Spanish iris etc
James Waddick (Fri, 21 Jul 2006 12:18:50 PDT)

Dear Jim et al;
Traditionally Spanish Iris have been selections of I. xiphium PERIOD.
Likewise, English iris are selections of I. latifolia PERIOD

But, both of these and other related species* have
contributed to the complex of Dutch Iris

Theoretically there can be NO hybrid English or Spanish Iris,
by definition these would be Dutch Iris (all hybrids).

Coincidentally I just received a new highly detail list of
Iris cv still in draft form, that shows over 40 named Spanish Iris
cvs. I know some time ago I have seen some of these offered. The
Dutch bulb wholesale Dix Export is currently offering the named I
xiphium 'Lusitanica', 4 named I. latifolia' and a host of Dutch
hybrids.

Of course the geographical names of the Cultivar Groups has
almost no relationship with their origins.

And what you order and what you get are two very distinct things.

I think you'd have better luck dealing directly with a high
quality English Bulb Dealer such as Pottertons or similar. Mayube
other members can make a suggestion.

Of course you need the right climate too and we discussed the
difficulties of long term success with Dutch iris in the last year or
so. Few people succeed.

Good luck. Jim W.
--
Dr. James W. Waddick
8871 NW Brostrom Rd.
Kansas City Missouri 64152-2711
USA
Ph. 816-746-1949
Zone 5 Record low -23F
Summer 100F +