Iris
Common names: iris, netted iris, Dutch iris.
Iris is a genus of flowering plants with showy flowers which takes its name from Latin for rainbow, referring to a wide variety of flower colors found among its many species as well as countless garden cultivars.
They are perennial herbs growing from creeping rhizomes (rhizomatous irises),
or, in drier climates, from bulbs (bulbous irises).
Flowers open to 1 to 3 inches across.
Long, thin, pointed leaves grow from the stem base.
Colors include bluish-purple, deep purple, lavender, white or yellow.
Many have yellow petal markings.
As a cut flower, vase life is two to five days. |
Liatris
Common names: liatris, spike gayfeather
Liatris belongs to the Compositae family.
About 40 species of this hardy perennial flower grow across North America, from
southern Canada to northern Mexico, also east of the Rocky Mountains through Florida.
Liatris spicata, L. aspera Michx. and L. pycnostachya Michx. are major commercial species, often used as colorful accents in cut flower arrangements or bouquets.
Unlike other flowers, liatris flowers open from its stem top downward.
Clustered along the spike, they have a feathery look.
Various shades of deep lavender are most common; other flower colors are bluish shades, violet or white. |
