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Iris germanica

24 May

Iris germanica (18/05/2013, Kew Gardens, London)

Position: Full sun to light shade

Flowering period: Late spring to early summer

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 1m

Eventual Spread: 50cm

Hardiness: 3a, 3b,, 4a, 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a

Family: Iridaceae

Iris germanica is a semi evergreen, erect, herbaceous perennial with a clump forming habit. Its gray/ green leaves are lanceolate with entire margins and gradually narrowing to a point, erect, emerging from its rhizome and up to 40cm long and 4cm broad at their base. Its purple/ mauve hermaphrodite flowers emerge from a branched stem which emerges from the base of the leaf cluster and is up to 90cm tall. Its fruit is a loculicidal capsule. Its roots are rhizomes which allow this plant to steadily spread.

The Iris germanica, commonly known as Wild Bearded Iris, Purple Flag Iris or the Bearded German Iris, is a natural European hybrid. In its native habitat it grows in dry rocky habitats.

The etymological root of the binomial name Iris is derived from the Greek word for a rainbow, referring to the wide variety of flower colours found among the many species. Germanica is from the Latin meaning ‘from Germany’.

Iris germanica Flower (18/05/2013, Kew Gardens, London)

The landscape architect may find Iris germanica useful as an effective spreading ground cover plant with showy flowers.

Ecologically, Iris germanica is attractive to bees and pollinating insects.

Iris germanica prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil, and will tolerate very alkali soils.

Iris germanica requires little maintenance. Large clumps may be divided, this should be carried out up to six weeks after flowering.

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Categories Bearded German Iris, Evergreen, garden, Herbaceous, Iris germanica, Perennial, Plant of the Week, plants, Purple Flag Iris, Spring interest, Summer interest, Wild Bearded Iris

Aconitum napellus

23 May

Aconitum napellus (18/05/2013, Kew Gardens, London)

Position: Partial shade

Flowering period: Summer

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 1.5m

Eventual Spread: 30cm

Hardiness: 4b, 5a, 5b, 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b, 9a, 9b

Family: Ranunculaceae

Aconitum napellus is a deciduous, herbaceous perennial with an erect, clump forming habit. Its glossy dark green leaves are rounded, palmate, deeply lobed with up to 7 segments and up to 7cm across. Its dark purple/ blue flowers appear in the shape of hoods and are up to 2cm tall. Its roots are tubers which aids is spread.

The species Aconitum napellus, commonly known as Wolfsbane, Monkshood, Aconite, is native to west and central Europe. In its native habitat it grows in damp shady places including woodland edges and species rich meadows. All parts of this plant are extremely toxic.

The etymological root of the binomial name Aconitum is from the ancient Greek name for this plant and is loosely translated as ‘unconquerable poison’. Napellus is derived from the Latin napus meaning ‘turnip’, referring to the shape of the root.

Aconitum napellus Flower (18/05/2013, Kew Gardens, London)

The landscape architect may find Aconitum napellus useful as part of a woodland planting scheme. It is also suitable for use as part of a mixed herbaceous planting scheme. Care should be taken when locating this plant due to its poisonous nature, including via skin.

Ecologically, Aconitum napellus flowers are attractive to pollinating insects.

Aconitum napellus prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil. It will not tolerate dry soils.

Aconitum napellus requires little maintenance. To keep a tidy appearance old flowering stems may be removed in spring. Large clumps may be divided in late autumn.

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Categories Aconite, Aconitum napellus, deciduous, garden, Herbaceous, Monkshood, Perennial, Plant of the Week, plants, Shade Tolerant, Summer interest, Wolfsbane

Prunus x juddii

22 May

Prunus x juddii (21/04/2013, Kew Gardens, London)

Position: Full sun

Flowering period: Spring

Soil: Moist, well drained

Eventual Height: 12m

Eventual Spread: 10m

Hardiness: 6a, 6b, 7a, 7b, 8a, 8b

Family: Rosaceae

Prunus x juddii is a deciduous tree with an upright habit. Its dark green leaves are elliptic with serrate margins. Its leaves turn orange/ red before they fall in autumn. Its pale pink flowers are up to 3cm across and appear at the same time as its leaves. Its black/ purple fruit is a drupe and up to 1cm across. Its roots are shallow rooting.

Prunus x juddii Flowers (21/04/2013, Kew Gardens, London)

Prunus x juddii is commonly known as Judd’s Cherry.

The etymological root of the binomial name Prunus is from the classical name of the Plum tree. Juddii is named after William Henry Judd (1888 – 1946), an English horticulturist who worked in the USA.

The landscape architect may find Prunus x juddii useful as an attractive spring flowering tree.

Ecologically, Prunus x juddii flowers are attractive to pollinating insects. Its fruit are attractive to birds and some mammals.

Prunus x juddii Bark (21/04/2013, Kew Gardens, London)

Prunus x juddii prefers moist, fertile, well-drained soils. It tolerates most pH of soil.

Prunus x juddii requires little maintenance. Pruning should be carried out after flowering, from April to July to minimise the risk of Silver leaf infection.