Re: Irises Sold Under Phony Names

In a message dated 97-02-20 12:13:02 EST, Graham wrote----

<< blame the Dutch
 Until recently, most nurseries over there seem to have had the attitude that
 "if you can't grow it from seed, it isn't worth growing". >>

Some people might think you are being to harsh on the fine people of charming
Holland---but it is certain Dutch nurseries who are the source of numerous
junk irises (esp. junk Japanese cultivars) which flood this the U.S.  A
number of big U.S. nurseries buy wholesale from the Dutch, who raise the
irises from seeds, and then sell them under names like "Darling". No two of
these sold under such a name are the same cultivar.  These irises are not
cheap either.  Although almost every iris is lovely, selling these
unregistered imports under phony names is contrary to rules that Perennial
Nurseries are supposed to adhere to.  And when I have tracked them down the
source is one Dutch wholesale nursery or another.  Wayside got taken in on
this for a year----but when I pointed out what was going on, they stopped and
I commend them for it.  Some other nurseries have not been so cooperative,
such as one big one in Ohio.   

Interestingly, British and American gardeners have been complaining about
this re the Dutch since at least the beginning of the 20th century.  But the
moral is: Buy irises from an iris specialist nursery whose reputation is
known.  Otherwise, you just might get bilked.  Clarence Mahan in VA
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