Re: JI: Repeat bloom
- To: Multiple recipients of list <i*@rt66.com>
- Subject: Re: JI: Repeat bloom
- From: "* D* H* <r*@dmv.com>
- Date: Fri, 29 Aug 1997 05:57:53 -0600 (MDT)
It is quite exciting to see reblooming iris and here in Zone 7A, where
Japanese irises are usually done for in early July. I had two
bloomstalks with open flower on August 1: 'Chigokesho' and 'Royal
Crown'. BTW, I entered both in the Diamond State Beardless Show on June
22.
The first week of August, I was in South Carolina and visited Peg
Jeffcoat's Singing Oaks Nursery. She specializes in daylilies, but has a
more than respectable collection of beardless irises. She had 3 Japanese
irises showing color in Zone 7B!
I have lobelia cardinalis which reseeds all through the beardless
irises. Even with the drought, it has grown 5-6' tall and covers the bed
with a red "haze". On August 23, 'Royal Crown' did it again--one more
beautiful bloom. It was a standout against all that cardinal flower.
I know of no RELIABLE Japanese rebloomers. There are several hypotheses
on the cause of repeat (or extended) bloom with JI and with my limited
knowledge, I could buy into all of them. In my limited experience, the
best way to get extended or repeat bloom with Japanese iris is to grow
lots of cultivars, grow them well and keep your fingers crossed. I have
not had rebloom on plants that are not well established--usually the
second or third season.
Now, if I can just get a few to bloom into September--
R. Dennis Hager
on Delmarva
Zone 7
