Re: CULT: TB Questions

Hi BJ,
I've spent a lot of time contemplating the performance, or lack thereof, of tall beardeds in my beds over the years. 


1.  What causes increases to happen in Iris (I know how it happens with
lilies)


No idea
2. Do TBs bloom too late for the increase to form and then grow large enough to form a bloom next year
I never thought to factor in the lateness of TB bloom relative to the other beardeds, but I have assumed that there isn't enough time during our short growing season for TBs to grow increases to blooming size in a single growing season ... or necessary in two or three growing seasons. I also think the sheer size of TB rzs requires a lot more growing time than our season allows. Most MDBs, SDBs, IBs, and MTBs bloom annually for me unless we have a really problematic weather pattern like last winter-spring-summer and this spring. The smaller bearded classes grow to maturity much more quickly than TBs.
3. Are our summers not hot enough for the rhizome to form in time to be able to get ready for winter and winter over
I don't think that's a factor in my climate. We typically get a LOT of summer heat. 


4.  Something else??
I think #2 is the primary - perhaps even the only - explanation. That's why I no longer add new TBs to my iris beds unless they are given to me as gifts. I just don't want to waste the space on irises that have such a high mortality rate here, esp. when even those that do manage to survive are such inconsistent bloomers and weak increasers. Of course there are a few exceptions, and my garden will always have room for them. 

Laurie


---------------
laurie@lfrazer.com
Shadowood - http://lfrazer.com
The Irises of Shadowood - http://lfrazer.com/iris/
Wallplates With Panache - http://lfrazer.com/wallplates/

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