They seem very happy in the raised bed I created last September - they relish the gritty, well-drained conditions and cope happily with the shade cast by the neighbouring house for the latter part of the afternoons. Originating (via Sarah Raven) from the mountains of northern Turkey, they are tough characters and their immaculate blooms are apparently impervious to rain, snow, sleet and frost. It's hard to believe these flowers have been held for the best part of two weeks already and still look perfect.
Early and fabulous though they are, there is a problem. They are, to put it bluntly, short-arses. It's not that I'm size-ist, it's just that they are only about 10-15cm tall and are planted amidst rows of emerging tulips, which will engulf them over the coming weeks. That's the price paid for putting bulbs in as they arrive, rather than doing a single bulk order and planning out my planting more strategically. So.... once their show is over for this year and they've had a bit of rest, I will move them over to the other side of the garden and plant them in the narrow border down the side of the drive which needs cheer at this time of year.
I think they will look much nicer planted in informal groups, adding a bit of colour, and keeping my rose and baby Christmas box plants company.
Being short in the arse department myself - I can see what you mean. I get lost in a field of tulips too ;)
ReplyDeleteThe upside of having them with the tulips is that you won't notice the decaying foliage as it dies back.
They are beauties - not one I have but can confirm they are not in the least affected by frost/rain/snow. A very worthwhile addition to the spring garden. If they like it there, they will bulk out.
oooh - hope they do once they get settled in their new home. The SR catalogue says that you can cut them to, so will have to try it to see how they last. I keep reading that they are fragrant but mine do not appear to be scented. Will check out a newly opened bloom to see if I missed it on the early arrivals!
DeleteYour George is a beauty!
ReplyDeleteGlad you love him too.
ReplyDeleteI rather fancy George myself. This year I have planted my little irises amongst small herbaceous perennials which are just starting into growth in the hope that they will cover the dying foliage. That's the theory, anyway.
ReplyDeleteAngie's comment is hilarious!
Good plan! George is certainly good-looking! Love that touch of yellow against the dark purple.
ReplyDeleteReminds me of Mr Clooney.
DeleteIris cristata is another short but lovely iris. Yours looks like it would go very well with crocus or scylla.
ReplyDeletewill look out for that one too - thanks for the tip.
DeleteHe seems a popular chap. I've set out bulbs for cutting in one bed at present - just to make life easier when it comes to cutting, and to stop me digging them up as I garden. But it just don't feel right!! I think that's partly why I want to shift George to the empty border, so he can have some mates to hide his blushes when he's looking past his best - much more my kind of thing. My alliums have the same issues but their tatty leaves are hidden by everything else as the planting overtakes them. Love bulbs for their early colour and fabulous flowers though.
ReplyDeleteNoticed your comments re alliums - unlike other bulbs by the time alliums have began flowering - they have all the nutrition they need, you don't need to wait for the foliage to die back.
DeleteWhen an allium is in flower, the strappy leaves are by that time almost unattached to the bulb. Give it a try!
The leaves tend are only attractive during the early stages of growth and tend to flop about as the flower grows - I find it is simpler to hide them amongst other things rather than having to tidy them - just lazy! Will try out your tip though! Ta.
DeleteI love George too... lucky we can share. I planted 50 of I. Katherine Hodgkins last year and enjoyed them immensely! It is nice to have some early green foliage about them. Small sedum works well in some of my areas.
ReplyDeleteHe seems to be a popular chap!
Delete