Re: rot resistant iris anscestors
- Subject: Re: rot resistant iris anscestors
- From: C*@aol.com
- Date: Sat, 17 Feb 96 16:06:50 MST
In a message dated 96-02-17 16:30:07 EST, you write:
>Clarence, I would love to know more details about that idea. Are those
>species are rot susceptable? Generally where we can trace their influence
in
>modern TB lines. Are certain colors of patterns derived from those species?
>
>-Lowell Baumunk
>
>
Lowell, I sent a note to Linda today with some info re this. I highly
recommend the book The World of Irises sold by AIS on subject of background
of modern TB hybrids. Even though I believe it to be a wonderful book, it
somewhat hedges on the subject of the "tenderness" of Ii. mesopotamica and
cypriana. The book AIS published in1959, Garden Irises, mentions the
tenderness of I. mesopotamica. There are a number of articles in old AIS
Bulletins and British Iris Society Year Books re this subject. I hope I make
iris book collectors out of everyone...but be warned, it is addictive. You
really have to look and search....but those old books are out there in old
book shops and on book lists put out by dealers who sell old horticultural
publications.
A number of iris sellers carry various iris species....ever see one list I.
mesopotamica? I. cypriana? If anyone carries them, and I don't think they
do, it would undoubtedly be someone from a warm, dry winter area.
Don't get me wrong on this...without these irises as anscestors we would not
have the ruffles, lace, huge flowers and vast array of colors we have today.
I do not fault hybridizers for using them, or for using their
derivitives...indeed, I praise them. Also, I sometimes buy a cultivar will
be difficult to grow here in VA. And have used them in my breeding to get
hardier plants of great beauty...that is, that has been the goal not the
achievement. (lol) One that is terribly rot prone here that I used heavily
to breed with is GIGALO. I crossed it with cold weather rebloomers (which
for the most part have heavy heritage of I. trojana and are not susceptible
to rot most of the time). Hope this note answers your question. Clarence
Mahan
