Re: RE: SPEC-X rebloomer

 

Chuck,

I would second Bob's encouragement to introduce this plant.  And I would agree that calling it a SPEC-X is appropriate.  Too bad it is not readily fertile, certainly seedlings from a selfing would be exciting to see, especially in terms of re-bloom.  Lack of bee pods is some indication of pod sterility, but if it has any pollen, I would put it on a wide variety of SDBs and aphylla's.

Bill


From: Robert Pries <robertpries@embarqmail.com>
To: iris-species@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tue, November 23, 2010 10:43:20 AM
Subject: Re: [iris-species] RE: SPEC-X rebloomer

 

Chuck: I would encourage you to register and distribute this plant. I consider the SPEC-X class as an experimental class that can foster new developments. Just as not every TB that is registered wins an award, I suspect this plant would not either. It is too similar to Iris aphylla. But its reblooming trait is very interesting. Early Ibs which probably have a similar genetic make up were infertile also. But amazingly fertility sometimes develops over time, perhaps because of errors in mitosis. It is a plant I would like to play with and so I am in favor of its introduction. I think how one thinks about this plant depends a lot on ones mindset. It certainly looks like aphylla. If one likes the idea of an aphylla that continues to bloom all growing season than I think I think one would be happy with this plant. If one is expecting a WOW plant that would win lots of awards and be unique than I would tell someone to look elsewhere. But then again does every plant that is introduced have to be a potential Medal winner? Are we to be deprived of plants that are intellectually interesting just because someone does not think them special? I reiterate that The Iris Society is both for average gardeners and elitists.


----- Original Message -----
From: "Chuck Chapman" <irischapman@aim.com>
To: iris-species@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tuesday, November 23, 2010 12:48:15 PM
Subject: [iris-species] RE: SPEC-X rebloomer

 

I'm calling this seedling a Spec-X as it is a cross between Forever Blue  (SDB) and a species aphylla.  A bee pod, but aphylla  nature of pollen parent is rather obvious. In addition to branching and apearance, is the fact that foliage goes dormant like aphylla  in fall. A number of aphylla species were in next row to Forever Blue. If I  had to guess, it would be aphylla Hungary for first choice.

Flower stalks  between 12-18" and flower count of 8-12 per stalk.  Reblooms all summer long. Each stalk blooms for nearly four weeks.  Stalks in clump  are sequential, so thus lomg bloom time.  Pretty much an everbloomer based on how it performs.

It apears to be sterile. Likely because of an imbalanced 8/12/12/12  chromosome set. Will try differrent  types of parents to see if any seeds can be set. But no bee pods, which is a bad sign with  something of this size with so many flowers.

Chuck Chapman


-----Original Message-----
From: El Hutchison <eleanore@mymts.net>
To: iris-species@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Tue, Nov 23, 2010 12:25 pm
Subject: RE: [iris-species] SPEC-X

 
Chuck, can you send us a couple of pictures, please.
 
Dennis, I humbly submit that you're not just an ordinary gardener.  :)
 
El
 
To: i*@yahoogroups.com
From: d*@badbear.com
Date: Tue, 23 Nov 2010 11:53:37 -0500
Subject: Re: [iris-species] SPEC-X

 
nope.  i'm not a judge.  i'm just a gardener.  i've never understood (nor cared enough to learn) the rules of classifying bearded irises.  so such dilemmas just seem silly to me.  (if it is 1 inch too short or if the flower is too large, or whatever)

and if indeed the rules are so strict that they hinder development of wonderful seedlings like the one you described, then i have even less interest in those rules than before!

sorry... it's far from an intelligent or helpful answer.  but all i can do is reiterate my viewpoint that as a gardener, to me, i would not be able to see a big difference between your hybrid and another SDB or IB.  and so i struggle to accept it as a SPEC-X.

i suppose that's what happens when non-show people like me are utilizing show terminology.  so i guess i've learned a lesson from today's conversation.  that if i don't care enough to learn about bearded classifications, then maybe i sh ouldn't be so opinionated about the SPEC-X category either (even though it's totally my favorite).  i humbly apologize.  :-)

Dennis in Cincinnati



On Tue, Nov 23, 2010 at 10:26 AM, Chuck Chapman <i*@aim.com> wrote:

I have a seedling, that is a cross of an SDB  x  aphylla.
As SDB it is often too tall, as IB is often too short
Any suggestions as to how to classify it, if not Spec-X

Chuck Chapman



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