CULT: TB misconception (?) (was: Unreliable bloom)

--- John Jones <jijones@usjoneses.com> wrote to Louise in N.S.:

>>> You don't say what kind of irises you are growing. If they
are Tall bearded, it may be they don't get enough sun or long
enough growing season. <<<

I can't speak for the Canadian maritimes with their milder ocean
climate (excepting Newfoundland, I guess).  It is a common
misconception that cold is somehow detrimental to TB irises and
their bloom. 

However, where there is little or no snow cover, yes, it can be
deadly. With a reliable snow cover (white mulch), TBs can be
grown well with a caveat: John is correct when he points to the
short growing season. But not as most people might think. It
impacts the perennials only in the length of years to first
bloom and maturity. Usually once established in snow country,
they bloom as well as I have seen them anywhere in the country
at AIS conventions. Better color than I have seen in some areas
and for sure, longer bloom period because of our cool nights.
For TBs, it might take one year in warmer climes to first bloom
and 2 - 3 yrs. here in USDA Zone 3 to a fair bloom and four
years to great bloom. But nothing is carved in stone, especially
iris bloom. :-)

As John alluded to without mentioning classes, Medians can
provide better/faster bloom in colder climates (as a rule).
Often we get good bloom in one year in my area dependent on the
cultivar and also the class. MTBs are usually the hands-down
winners here.

As to Siberians, if a supplier sends paltry divisions, they
often take 2 - 3 yrs. to good bloom even in the north country.
It is very disappointing to see the Sibe divisions get smaller
in the last few years (at least mine are).  After you actually
lose a couple pricey Sib. intros that are not replaced - at
least in my two cases), you start buying more seasoned plants =
read cheaper. 

More than you wanted/cared to know,

Ellen




=====
Ellen Gallagher <ellengalla@yahoo.com> / Berlin, New Hampshire / USDA Zone 3
                        
IRISES: http://www.irises.org
AIS checklist data: http://www.irisregister.com/ 
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KNITTING: http://stitchguide.com/stitches/knitting/index.html  
http://www.mainesweaters.com/
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