Re: Frozen Potted Iris



>A number of years ago I had TBs and dwarf irises in pots left from the =
nursery. Too many things to keep up with and since they weren't in plain =
sight, they were forgotten........all winter. <

I always have pots of irises left to winter over in pots, sometimes by choice,
but usually not.  Same reasons lazy, forgot, too many other things to do etc..

I have found that if I set the pots on the ground or try to sink them, the
drain holes freeze up and to not allow any water to drain out.  Ice and snow
melt on top, but cannot drain, so the plants just rot.

But, when I place them on stones (I have a patio area of white marble chips),
the drain holes remain open and the plants drain freely.

If the plants are newly transplanted, I cover them late December or January
after the ground freezes (if I remember.)  I usually use pine tree branches
from Xmas trees. Grab your neighbors' trees (after the holidays.)  This works
even better if a layer of snow falls atop the branches.  

Another way I winter over irises, is in plastic garbage bags.  Really.  When I
speak to garden clubs, I take a small clump of irises (usually unnamed
Standard Dwarf) to show how to divide and give each guest an iris to take
home.  When I speak during the winter, the ground is frozen and I cannot dig
them up.  So, I place a large clump with lots of soil in a plastic garbage bag
and place the bag on the upturned lid of a garbage can, which doesn't freeze
to the ground.  I fold the plastic sides down to help protect the sides of the
clump and allow the snow to cover.  One week before I speak I bring the whole
thing onto my unheated inside patio.  Two days before, I bring it inside the
house, so the soil is just cool enough to divide.  I then instruct each guest
to plant the rhizomes in a styrafoam (sp) cup and place it back outside on a
warm day.  

I also have had some success with pots in my unheated inside patio.  But,
these need to be well watered before I give up on gardening.  Because, it then
becomes a houseplant, which lives in spite of me, not because of me.  They
never get watered, just like my garden

One successful iris clump last year many of you saw at the AIS National
Convention.  I had a large clump of Chickee (MTB) in bloom growing in a large
garden carrying bag.  I didn't know where to plant them, so I just dragged the
bag inside for the winter.  In spring I was going plant them, but I was busy
getting ready for the convention and never got around to it.  So, I just
dragged it outside with its beautiful bloom to show everyone how hardy our
favorite flower is.

Ann Cline
Region 6
Iris Club of Southeast Michigan
Suppose to be in the 40's, the next few days.
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