RE: ot-bio carol

> I get new rhizomes every year and try to pick ones that have some green on
> them. I get them planted and some of them get really soft, does that mean
> it's dead?
> Also, how long does it usually take for the iris to bloom once 
> planted? I have some that are about 3 years old and still nothing. 
> I know these seem like silly questions, but please help!    
> 
Hey, no such thing as silly questions.  We've all had some soft, shriveled
rhizome, wondering if it could make it.  Wait and see.  As long as there's
some green, there's hope.   Of course if the rhizome gets mushy (rot) all
the way to the fan, it may be gone.  At that point, it's probably best not
to let it contaminate your soil any worse.

Some iris are just lousy performers.  Most nurseries buy from big commercial
growers, probably not from your climate, and I'm always amazed at the lousy,
outdated varieties they seem to have.  Every once in a while a
tried-and-true Persian Berry or something shows up, but for the same $3 you
could do a lot better buying from an iris specialist.  True, they sell some
for up to $50, but most of them don't even carry the old junk you find at
nurseries (wherever does it come from!); they carry a lot of excellent
varieties for the same $3 or so.  They will usually offer suggestions on
which varieties grow best, or poorly in your particular climate.  The iris
they sell will be fresher too.  Although remarkably hardy, these are living
plants, not bulbs.

I bought from nurseries my first year too.  Just as bad are generic "flower"
catalogs.  Do yourself a favor.  Start with Shreiners and Cooleys for great
catalogs, or Suttons for excellent value, and grow into Bay View Gardens or
Keith Keppel Iris when you really learn to appreciate the finer things.
There are dozens of other growers and hybridizers who will provide much
better quality and selection than the local nurseries.  

Most iris should bloom the first year.  Unless abused, no bloom by the
second year is not a very good recommendation for that variety.  I have had
iris for up to 6 years before getting a bloom.  By then it is "please,
either bloom or die, I no longer care which (or preferably bloom and die, I
don't want to waste the space another 6 years)".  Maybe they need more sun,
or fertilizer.  Are the fans healthy looking?

John Reeds, in 9b southern California    

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