Re: SIB: SIBERIAN IRIS
- To: i-t
- Subject: Re: SIB: SIBERIAN IRIS
- From: S* I*
- Date: Thu, 08 Feb 2001 13:13:02 -0500
>>It seems to me that there are a great many new varieties of Siberian
Iris
being introduced. Am I correct in concluding that there is more
exciting
hybridization going on in the world of Siberian iris, than in the world
of
Bearded? Bearded has always held top spot, and has always been very
vital
with new varieties (rebloomers for example) but are Siberian's catching
up? <<
Depends where you get your excitement from. It's more exciting in that
a sib hybridizer lives about 10 miles away, less exciting in terms of
numbers.
If you base your statement strictly on numbers, then I would say no.
The number of new siberians being introduced is increasing, but you
should take a look at the number of TBs being introduced. Or the number
of SDBs.
In fact, based strictly on the year 2000 judges' ballot, the number of
new siberians being introduced is not nearly as high as you might
think. It does take an extra year for siberian introductions to get on
the ballot, but I believe it is still a useful proxy.
I'm not a great 'fan' of TBs, but I'm still amazed at the new stuff
that's come out in the last 10 years in terms of bloom (it's the rest of
the plant that gives me grief). Is it more exciting than the
hybridization associated with siberians? I feel that individual TB
introductions are taking giant steps, but most (in any given year) are
not. In this sense, the number of individual siberian introductions
that are taking giant steps might be proportionately greater.
As well, you can get to see a very large proportion of new siberian
introductions by visiting one of the major hybridizers. It is
impossible to see an equally large proportion of new TB introductions
through such a visit. (I suspect Oregon residents couldn't manage an
equivalent feat even if they were allowed to visit all gardens in the
state. But... I'm not going to do the arithmatic.)
Depends on the country too. The British Dykes went to a siberian last
year for example. I would like to grow more Louisianas since I
personally think the hybridizing potential is higher, but we're on the
tender edge for many varieties and I still don't like taking my chances
on them considering the small amount of space we have available. (Given
the choice, I have to plump for the sibs.)
I will be very interested to see what the 2003 Siberian convention in
Burlington will have on display. A nice red self might catch my
attention. ;-)
Regards,
Sandy Ives in Ottawa (where this strange yellowish ball has appeared in
the sky. Panic in the streets!)
------------------------ Yahoo! Groups Sponsor ---------------------~-~>
eGroups is now Yahoo! Groups
Click here for more details
http://click.egroups.com/1/11231/0/_/486170/_/981655455/
---------------------------------------------------------------------_->
