/50 > hybrids and 3/4 aril hybrids do very well here. The best show the > following aril characters: > > 1 The aril 'Spot' - a large deep black or dark signal > in the middle of the fall > 2 The aril shape with elongate upright standards and > curled pendant falls > 3 Exotic veins and streak in all parts of the flowers > 4 Unusual colors and combinations > 5 Extremely rich colors > 6 Some have large hairy beards. > > The aril society also has a gallery. Click on any thumbnail > for larger views. Once seen to their advantage, many are taken on > first view. I think you can see More pix at John Lonsdale's > garden (http://www.edgewoodgardens.net/) I think. > > Enjoy. Jim W. >