Iris Flowers
Iris Flowers Delivered In Uk
Name : Iris Flowers
Latin Name : Genus: Iris, (Iris junonia )
Description
Iris is a genus comprising of 200–300 species of beautiful plants with showy flowers from the Family Iridaceae. Iris is widely distributed throughout the north temperate zone with habitats ranging from cold regions to the grassy slopes, meadowlands and riverbanks of Europe, the Middle East and northern Africa, Asia and across North America.
Common name for this genus is also Iris while in North America they are also known as Flags; and the subgenus Scorpiris are commonly known as Junos. The name Iris comes from the Greek word for a rainbow, probably referring to the wide variety of colours found among the many species of Irises.
Iris varieties are perennial herbs that grow from creeping rhizomes (rhizomatous irises), or, in drier climates, from bulbs (bulbous irises). Iris flowers are borne on long, erect stalks, which may be simple or branched, solid or hollow, and flattened or circular depending on the variety. The Iris has a fan-shaped inflorescence which contains one or more symmetrical six-lobed flowers. Their foliage is sword-shaped and provides a touch of green to your garden even when the flowers are not blooming. Iris flower comprises of three sepals called "falls" and three, sometimes reduced, petals called "standards". Some of the smaller iris varieties have all six lobes pointing straight outwards.
Irises are classified into two major groups and can be either Rhizomatous or Bulbous. Within these two groups there are countless species, varieties, cultivars and hybrids.
Rhizome Irises maybe Bearded, Beardless or Crested.
Bulbous irises are typically smaller than rhizome irises and usually produce smaller flowers.
As befitting their name, Irises come in a rainbow of colours: blue, purple, white, yellow, pink, orange, brown, red, and even black. Garden varieties can come in any of these many varieties while popular cut flowers are mostly blue, white, and yellow. A truly red bearded iris remains an unattained goal although the beardless rhizomatous Copper Iris (I. fulva), has a relatively pure red color.
Irises are wonderful garden plants and prefer a well-drained, porous soil, in a sunny spot or partial shade depending on the variety planted. The bearded irises varieties are easy to cultivate and propagate, and are very popular in gardens. Irises propagate from both seed and root separation. The roots (Rhizomes) can easily be separated and replanted while most Beardless Irises can also be propagated from seeds.
The earliest varieties to bloom are I. junonia and I. reichenbachii, flowering as early as February and March; followed by the dwarf varieties I. pumila which blossom during March, April and May. During May and June most of the larger-growing "tall bearded" irises bloom, such as the German Iris and its varieties Florentina, Sweet Iris and the Hungarian Iris. When in bloom they add splashes of vibrant colour and lush beauty to your garden. When potted they can adorn stone steps, patios and windowsills.
Iris is equally popular as a cut flower, especially the blue or purple varieties and has a vase life of 4-5 days. It’s the perfect gift for all occasions due to its rich meanings. With its unique elegance and heart warming hue, an iris livens up a room like nothing else. There is no doubt that this enchanting, exquisite flower is the best choice for any bouquet or flower arrangement.
Iris Meaning
Due to the rich variety of meanings, an iris can be used to convey different emotions.
The three upright petals of the Iris are considered to symbolize Faith, Valor and Wisdom.
In the language of flowers Iris symbolizes Eloquence, Faith, Hope, Wisdom, Courage, and Admiration.
A Purple iris signifies Wisdom and Compliments.
A Blue iris symbolizes Faith, Hope and Royalty.
A Yellow iris represents Passion.
The White iris stands for Purity.
Iris Mythology
The beautiful Iris has fascinated mankind through out time. One finds mention of this enigmatic flower in history, art, literature and mythology alike.
The enchanting Iris is popular among artists and writers. Vincent van Gogh painted several famous pictures of irises and Joseph Mason painted an image of what was then known as the Lousianna Flag or Copper Iris (Iris cuprea). Philip Hermogenes Calderon painted an iris in his 1856 work Broken Vows which was accompanied with poetry by Henry Wadsworth Longfellow when it was first exhibited.
The Iris was linked to French monarchy during the Middle Ages and the Fleur-de-lis eventually became the recognized national symbol of France after Louis VII adopted it as a symbol in the 12th Century.
An Iris can also be seen on the Quebec flag, on the logo of the New Orleans Saints professional football team, and on the flag of Saint Louis, Missouri.
The red fleur-de-lis is the coat-of-arms of Florence (Italy). The fleur-de-lis is also the symbol of Scouting. A Yellow Iris is the symbol of Brussels, since the Saint Gaugericus Island was carpeted in them. The iris is also the state flower of Tennessee.
In Greek mythology, the Iris is the symbol of the Greek Goddess Iris, the messenger of Love who used the rainbow to travel and acted as the link between heaven and earth. Purple irises were planted on the graves of women to summon the Goddess to guide them in their eternal journey. Iris was probably named after this goddess because of its countless colours.
Iris was a particular favourite of ancient Egyptian kings from the 18th Egyptian dynasty and Iris has been found painted in a number of Egyptian palaces as well as the Sphinx.
Another ancient belief is that the iris serves as A Warning to be Heeded, as it was named after the messenger of Olympus. The enigmatic Iris is also believed to convey the image of lost love and silent grief, since young girls were led into the afterlife by Iris.
Iris has found medicinal uses as well. The juice of fresh Iris roots, bruised with wine, has been used as a strong purge of great efficiency in dropsy. It is also used as a remedy for freckles. When dried, Iris root is said to be good for lung disorders, coughs and hoarseness, but is now more valued for the pleasantness of its violet-like perfume than for any other use.
