Iris pumila L.
Fully hardy rhizomatous dwarf bearded iris with grey-green leaves, to 15cm long, and very short, unbranched stems bearing usually solitary, scented, blue, purple or yellow flowers, to 5cm across, with yellow or blue beards, in spring. To 15cm. There are a very large number of named garden forms. [RHSE, Hortus].
Horticultural & Botanical History
‘This beautiful little plant is a native of Hungary: it has long been known in our gardens, having been cultivated by Parkinson.’ [LBC no.1574/1829].
‘Gardeners in former days, not having that profusion of plants to attend to and cultivate, which we can at present boast, appear to have been more solicitous in increasing generally the varieties of the several species; accordingly we find in the Paradisus terrestris of the venerable Parkinson, no less than six varieties of this plant, most of which are now strangers to the Nursery Gardens. We may observe, that varieties in general not being so strong as the original plant, are consequently much sooner lost.’ [BM t.1261/1810]. The variety figured is violacea with a purple flower. The variety lutea is figured in BM t.1209/1809 and violacea in BM t.1261/1810.
History at Camden Park
Iris pumila is only listed in the 1843 catalogue.
Notes
Iris pumila Griseb. (1843) = Iris rubro-marginata Baker
Iris pumila Vill. (1787) = Iris lutescens Lam. which see, synonym Iris chamaeiris Bertol.
Published Nov 05, 2009 - 05:06 PM | Last updated Jul 23, 2010 - 05:20 PM
Iris pumila L. | BM t.1261/1810 | BHL
| Family | Iridaceae |
|---|---|
| Category | |
| Region of origin | Eastern Europe |
| Synonyms |
|
| Common Name | |
| Name in the Camden Park Record | Iris pumila |
| Confidence level | high |