Spuria Iris have not been available to be purchase from a commercial source in New Zealand since Waimate Iris Gardens stopped selling Spuria Iris in 2004 some ten years ago. The bright and showy 'Son of Sun' was gifted to me by Eddie Johns of the once famous Otara Birch Gardens in Rongotea who back when had a huge iris collection. I have a Iris friend in the Bay of Plenty that was able to purchase a few varieties from a South Island Grower, but the state of the market in New Zealand for one of the best long stem cut flower Iris varieties is poor. They are just so ideally suited for growing on the East Coast of New Zealand because of their desire for a long hot and dry summer that allows them to enjoy a dry dormant period. They require full sun, good drainage and like to be planted in a permanent position as they do not like to move and have a tendency to sulk and not flower for the first two years after transplanting. Best time to divide is just after the start of the Autumn rains.
Rainbow Ridge Nursery, Dural, New South Wales, Iris and Daylily Catalogue 1998.
SON OF SUN Rich, pure yellow...............$12.00
Waimate Iris Garden, Waimate, South Canterbury , 2004 Catalogue.
Spurias
Son of Sun: Wickenkamp 1983 Bright yellow..............................$8.00
IRIS Flowers of the Rainbow, Graeme Grosvenor.
Spuria Irises, Recommended cultivars.
Son of Sun: (Wickenkamp 1983) is a brilliant yellow of good form and growing habits. Spikes reach 115cm and this iris blooms mid season.It is a top award winner in the USA.
AIS Checklist 1989.
SON OF SUN (Floyd Wickenkamp, R. 1982). Seedling SP-78-1. SPU, 45.25" (105 cm), Mid bloom season. Lightly ruffled bright yellow. 'Archie Owen' X 'Baritone'. Shepard Iris Garden 1983. Honorable Mention 1985; Nies Award 1987; President's Cup 1987; Nies Medal 1994.
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