SIB: Re: How far South?

Michael Cook posed the question:

>    I would like to ask a question concerning Siberian Irises.  Can anyone
> on board the Iris List tell me what is the furthest south that Siberian
> Irises can be raised?  

My brother in Columbia, SC (Zone 8) grows a few Siberians on very sandy
soil. He has an exquisite garden and works hard to keep things alive
that would not normally grow there. Over the years, he has lost a lot of
plants in attempting to get them established. He has a friend living 20
miles north of Columbia in a cold pocket and heavy clay who grows
beautiful Siberians. She runs a huge daylily nursery, but has listed and
sold Siberian irises in the past. 

Likewise, when I traveled to New England, it was obvious that Siberians
were quite happy there, relative to Delmarva, where I live.

Just like the problems associated with TB's growing in different parts
of the country, I suspect that certain selections of Siberians do not
"travel" well. In the SibRob, one of the Canadian members mentioned that
'Fourfold White' was spectacular. I'm still waiting for mine to bloom
here in Maryland. It's probably going to the compost heap this fall.

If you would like to test the southern range of Siberians, I would
suggest getting plant material from a grower south of the Mason-Dixon
and selecting their strong growers to start with. 

So, Michael, the answer to your question is "Depends. . .".

R. Dennis Hager
on Delmarva Zone 7
Where the pavement is wet from rain!
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