Re: TB: low bloom height this year
iris@hort.net
  • Subject: Re: TB: low bloom height this year
  • From: P* <p*@bellsouth.net>
  • Date: Mon, 03 Jun 2013 22:31:46 -0400
So I'm gonna use row cover on the big bed I have to create for this year's orders. (The bed that SHOULD already be done. Don't ask.) Definitely until the iris have a couple of years to settle in. Is is totally in the open but I don't have much choice
Weeds or iris friendly perennials do help moderate temps. Also being under trees. I have irises growing amongst showy primrose (Oenothera speciosa) and some other perennials and some somewhat under a maple. They are have less issues with bud damage.
The ones among Oenothera have less rot too. Can anyone explain that? Less frost damage to tissue = less rot? And less leaf spot. Another not sure why. The dew forms and stays on them longer and rain takes longer to dry than the ones in the open. Less splashing of spores and dirt about is one thing I posit. If the Oenothera was a little shorter and less aggressive it would be an almost ideal TB companion. It blooms from iris mid on. And helps suppress weeds. I want to experiment more with companions. 

On 6/3/2013 1:47 PM, Linda Mann wrote:
It is hit or miss for E to M here also, but some years, I see good bloom on VE <before> the last damaging freeze, so no longer avoid them completely.
How much damage happens with the late freezes is strongly affected some/most years by microclimate. Plants in town, with a lot of concrete around, and near the lake, with early morning sun, don't get damage as often or as bad as in my valley at the foot of the ridge where it gets colder and stays colder a lot longer. Plus western exposure may heat mine up more, plus fertile soil may trigger earlier, more frost sensitive growth more. Not sure about that.
Covering with floating row covers, even the light weight ones, is usually enough for the "6 weeks before bloom freezes" here.
Another thing to keep in mind - if you are in an area where late freezes are likely to cause damage in a 'normal' year, avoid fertilizing before bloom season. Weed cover also helps ;-) 

On 6/1/2013 11:55 PM, Phloid wrote:

You explained my all observations. If I clock back 6 wks then just my
normal weather, if there is such a thing these days, is going result in
hit or miss for E to M.


Linda Mann east TN USA zone 7b

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