| Additional Notes: The opening of the buds can
be "hurried" by carefully peeling back the sheath from the bud, then gently
tapping the stem against your hand. This will pop the flower head open. In Greek mythology, Iris is the messenger of the gods who, cloaked
in a robe of dewdrops reflecting the stars, communicates messages via the rainbow, the
bridge between heaven and earth. The iris is the symbol of Idea and Message and the name
itself means "rainbow".
In some languages, irises are called flags or sword flags,
relating them to symbols of heraldry and royalty. In Japan the shape is seen to express
heroism and the blue color refers to blue blood, so irises play a key role in their spring
festival for boys.
The popularity of irises over the centuries has been
demonstrated in the still life paintings of the Dutch masters, and more recently has
inspired Vincent van Gogh. |
