Iris rosenbachiana is a species in the genus Iris, it is also in the subgenus of Scorpiris. It is a bulbous perennial.
It was first published by Regel in 'Trudy Imperatorskago St. Peterburgskago Botaniceskago Sada' Vol3 in 1884.
The name is derived from that of the Russian governor of Turkestan where the bulb was found.
Iris rosenbachiana is now the accepted name by the RHS.
Note, Iris rosenbachiana var. baldshuanica is a synonym of Iris baldshuanica.
This species is similar to Iris nicolai both in cultural requirements and form.
It prefers to grow in well drained soils, that have a stony composition including dolimitic lime dust. They like summer drought and well ventilated positions. It is difficult to grow outside in the UK, so best cultivated in an alpine house or bulb frame.
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Habit
Iris rosenbachiana is thought to be in the same 'physocaulon' group of junos, along with Iris kopetdagensis, Iris leptorrhiza, Iris popovii, Iris nicolai, Iris baldschuanica and Iris zaprjagajevii. They all have short thick storage tubers which come to a point, and they have an extra side bulb in addition to the bulb which produces the flowers and leaves.
This iris is one of the first Juno irises to appear in mild winters of Washington, D.C. in the USA, flowering in late February. But it can also flower in March in USDA Zone 7 gardens. In the UK, it blooms between March and April.
It grows up between to 10-15 cm (4-6 in) tall.
It has deeply sweet scented flowers.
It has between 1-3 flowers per stem, which are long tubed and about 4-5 cm (1.5-2 in) wide.
The flowers are variable in colour, but are generally of rosy lavender with markings of darker purple and gold. But they can range from deep purple, deep rich purple, light purple, pale mauve to white.
It has small down-turned rich purple standards and reddish purple falls, each with an orange or yellow ridge or crest in the centre.
It has yellow-orange pollen.
It has lance-shaped, channelled, mid-green leaves formed from a basal tuft. The multiple leaves, grow at the same time as the short flower stem.
This iris has a seed that has an aril.
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Native
Iris rosenbachiana is found in Central Asia. Also seen in North Afghanistan. It has been found in the Pamir-Alai mountains at altitudes of up to 2000 m above sea level. It has also been found in the Hissar Mountains and Fan Mountains in Tadjikistan.
Known Cultivars
- Iris rosenbachiana 'Harangon' - large white flowers
- Iris rosenbachiana 'Tovil Dara' - dark purple flowers from Tovil Dara town in Tadjikistan.
- Iris rosenbachiana 'Varzob' - cream coloured flowers from Tadjikistan.
Source of the article : Wikipedia
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