The name of
this species has jumped around a bit since
its introduction in 1773 from
Siberia,
China, and Mongolia. Originally, it was
called Iris dichotoma and then
taxonomists changed it to Pardanthopsis
dichotoma about 40 years ago. Today, it
is listed in many sources under either name.
We will stick with the name Iris
dichotoma.
Either way,
this species was crossed with
Belamcanda
chinensis, (now called Iris
domestica by some taxonomists) to produce a
new genus named x Pardancanda norrisii.
As far as we know, it still goes by that
name.
The common
name comes from the fact that the flowers
open in later afternoon about the time of
evening vespers in local churches.
Disregarding
the rebloomers, this is supposed to be the
latest flowering iris which bears its blooms
in August. It grows to about 4 feet in
height and has one inch wide flowers in pure
white to violet in color. Unfortunately,
they are known as "short lived" perennials
and may need to be replaced every few years.
