Re: CULT: rhizome size, West Coast monsters

Chad Schroter writes:


> Every year we get discussion on the relative sizes of rhizomes and
>the Giant West Coast Rhizome syndrome.

This is true.  So far I haven't seen a satisfactory explanation for the
phenomenon.  They do well for me here and I don't treat any rhizomes (except
arils and some arilbreds) of beardeds any differently, no matter the source
or appearance.


>....Factors which greatly effect
>rhizome size are soil fertility

Maybe even 'softer' soil as opposed to an unyielding clay base?  A thought.

>and sun exposure. Iris which get shade are
>smaller than those in full sun.

Not here.  Those in the shade grow larger.  Possibly because the intense
heat drives them into a sort of summer dormant period sooner than those
grown in the shade.  Perhaps a defense mechanism that helps resist them
being cooked alive.

> Our growing season is nearly year round
>because of moderate temps in winter and summer. My guess would be that West
>Coast Rhizomes are larger because of the longer growing season - not
because
>they are 'full of water'...

This has always been my first guess.  Shows up in the ability to let
inclinations to rebloom show up as well.  I think, though, it may be
modified by how moderate or extreme the long growing season may be.  A
milder year this year with more rainfall and I still have arilbreds fans
feeding the grasshoppers.  Other years they would have been totally dormant
two months ago.  They may not go completely dormant this year.  I have a
relatively long growing season and some have on occasion been grown in good
soil with adequate water (the attempt to provide rebloomers what they need)
and still the rhizomes weren't large.

Large rhizomes and small rhizomes - both have done well here.  I think the
maturity of the rhizome may be more a result of what you see the following
spring than the size.

Donald Eaves
donald@eastland.net
Texas Zone 7b, USA



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