Friday, May 17, 2013

African Iris - Dietes grandiflora; and Iris Kampfriare...


With Winter approaching it is almost time to complete the plantings around the lake. Over the last 2 years we have planted many Waterlilies (twice over), lots of Dutch and Flag Irises (which die back when not in flower, and Day Lilies. When looking at finishing the verge plantings we looked at a lot of different reeds and rushes and found these African Irises (Dietes grandiflora), which once they have finished flowering keep their long green reed-like appearance. They divide quite ferociously and should quickly help screen out any remaining visible rubber at the edge of the lake. Their flower is also delicately coloured, blending well with the other colours of the lake. We will also plant them down the length of the brook, to help achieve that truly riparian look.

 Above: The dense thick green leaves
Below: The delicate white flowers with a purple blush and yellow stamen


Interspersed with these we will plant a few Iris kampfriare.. We first saw these when we visited our architect's garden. He is an avid water gardener, and at the time his kampfriares were in full bloom.


Some of  lovely specimens which our architect Chris cultivates...
They grow to almost 4 feet tall...

The blooms are absolutely gorgeous, but like the irises we have already planted, their leaves dies back when not in flower.

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