| Welcome to Soul gardening The sacred art of relating harmoniously. |
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| Interesting tidbits:
The iris is native to the temperate regions of the Northern Hemisphere. Irises are divided into two main groups, rhizomatous and bulbous. Rhizomatous irises have sword-shaped leaves, which may be evergreen. They are subdivided into three groups: bearded (flag), beardless, and crested. Crested irises have crests instead of a beard. The bearded types are native to the eastern Mediterranean and central Asia, where cold winters and hot, dry summers prevail. The beardless irises mostly have long, narrow leaves. They are mainly water plants, including Japanese iris (I. kaempferi), I. fulva and its hybrids from Louisiana in the U.S.A., and the Pacific Coast irises (I. douglasiana). Bulbous irises are divided into three groups: the juno, reticulata, and xiphium irises. The first two are beautiful, but mostly difficult to grow, bulbs from western and central Asia. Xiphium irises are originally from Mediterranean regions and are easier to grow. They are known as the English, Spanish, or Dutch iris. Iris is named after Iris, the Greek goddess of the rainbow. The flower has been a symbol of power and majesty since ancient times. The Egyptians placed it on the brow of the Sphinx, and on the sceptres of their kings. The blossoms’ three petals represented faith, wisdom, and valour. The ancient arms of Florence are a white lily or iris on a red shield, which would probably indicate that this city was famous for these plants. Florence still hosts the International Iris Trials. The juice of the fresh roots of the iris has been used as a cosmetic and for removing facial freckles. In ancient Greece and Rome, orris root was largely used in perfumery. Orris root is derived from I. germanica var. florentina. Orris was also used as an instant shampoo that removed grease and scented the hair. In the 18th century orris was one of the ingredients in hair-whitening powder. It was also chewed as a breath freshener and was included in some dentifrice powders. Orris is now a popular fixative for potpourris, and is carved into rosary beads. It has also provided teething sticks for babies. Orris flavours drinks and cordials. In Russia it was once sold mixed with honey and ginger. Orris was on the coat of arms of the Frankish king Clovis. One version of the story behind its appearance there is that the iris saved his army when he saw it growing in a river. He took it as a sign they could cross safely. In 12th century France the iris became the fleur-de-lys, or flower of Louis VII. The rhizome produces a grey-black dye when used with an iron mordant |
| Iris species, Iridaceae
Iris, flower of love Plant essence guidance for the soul: Striving for the best. Outstanding. Rising above. |