>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. -- 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 +