Re: Hidden Mystery


On Feb 20, 2009, at 4:26 PM, Dennis Kramb wrote:

 "Hidden Mystery". Why? 
Because it seems to be a new form (subspecies) of Iris cristata. 

"Unlike all other forms currently in commerce with rhizomes that spread 
on top of the soil surface, the rhizomes of this spread below ground 
more like its Asian relative Iris japonica. 

My only problem is that I've tried at least a dozen types of Iris 
cristata in my garden and lost them all within a matter of 2 yrs or 
less. 

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Very interesting. I can just imaging the critters having a feast on those nice upright rhizomes. Even the typical cristata can be eaten in not covered by leaves in the winter. The upright rhizomes look the same as the usual horizontal ones, I wonder just how they spread? The large bud in the center has the flower and the side buds develop into the new rhizomes. How do they get back to the soil and then upright again, just too weird!
I have only lost cristata in really bad drought years. It loves living on the north side of a house. Bright light but never full sun. It can grow really wet but always needs good drainage. I've seen it growing in vernal streams and even hanging off a waterfall. It is common on steep north slopes where it's native.
The buds on my cristatas have started to swell, they are getting anxious for spring.

Jim


Jim Murrain
8871 NW Brostrom Rd
Kansas City, Missouri 64152-2711
USA
Zone 6



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