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Tuesday, April 2, 2013

Sisyrinchium striatum, Companion planting for Bearded Irises



Sisyrinchium striatum, common name is 'Satin Flower' and is a member of the Iridaceae family. A great inexpensive companion plant for Bearded and Siberian irises. Upright narrow grey green leaves are sword like and evergreen.  Creamy blooms with dark yellow centers rise above foliage on multiple spikes . These adaptable South American wildflowers tolerate a wide range of conditions and naturalize easily. The late spring early summer blossoms each open for just one day with the morning sun and close at dusk but this short individual blooming is compensated by a long succession of blooms. Rarely do the blooms open on cloudy days. Flower stems grow to 60 cm (24")
Grows in moderately fertile to poor, neutral to slightly alkaline soil that is well-drained and in a full sun position. Drought tolerant once established. Its biggest problem is its untidy spent foliage which is overcome by dividing this plant every second year which seems to keep it looking good and dividing ensures good flowering. A high yield plant in many ways and generally pest free.


As always clicking on the above image will take you to the larger, higher resolution version.
Photo credit and copyright Iris Hunter.


 

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