Re: Vic -- Iris virginica --

 

Vic,
 
Thanks for your response.  I think my containers may be larger than yours.  Mine are half barrels.  I am not sure how many gallons that translates to, but they are around two feet in diameter and I put about 18 inches of soil in them.    When I set them up, they did great, and the Louisiana rhizomes for some varieties multiplied so well that it was difficult to pull a rhizome out.  Last year I began to rework some of the barrels in which the plants were not doing as well as previously.  When I dug out the rhizomes I noticed that the roots did not extend down more than about six inches.  It was like a kind of dead zone down there.  My thought was that over time the oxygen below a certain point was depleted.  In shallower containers that may not happen. 
 
I have fertilied each year with Osmocote.  It seems to work well for several years, and then the growth in the barrels declines regardless of fertilizer.  In a couple of instances, I have noticed that after a year in this condition (and inadequate time to rework the barrel), good growth starts again.  This has made me wonder if I over-fertilized.  I really don't understand what occurs when there is no flow of water through soil. 
 
My efforts now are directed to reworking the barrels on a rotating basis.  I take out all the soil and start again, and the old stuff gets mixed into the compost.
 
I would appreciate any reaction based on your experience.
 
Patrick
 
 
----- Original Message -----
From: v*@msn.com
To: i*@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Friday, July 01, 2011 3:48 AM
Subject: RE: [iris-species] Vic -- Iris virginica --

 

Patrick,

According to my records, the I. virginica in the photo were transplanted into no-drainage tubs in April of 2006.   However, I have other I. virginica in my garden growing in no-drainage tubs for approximately twice as long.  I usually fertilize my irises once a year; occasionally twice a year, except I. tridentata which receives no fertilizer. And, I have missed fertilizing during a year.  I reside in a high-rainfall area and, I assume, that some flushing out of the tubs occurs during high -rainfall periods. We also have long dry spells, like the one we are now just leaving.  I have not observed any problems with salt buildups. The only problem I observe is that over time, very occasionally, a problem with overcrowding might develop. I also grow lots of Hymenocallis, Crinums, and other plants in no-drainage tubs.

Vic

From: iris-species@yahoogroups.com [mailto:iris-species@yahoogroups.com] On Behalf Of Patrick O'Connor
Sent: Thursday, June 30, 2011 10:30 PM
To: iris-species@yahoogroups.com
Subject: Re: [iris-species] Vic -- Iris virginica --

 

Vic,

Over how long a period have you grown virginicas in no-drainage tubs?  I grow Louisiana irises in half barrels with no drain holes.  I find that they do really well for several years, then decline in some cases.  I have never been certain how to fertilize in that situation and don't know the extent there is a build-up of byproducts.  Fertilizer recommendations generally assume that the soil is flushed out over time, but I really don't know what is going on in those barrels.

I would be interested to know your thoughts and those of others.

Patrick

----- Original Message -----

From: v*@msn.com

To: i*@yahoogroups.com

Sent: Thursday, June 30, 2011 7:19 PM

Subject: [iris-species] Vic -- Iris virginica -- Emailing: CIMG0692.JPG

 

Mark,

Your recent email asked if Iris virginica would grow okay in no-drainage
tubs. The attached photo taken 6/29/11 shows I. virginica growing in
no-drainage tubs in my garden. They appear happy to me.

Vic

CIMG0692.JPG:

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