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We
mark the start of spring in mid- to late-February with the first blooms
of this plant. Its flowers also mark the sites of long-abandoned
homesteads and pioneer cemeteries, since it is the most durable and longest
lived Iris in central Texas. While it behaves like a native plant,
it's not. At least 1200 years ago, it was taken north from the southern
Arabian peninsula to the Mediterranean. Thence across north Africa
to Morocco, across the Straits of Gibraltar to Spain, and from Spain to
New Spain (Mexico and Texas). It has taken many years to build up
sufficient stock to offer this species. Grows in full sun to half-day
sun (shade of deciduous, not evergreen trees) in a location with good drainage.
Looks best if given a deep watering every two weeks during a dry summer.
(Feed with 3 to 5 Agriform
21-gram,
2-year fertilizer tablets at the bottom of the hole at planting time.) |