Re: Introduction
- To: Multiple recipients of list <i*@rt66.com>
- Subject: Re: Introduction
- From: M* H* <M*@worldnet.att.net>
- Date: Sun, 26 Apr 1998 10:11:53 -0600 (MDT)
Kelly J. Lipp wrote:
>
> Hello,
>
> I'm Kelly Lipp. My wife and I garden in Colorado Springs CO and are
> interested in adding iris to our various gardens. Specifically, we're
> interested in non-bearded iris, preferably, since we live in Colorado,
> types that don't require "wet feet."
Hi Kelly & welcome:
When first reading your posting, I thot you'd made a typo -- why are you
not interested in bearded iris? I'm in Evergreen, west & south of Denver
at 7,400' & have had the most success growing TBs, SDBs & MTBs. I'm
certain I have colder winter temps than you do & more snow, but our
summer moisture & temps aren't that different from the Springs, tho
probably cooler at night. I know of some who grow JIs in the Denver area
but it's tricky as they want lots of sun & lots of water plus rich soil
& this combo isn't easy in Colorado. SIs do well thruout the state but
take a while to establish, as do SPUs -- both seem to be sufficiently
cold-hardy (the SPUs somewhat less so) but again, they require better
soil & more water than bearded iris do. I'm just getting started with
ABs -- they would seem ideal for the Springs unless you are in an
atypical location, i.e., damp & shady. I'm fairly certain you can forget
LAs & PCNs -- too cold -- & would be sceptical of your succeeding with
"woodland" irises such as I. versicolor, I. setosa, etc, but the tiny I.
reticulata do well here & you might be able to grow "Dutch" iris just
fine but they don't overwinter at my place. Anyway, would love to hear
more about your aims & interests.
> We'll probably be passive listeners as we learn the lingo!
Forgive the jargon: TB=tall bearded; SDB=standard dwarf bearded;
MTB=miniature tall bearded/table iris; SI=siberian; SPU=spuria;
AB=arilbred; LA=louisiana; PCNs=pacific coast natives.
Marte in the mtns Zone 4/Sunset 1 Colorado
