Re: CULT: Adaptability of Broken Color Irises

From: "wmoores" <wmoores@watervalley.net>

 These observations lead me to conclude that there is
> nothing inherent in the genes that produce the broken color effects that
> would cause the plants that carry them to be weak growers and poor
> performers.
> 
	I really think it has to do with the 'cold factor.' Meaning, the 
lack of sufficient cold weather and the extreme heat and humidity of 
a Southern summer combining to cause lackluster performance.  My 
statements are not based on just a few plants and a one year 
observation.  Before I ever tried a broken color/'variegated iris,' I 
had problems with growing the earlier Hamblen irises (UT) and the pre-
broken color irises of Ensminger (NE).  I have bought broken color 
irises from Utah, California, and Oregon that issue from the original 
Ensminger lines.  They have no vigor here and are the most prone to 
leafspot and rust.  Ensminger's MARIA TORMINA has survived and blooms 
occasionally, and I have seedlings from it.  I have not found any 
Kasparek iris yet that has survived beyond two years.

I have nothing against Nebraska or Utah.  I loved Omaha, and the area 
around St. George, UT is amazingly beautiful.  I'd move there in a 
New York minute!  Of course, it has a Mediterranean climate, not like 
the rest of the state.

I just got Keppel's BROKEN DREAMS.  The rhizome was tiny and it 
didn't fatten up with pot culture and is no better in its bed.  So, 
there appears to be lack of vigor in this one too, and it is from 
different lines from  the above.  I especially liked the  peachy 
streaks on a white ground as shown in the catalog.  The picture shows 
exquisite form also.

ZIGGY, Faux Pas X Autumn Bugler, represents totally different lines.  Both parents were
 vigorous here as is this plant.  I plan to use ZIGGY a lot with some 
of the weaker broken color things.  It would be nice to retain the reblooming gene.

Maureen mentioned VERY VARIED.  I have ordered it again!  It was 
growing well and bloomed once.....then just pooped out and was gone.

Walter Moores
Enid Lake, MS 7/8

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