Irises (Wisley Handbooks) - Softcover

Sidney Linnegar; Jennifer Hewitt

Softcover

ISBN 10: 1845333837 ISBN 13: 9781845333836

Publisher: Mitchell Beazley, 2008

Synopsis

Irises are among the most beautiful flowering plants that can be grown in temperate climates. These stunning plants have a range that encompasses all colours of the rainbow and can provide spectacular focal plants for a mixed border, by water, among shrubs, in a rock garden, or in beds by themselves. This concise, illustrated handbook contains detailed information on all aspects of iris care, providing invaluable reference for amateur gardeners and experienced growers alike. The straightforward approach to essential techniques, together with advice on tackling pests and other problems, and the directory of recommended varieties, will ensure successful results.

About this title

About the Author:

Sidney Linnegar trained at Kew Gardens and was for many years in the Department of Plant Sciences at the University of Reading, where he was responsible for the collection of iris species. He is now retired and was recently president of the British Iris Society. He lives in Berkshire.Jennifer Hewitt is also involved in the British Iris Society, as a vice-president and honorary registrar. She has a particular interest in Siberian irises, is the author of the Hardy Plant Society's booklet Irises, and is a past editor of the BIS Year Book. She lives in Kidderminster, England.

Review:

Irises can cause obsessions with some gardeners, causing them to search high and low around the country, always on the hunt for new varieties and colour-ways. But they are not new plants. They have been around for centuries causing rivalry between the Ancient Greeks and Egyptians who both idolised their diverse form. Even today they are highly prized amongst connoisseurs of fine plants and the huge hybridisation programmes are testament to this. Varieties of iris can be found in flower virtually every month of the year - the winter-flowering Iris unguicularis, the spring flowering Juno iris, the summer-flowering bearded iris and the autumnal Iris foetidissima. Even out of flower their foliage either dies neatly away or remains as a statuesque reminder of their stateliness. Variegation can add to this interest but in some eyes detracts from the flowers when blooming. And situation-wise there are iris amenable to nearly all - the moisture loving Iris sibirica, the baked-earth lovers Iris bucharica, the shade-loving Pacific hybrids. And their uses within beds and borders are almost infinite. Authors Sidney Linnegar and Jennifer Hewitt, both of the British Iris Society, share their immense knowledge of these diverse plants clearly explaining the various technical terms involved and advising on cultivation and propagation, all accompanied by lavish colour photographs and pen and ink drawings of horticultural techniques. Part of the RHS Wisley handbook series, this is a comprehensive and concise look at iris, fully illustrated and clearly written. Aimed at both the amateur and professional grower, this is an invaluable addition to any serious horticulturalist's bookshelf. - Lucy Watson

About this edition

• Publisher: Mitchell Beazley
• Publication date: 2008
• ISBN 10: 1845333837
• ISBN 13: 9781845333836
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 96