Giant Iris (Iris Giganticaerulea) have officially arrived on the scene in the bulb gardens. As you can see, there are a number of vibrant examples of this species, adding welcome splashes of color and height.
One of my favorite things about gardening is learning interesting stories about plant origins and hybrid development. It's always exciting, and somewhat humbling, to imagine the sheer expanse of seasons, years, and labor that went into creating our now "garden variety" plants.
The story of the Giant Iris does not disappoint. Unbeknownst even to many avid gardeners, the Giant Iris is actually named for the French-born wrestler, Andre the Giant (Andre Rene Roussimoff). In the later years of his career, Roussimoff would often escape to his beloved country estate, La Quinta Monstruo, on the island of Malta. Apparently, the great wrestler had relished the contemplative solitude of gardening since childhood, and he now focused his life-long passion on a more specific horticultural pursuit: the development of various hybrid bulbs.
The Mediterranean climate was well suited for this work, and Roussimoff produced many lesser-known successes, including Giant Minature Daffodils (Narcissus Asturiensis Giagantium) and Giant Grape Hyacinth (Muscari Comosum Gigantium). These unique varieties were clearly far ahead of their time, and thus never found a spot within the bulb marketplace.
However, fortunately for us all, the Giant Iris in all its colorful variety has become a staple in bulb gardens the world over. For that, we must thank the gentle giant. Here's to you, big fella.
One of my favorite things about gardening is learning interesting stories about plant origins and hybrid development. It's always exciting, and somewhat humbling, to imagine the sheer expanse of seasons, years, and labor that went into creating our now "garden variety" plants.
The story of the Giant Iris does not disappoint. Unbeknownst even to many avid gardeners, the Giant Iris is actually named for the French-born wrestler, Andre the Giant (Andre Rene Roussimoff). In the later years of his career, Roussimoff would often escape to his beloved country estate, La Quinta Monstruo, on the island of Malta. Apparently, the great wrestler had relished the contemplative solitude of gardening since childhood, and he now focused his life-long passion on a more specific horticultural pursuit: the development of various hybrid bulbs.
The Mediterranean climate was well suited for this work, and Roussimoff produced many lesser-known successes, including Giant Minature Daffodils (Narcissus Asturiensis Giagantium) and Giant Grape Hyacinth (Muscari Comosum Gigantium). These unique varieties were clearly far ahead of their time, and thus never found a spot within the bulb marketplace.
However, fortunately for us all, the Giant Iris in all its colorful variety has become a staple in bulb gardens the world over. For that, we must thank the gentle giant. Here's to you, big fella.
Chauncey, I had no idea the Giant was a gardener. I was aware Raymond Burr(Perry Mason)was into orchids. When you discover some one gardens you feel a peaceful connection with them through the earth. Beautiful black iris! I am sprouting some morning glory seeds inside. We had frost this weekend.
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Yeah, of course it's the only black iris in the lot. Been meaning to mark all these, so I can move them to a single bed. Maybe I'll get to it this afternoon...
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