Slightly OT Spuria irises

James Waddick jwaddick@kc.rr.com
Wed, 09 Nov 2005 15:26:57 PST
Dear Steve;
	Spuria iris probably came as dormant woody looking rhizome 
hopefully with a tiny green 'nose' which will be the new growth in 
spring. Plant therm just covered or no more than an inch or so to the 
top of the rhizome.
	They wont "do" anything until the weather warms up. These are 
mostly plants of prairies and near desert. They are very drought 
tolerant, but can take a lot of spring rain. I have seen wild spurias 
in 6 inches of spring flood water.

	They can take 3 or more years to clump up and bloom well, but 
they can stay in the same spot undisturbed for decades. Be patient.

	In GA they may get a lot of summer wet and humidity so I'd 
make sure they are in a well drained site in full sun. And once 
established they'll produce an abundance of flowering stems that make 
excellent cut flowers somewhat like extra large "Dutch Iris" in a 
wider range of colors.

	In general these are easy and under appreciated. New cvs are 
quite fantastic in color and form.

		Best		Jim W.

-- 
Dr. James W. Waddick
8871 NW Brostrom Rd.
Kansas City Missouri 64152-2711
USA
Ph.    816-746-1949
Zone 5 Record low -23F
	Summer 100F +


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