Re: HYB:REB:Research:Acceptance

In a message dated 12/7/2006 12:15:17 P.M. Central Standard Time,  
jbruce1@cinci.rr.com writes:

<<Do I dislike rebloomers? Nope, they are fine with me, just not  my cup
of tea. When we have a SEAPOWER-like or WINTRY SKY-like bloom that  overcomes 
all of my other objections I may find a changed attitude. To each  his own-- 
I am not a big fan of historics, space agers, broken colors or  flatties. I 
have a few for variety. I do not care much for multipetalled  siberians or 
spider daylilies
either. I can appreciate what others are  jazzed about.>>
 
John, 
 
You and I have similar taste in historics, space agers, broken colors  etc..  
Also spider daylilies!  We all have a right to what we like and  I was right 
with you!  
 
Then the word "SEA POWER" popped up!  Ten years ago SP or "WINTRY SKY"  
didn't exist, yet people still grew what did exist and they were happy with  them.  
 
Please, I hope all irises don't behave like "SEA POWER" does in my  garden!  
It is gorgeous and I wish it grew well for me!   I  bought it when introduced 
(1999) and I've seen exactly two stalks since  then.  From my perspective, it 
doesn't matter how pretty it is in Oregon,  or even in Ohio, if it doesn't 
grow here.  Most irises like the new garden,  here.  Unfortuately, "SEA POWER" 
does not.  Last time I checked it was  still alive.  
 
Okay, I'm going to use RIPPLING RIVER instead of SEA POWER! Maybe!  Or  maybe 
BUBBLING WAVE will grow well in it's new home.  
 
When asked to breed irises, by an iris friend (1985), I originally said  
"Why? They're already so pretty!  There's nothing left to be done!"   Then I found 
a 'niche!'  Fall blooming irises.  
 
I was in my own iris heaven this spring!  I had some of the most  beautiful 
blooms in iris history!  I took the opportunity to just sit and  enjoy!  For 
once!  I was surrounded by blooms on MAN ABOUT TOWN, ENJOY  THE PARTY, COVER 
PAGE, ENCHANTER, DIGNITY DANCER, TREASURED, LOTUS  LAND, SHARPSHOOTER, SCOTTISH 
REBEL, HOLIDAY PARADE, & ARCTIC FOX!  Then  came SANTA!  OH! Apricot anthers!  
(no takes)  Many others,  too!  Did you know that many of these rebloom in 
Australia or CA??  
 
We'll never have a MAN ABOUT TOWN, HOLIDAY PARADE, or LOTUS  LAND, blooming 
until frost, if someone doesn't make those crosses!  
 
Each of the above (except COVER PAGE) was crossed to a rebloomer this  
spring!  This is how we get (eventually) that type of bloom in the  fall!  <vbg>  
Yes, even in Ohio!  But, I'd guess they will  always take a little extra work.  
 
Some of the most beautiful blooms in my garden this year were the October  
blooms on LUNAR WHITEWASH.  Some stalks perfect and some not so  perfect. If I'm 
able, I'm going to line out a row/clump (dozen or so) rhizomes  of LW this 
coming summer.  What a show!  
 
I'm not a luminata person, but when DAUGHTER OF STARS blooms in early  
October, it is awesome!  Not perfect!  But awesome.  
 
John, I understand and appreciate your reasons.  Several of us are  working 
on the form.  The people in Australia & CA keep producing  beautiful irises 
that rebloom in zones 8 & 9.  Mike's Mtn Sunrise  series will be awesome.  And 
I'd like to see him mix those with the DOUBLE  AGENT children!  Orange, yellow 
and red??  
 
Many are combining the warm weather rebloomers (form) with the northern  
rebloomers, looking for quality rebloom in zones 6 and up.  It's slow and  steady. 
 Sometimes we lose ground and have to make it up.  But it's  happening.  As 
Mary Lou says . . . it's an exciting time for breeding  rebloomers!  
 
Other qualities may be harder to improve.  My rebloomers usually grow  and 
branch well here in the fall, but I can't guarantee how they will do when  they 
are away from home, or when different weather conditions strike them.   High 
branching and twisty stalks may be as much weather as genetics.   (??)  
 
Could you believe??  By Thanksgiving I usually hate irises!  It's  one of the 
reasons I won't mess with indoor/outdoor stuff.  AND a green  house?  Deliver 
me!  I need a BREAK!!  


Thanks for riding the roller coaster!  <vbg>  
________________________________________________________
Betty W.  in South-central KY Zone 6 ---If you don't cross them, you can't 
plant them!  
Bridge In Time Iris Garden@website:
Where the seeds are in the pots once  again! 
_www.thegardensite.com/irises/bridgeintime/_ 
(http://www.thegardensite.com/irises/bridgeintime/) 
_Reblooming Iris - Home Page_ (http://www.rebloomingiris.com/)  
_iris-photos archives_ (http://www.hort.net/lists/iris-photos/)  
_iris-talk archives_ (http://www.hort.net/lists/iris-talk/)  
_AIS: American Iris Society website_ (http://www.irises.org/)   

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