{Disarmed} Re: Color Change

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Billy,  Just guessing?, and I am hoping someone with a lot more experience in hybridizing chimes in but since I did post the photo I guess I  should have formulated some opinions.   I would speculate the first winter months and maturing process allow the anthocyanins which determine the pigmentation or the lack there of in the Iris to settle in and become its permanent pattern.  Although fertilization, moisture, heat, cold and stress the plant comes under and may play a part in the variations seen in its general apperance the basic pattern & color should always be the same after its initial bloom.  I guess I relate the ugly duckling  that turns into a beautiful swan to my hybridizing.  If I see potential I keep it around for an extra year or two and hope better things are to come.  The Iris we introduced as Whistler's Tune this year only had 3 buds the first couple of years. I liked the yellow/gold in the hafts and the consistancy of the horns so I didn't throw it out.  By the fourth year it was producing 8 buds and has every year thereafter.   Not really know why but just knowing changes might take place in the maturing process is encouraging to me.  If I may post one more photo.  Seedling 23BS4.  It had 11 buds the first year.  One low branch to go along with the main stem.  The plant foliage was fairly tall initially but since transplanting & lining out it seems as if the foliage is fairly compact but a very good grower.  Hoping the branching stays the same or gets better, we will see next spring.  

 

Bob in Denver

Iris4u Iris Garden

Denver, Colorado