Re: SPEC: HYB: diploid X tetraploid, tectorum crosses

Linda,
Now that you mention it, I've assumed all this time
that 'Honorabile' is a diploid. So, I just went to the
HIPS website and checked their chromosome counts list.
'Honorabile' isn't listed. I've also just assumed that
it was of hybrid origin because of its appearance -- I
thought similar to Iris variegata but with something
else added in, for the differences.
Maybe I shouldn't be making so many assumptions.

As for shade tolerance...

I've tried to grow Iris cristata, but it doesn't like
something that I do -- it's never lasted very long.
But, do you grow Iris tectorum? It's very shade
tolerant too.

And it's funny that you mention the part about
tetraploids maybe being more cooperative. That might
be the case; and I hope to eventually get to try
tetraploid tectorum with tetraploid Tall Bearded.
Right now though, I don't have tetraploid tectorum.
But, of all the pollens I've tried on 'Flying Dragon',
tetraploid bearded pollen seems to make the pods hold
on the longest (still no seeds). I've also tried
tetraploid bearded pollen on diploid tectorum and I'm
not convinced that this is a hopeless path either. No
seeds, but pods do hang on for a while. Maybe if
someone found just the right parent... maybe something
of mixed ancestry, as you mentioned...
If you don't already have Iris tectorum, you really
should try it out, "in the vale". It's a pretty easy
one - carefree and vigorous. The only problem I've had
with it, is that like most irises, borers will eat it
(no worse than any other iris though).
Tom
Just $16.99/mo. or less. 
dsl.yahoo.com 

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