Re: CULT: New Iris acquisitions, I. unguicularis

J. Michael, Celia or Ben Storey wrote:
> 
> The preponderance of printed advice we found suggests an alkaline soil, but
> there may be some tolerance variation among the cultivars.
> 
> Hope this helps a little.
> 

I would like to add a little from my own experience.  I grow four
different varieties of I. unguicularis.  What hasn't been discussed and
I think they prefer, is a dry and I mean bone dry summer.  At least that
is what they get here and I imagine what they get in the wild.  They are
from the Mediterranian area; Algeria, Crete etc and I'm sure summer
rainfall is scarce there.  I never tested the soil where mine grow, but
it is under oak trees and I'm sure it is not alkaline.  Here in
California they are transplanted in the fall when the weather cools and
the rains start.  If the plant is large enough it will bloom the same
winter.  My Ungui's bloom from November thru February.  I've started
"Cretensis" from seed and it did not bloom the first year.  If you are
in a mild enough climate do try and grow this wonderful species.  It has
a fragrance reminiscent of hyacinths.   

Rick Tasco
Superstition Iris Gardens
Central California
Zone 8
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