Re: RE: Cult-Colder climates - mother rhizomes

I have started many Iris by planting throw away "mother rhizomes".  I have
had rhozome pieces easily as old as 8 or 10 years grow just fine.  As long
as they are healthy and firm, and the cuts clean and not exposed to
disease, they are very likely to grow.  They take longer to make a nice
plant (usually be a year or so), and are less productive in the beginning,
but they are often quite viable.

Used to be that I planted every little piece.  The problem was that every
little piece grew; so, just like most people, when I divide, I (often) toss
the old stuff.

As for planting depth, I think it really makes a huge difference what the
conditions in your bed are.  In some conditions (ideal), you can hardly
kill them no matter how you plant them (deep, laying on top, upside down,
vertically, whatever).  In other conditions (less than ideal) they will rot
if you look at them with one eye closed.  Soil texture and chemistry, water
chemistry, temperature, humidity, sun, etc. etc. all seem to make a huge
difference.  Also, of course, the individual Iris vary in their
preferences.


Dave

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