On 27 Nov 06, at 22:37, Jim McKenney wrote: > This is the first time this species has bloomed for me. Many years ago > I grew it, but every time it started to bloom we had a severe cold > spell which destroyed the buds. > > I'm really impressed with the size of the flowers: I expected > something smaller. Cut the flowers for the house when they are in bud. They'll quickly open once inside and you'll be delighted with the delicately pervasiv scent they give off. Nothing like a nosegay of Iris unguicularis (in bud) as a wintertime gift. Your friends will all be surprised and curious, since it's not a common plant even in areas where it does well. -- Rodger Whitlock Victoria, British Columbia, Canada Maritime Zone 8, a cool Mediterranean climate on beautiful Vancouver Island