Re: unexpected survivors

--- In iris-species@yahoogroups.com, Robt R Pries <rpries@s...> wrote:
>When one considers the tremendous variety of species within the genus iris it seems to me that someone in zone 3 should assume that most would be hardy. The list of those that you could not grow because of the cold is actually very small and my inclination would be that a new variety or species should be assumed cold hardy until proven otherwise. Off hand i can only think of about 20 of the 250+ species that would not make it in your garden. 

Dear Bob,

With my barely-existant experience with iris species, I will certainly 
defer to your superior knowledge about the cold-hardiness of most 
species irises, and I'm delighted to learn of the possibilities for my 
garden in that regard.  I don't understand, though, why I should *
assume* that most would be hardy in this frigid, often snowless 
winter, and sometimes 90+ and humid summer climate.  From my very 
novice perspective, I would be inclined to assume that the reason for 
the tremendous variety of species within the genus iris has more to do 
with the adaptation of specific species to specific climates and 
growing conditions worldwide than with the adaptability of most 
species to most climates and conditions.

I would be very appreciative of a list of species which you do *not* 
believe would have a decent chance of surviving in my garden so I 
don't inflict unnecessary difficulty on either myself or the hapless 
iris I may, in my inexperienced enthusiasm, try to grow here someday.

Thank you for your insights and information,

Laurie
zone 3b, northern MN
                       





 
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