This week, we'll learn about the Holy Thistle, Hyacinth, Iris and Madonna Lily. It always amazes me that plants or flowers we consider "native" originated in the Holy Lands.
Holy Thistle
The Holy Thistle, Silybum marianum, is also called Lady's Thistle or Milk thistle. Folklore claims the variegations are Mary's milk. This is believed to be the thistle talked about in Genesis 3:17-18, Isaiah 34:13, and Matthew 13:7. It is an attractive, ornamental plant with typical thistle flowers. Plant it where it won't spread over pathways and snag people's clothes. It is a thistle!
Hyacinths
Spring wouldn't be the same without the highly scented, brightly colored hyacinths in your garden. This plant originated in Palestine and was cultivated very early in recorded history (Solomon 6:2). Wild Hyacinthus orientalis blooms in blue, bluish purple, and bluish white. The Dutch took the bulbs back to the Netherlands and have developed many brilliant colors including hot pink and orange.
This is one bulb that the squirrels don't dig up to eat in the winter, possibly because of the irritating chemicals contained in the bulb. Some people have to wear gloves while planting the bulbs in order to avoid a very itchy rash. The bulbs are planted six inches deep and can remain in their location for years. They need at least 12 inches of well drained soil under the bulb since the roots grow about 12 inches deep.
Hyacinth bulbs will flower inside in a hyacinth growing glass which keeps the base of the bulb just above water. This is a fascinating project for children and adults alike and will brighten a south facing window in the winter. The glasses are available in most nursery or garden stores near Christmas.
Irises
Yellow Flag Iris, Iris pseudacorus, is still well known in Palestine and around the world. Its bright yellow flowers are easily seen at a distance. They prefer the moist soils found along lake shores or along streams and rivers. Botanists believe this is the plant discussed in Hosea 14:5.
Plant the iris root about 3-4 inches deep in good garden soil. Iris only bloom on the latest fan of leaves. The old fans just nourish the tubers. When the clump grows large with few blooms, divide it, and replant only the newest fans. Also watch the roots for signs of iris borers (pinkish-brown pupas will be in the roots near the entry holes). If this occurs, destroy the entire plant and a large quantity of the surrounding soil. Replant new iris tubers in a different spot in the garden to avoid continuing the contamination.
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