Re: I.unguicularis
- To: Multiple recipients of list <i*@rt66.com>
- Subject: Re: I.unguicularis
- From: "* E* <d*@eastland.net>
- Date: Sun, 4 Jan 1998 20:34:56 -0700 (MST)
Hello Claire,
You write:
>
> Is this iris growing in moist conditions in the winter months? I know it
must
> be dry and dormant in summer. Does it tend to bloom when there is more
> sunlight?
>
I do try to water this bed in the winter, but not a lot. It actually
receives more water in the summer months. It grows on the east side of the
house under the shade of a large oak tree which overhangs the roof. It's
at the corner, so receives a bit more sun than anything else in the flower
bed. The bed has hostas, ferns, astilbes and bletilla established also.
Usually in the summer I add a spot of caladiums and other temporary summer
plants. The bed get lots of water and I went to a LOT of trouble to
prepare it. Bear in mind that it's really difficult to water too much in
my part of the world. Also, the tree uses a lot of the water, I'm sure.
In winter, the bed naturally retains more moisture for longer periods, what
with the other plants being dormant and the cooler temperatures. I can't
tell whether I. unguicularis would survive the dry conditions we have in
summer or not. I doubt it, since it has thrived with the moisture I've
given it. It bloomed last year beginning at the end of November and blooms
when the weather stays nice for a day or two. It bloomed until early March
last year. Usually there is just one or two blooms at a time, but today it
had four. I had blooms early in December, Christmas day, New Years and
these today.
Its the only thing here actively doing something.
Donald
donald@eastland.net
