Re: Re:iris-talk OT:Mulch and Rhizome Depth

Well, maybe not a myth. My initial purpose was to determine what planting 
depth produced the greatest increase. Short version of experiment was: I took 
3 rhizomes each of 30 different irises and planted at the mentioned depths. 
The 1/2 deep plantings produced the greatest increase. No rot was observed in 
rhizomes planted at the 1/2 inch depth. It gets pretty wet here rather often 
here. Around 55 inches per year. Generally evenly dispersed every fifth day 
through out the year. Used the same plants to evaluate nitrogen addition so 
may have corupted the data some in that way.
Humidity and temperature are considered high by most people in US. 

In some ways plants seem smarter than people. The have the intrensic ability 
to determine what circumstances are best for them and seek that enviorenment 
as best they can. I believe irises paticularly addept at doing this. If they 
need to produce above the soil level, given a little time, they will if they 
don't see a need, they stay about half to 3/4 buried.

Have seen irises buried (accidentally) under 8 inches of soil rise to the 
top, survive, grow and increase while others "properly" planted adjacent to 
them contracted rot. As a whole, iris seem so much tougher than conventional 
wisdom suggest. All in all, I suspect a genetic component to rot 
susceptibility when certain environmental conditions are encountered.

I'm by no means an expert on any iris subject. I would not recommend my 
horticultural practices to anyone. I get so much misinformation I feel 
compelled to test all conventional wisdom. But, I am going to continue 
planting 1/2 inch deep.

Don't know much about cold, we rarely have 3 consecutive nights below 
freezing. But, if that slushy snow stuff don't harm them. Why would dirt? 
Push the envelope. Question the conventional.

BB


 

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