Hybridizing native North American species irises
- To: i*@rt66.com
- Subject: Hybridizing native North American species irises
- From: R*@aol.com
- Date: Fri, 19 Jul 1996 22:33:58 -0400
Tom:
<< The foliage of Iris missouriensis follows a growth cycle similar to the
Siberians: it looks very nice from early spring to late fall, but is
essentially deciduous in cold-area winters. It is a light blue-gray color,
very narrow. Much more attractive than Louisiana foliage, IMO. >>
The World of Irises, p. 296 says I. mo. is a species that occurs on
spring-wet, summer-dry sites on calcareous soils having good moisture-holding
capacity. It occurs in altitude from near sea level to about 10,000 feet.
Tom, this species may have potential for interspecific breeding with
Louisianas, however, finding clones or seedlings from low elevations would
probably be difficult. Low elevations selections would be needed for
successful growing in deep south climatic conditions.
Robert Turley
LaBelle, FL
