Re: Irises in containers

---

     I asked about the growing of Louisiana Irises in containers because as mentioned, I had a plant of Hexagona to destroy a pot.  But, that pot drained and it was above ground.  The soil here is a very poor sand.  At one time, I lost plants, Irises and Daylilies both because of that.  I now grow many plants in containers. 

     The Daylilies are in pots that drain and are sunk back into the soil. Those are planted in Earthgro Florida Mix potting soil.  They love it.  In above ground pots filled with the same mix are four forms of Iris tectorum, a Candy Iris, a form of Iris pallida, CRICKET SONG, and Iris albicans.  My Neomaricas are in above ground pots filled with said mix too. 

       Now, to Irises in the ground.  I have one plant of Iris domestica and some Candy Irises in the Earthgro sunk back into the ground.  Crocosmia grows best this way too.  The Siberian Iris CAESARâS BROTHER is in a pot filled with sand, and is sunk into the ground.  In no drain pots, with sand being the growing material are two forms of Iris virginica and at least two forms of Iris pseudacorus.  When Vic mentioned the no drain tubs, I started setting some up, and it does work very well. 

      In the ground, growing in the sand directly are the white and bicolor Dietes.  Those get large here.  Also directly in the sand are the native Sisyrinchium, Trimezia, and Aristea ecklonii.  Neither of those three appreciated being potted so they are in the ground directly.  Some of the plants I have must be sheltered due to either heat and/or cold.   I came here in 1997, and every winter I have been here with one exception has had at least one day with a low under 20 F.  The coldest has been 12 F. 

 

Mark A. Cook

b*@bellsouth.net

Dunnellon, Florida                   USDA Zone 8b.