On Oct 31, 2011, at 11:09 PM, Debbie Hinchey wrote:
I have a few questions that members in this group can probably answer:
>From Jim Waddick
>
> # 1 - is there a distance that one would think was far enough away
> from another iris to be considered "in isolation"?
This is a good question, but with a relative answer. If you
grow no other Siberian Iris, "Anywhere" would probably be the answer.
If you have a large garden -acres - I'd separate these seedlings by a
few hundred feet from all other Siberian Iris. If, like most mortal
gardeners you have too many plants, too little space and have lots
going on, try to keep these away from other Siberian Iris and if need
be hand pollinate the flowers early in the am (before the bees fly)
and cover the pollinated flowers with a mesh bag to prevent casual
cross pollination.
>
> # 2 - is it expected that these would be self-fertile if only one
> plant was germinated by the packet of seed?
Can't answer this one, but I think I sanguinea tends to be
self fertile. With ten seeds you should get multiple seedlings; at
least 3 or 4 would be minimal and ideal for cross pollination.
> # 3 - is there an area in the world thought to be most like the
> climatic conditions were these plants came from?
>
Anywhere that grows good Siberian Iris such as your area in
Alaska, the US northern tier of states. Avoid places where Siberians
do not thrive. I suspect these require the same of very similar
conditions to those of other Iris sanguinea which are very tolerant of
a variety of climates and soils.
You can find more text by going to Google and searching the
term "Iris sanguinea tobataensis" also search Google images and at
least the first 3 or 4 and a few other 'hits' will show pictures
including close ups of this species.
Rarity is relative. It is said to be extinct in the wild and
I doubt that there are any plants growing in the US.
Please write to us using the SIGNA Seed Ex email ONLY to
avoid loosing bids.
Best and thanks for the high bids Jim
Murrain and Jim Waddick
