Iris bucharica

The Iris bucharica, little known to French gardeners, grows in vigorous clumps on rocky slopes in the mountains of Central Asia and northeastern Afghanistan. Anchored on large fleshy roots, it develops somewhat like a dwarf corn, with stems adorned with long satin leaves. It is adorned in spring with very bright flowers, creamy white and vibrant lemon yellow, adorned with brown lines. This montane species is not afraid of cold or dryness in summer: it should be planted in full sun, in a rockery or raised bed, alongside shrubs or equally modest perennials that will hide the empty space it leaves in summer.

The Iris bucharica, sometimes called Iris Boukhara, belongs to the family of Iridaceae and to the group of Iris Juno Scorpiris, which includes species with smooth bulbs that can sometimes be delicate to grow. This one, very ornamental, is also the easiest to cultivate in the group, which earned it recognition from the Royal Horticultural Society. Its origins are found in Afghanistan, Tajikistan, and Uzbekistan (around Bukhara). It is found there in pebbles along the rivers and on gravelly slopes, at an altitude between 1500 and 1800 m (4921 and 5905ft).

This vigorous iris has a yellowish-white bulb, measuring about 2 cm (1in) in diameter, with fine fleshy roots. It forms clumps that reach an average height of 30 cm (12in) and spreads laterally quite rapidly, by producing new bulbs each year. From early April, the leafy stems elongate. Each stem will bear up to 7 solitary, non-fragrant flowers, which bloom from the top of the stem downwards. Each flower, 4 to 6 cm (2in) in diameter, is composed of 3 upright petals in white to cream-white colour, dominating 3 drooping sepals in vibrant yellow colour, adorned with fine brown veins.

This iris is also distinguished by the arrangement of its foliage along the stems. The flexible leaves, with entire ensate-shaped (sword-shaped) form, are imbricated at the base. They measure from 10 to 20 cm (4 to 8in) in length and are bright green on top and green-grey-blue on the underside. The foliage dries up in summer and then disappears. The plant goes into dormancy in summer to escape the dryness of summer.

The Iris bucharica can be planted in a sunny rockery, in pots, flower beds, and borders, as well as in bouquets. It pairs very well with muscari, as shown in the photo, as well as with crocus or botanical tulips, anemones blanda or coronaria. To hide the empty space it leaves in summer, it is interesting to plant small lavenders, thymes, helianthems, or santolinas near it, which also appreciate gravelly soils.