Contents
Description
Iris Bulleyana is a perennial plant that belongs to the Iridaceae family. It is native to China and was first discovered by George Forrest in 1912. This plant gets its name from Arthur Kilpin Bulley, who was a British plant collector that founded the famous Ness Botanic Gardens. Iris Bulleyana is a popular garden plant due to its striking appearance and low maintenance requirements.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukaryota |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Tracheophyta |
| Class | Liliopsida |
| Order | Asparagales |
| Family | Iridaceae |
| Genus | Iris |
Appearance
Iris Bulleyana grows up to 90cm tall and has green, sword-shaped leaves. The flowers are large and showy, with a diameter of up to 12cm. They are usually purple, but can also be white, pink, or blue. The flowers have a delicate fragrance and bloom in late spring to early summer. Iris Bulleyana is a rhizomatous plant, meaning it spreads out and forms clumps over time.
Care Guide
Iris Bulleyana is a low maintenance plant, making it an ideal addition to any garden. Here are some care tips:
- Water: This plant requires moderate watering. Water deeply once a week during the growing season and reduce watering during the dormant season.
- Fertilization: Iris Bulleyana does not require heavy fertilization. Apply a balanced fertilizer once a year in the spring.
- Soil: This plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. If your soil is heavy, add sand or perlite to improve drainage.
- Sunlight: Iris Bulleyana prefers full sun to partial shade. It can tolerate some shade, but too much shade can reduce flower production.
- Hardiness Zones: This plant is hardy in zones 5-9.
Common Pests & Diseases
Iris Bulleyana is relatively disease and pest-resistant, but it can still be affected by a few common issues:
- Leaf Spot: This fungal disease causes yellow or brown spots on the leaves. Remove infected leaves and treat with a fungicide.
- Iris Borer: This insect bores into the rhizome, causing yellowing and wilting of the leaves. Remove and destroy infected plants and treat with an insecticide.
- Thrips: These small insects can cause distorted flowers and leaves. Treat with an insecticide.
Habitat
Iris Bulleyana is native to western China, where it grows in open woodlands and rocky slopes. It prefers well-draining soil and can tolerate drought conditions.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Iris Bulleyana be grown in containers?
A: Yes, Iris Bulleyana can be grown in containers as long as the container is large enough to accommodate the growing plant and has good drainage.
Q: How often should I divide my Iris Bulleyana?
A: Iris Bulleyana should be divided every 3-4 years to prevent overcrowding and improve flower production.
Q: Can Iris Bulleyana be grown from seed?
A: Yes, Iris Bulleyana can be grown from seed, but it can take up to 3 years for the plant to bloom.
Q: Is Iris Bulleyana toxic to pets?
A: Yes, Iris Bulleyana is toxic to pets if ingested. Keep pets away from the plant to prevent any health issues.
Related Plants
- Iris sibirica
- Iris germanica
- Iris pseudacorus
- Iris ensata
- Iris versicolor
References
- “Iris Bulleyana” Plant Delights Nursery, Inc. Accessed 26 April 2021. https://www.plantdelights.com/products/iris-bulleyana
- “Iris Bulleyana” Royal Horticultural Society. Accessed 26 April 2021. https://www.rhs.org.uk/plants/8923/iris-bulleyana/details
- “Iris Bulleyana” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 26 April 2021. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?kempercode=b238
