SPEC: Problems

From: "Ian E. & Shirley Efford" <avocet.intl@sympatico.ca>

This year has been idea for irises in the Ottawa area but very warm and
the result is that all the various types are flowering at once. 
I.ensata has begun - six weeks early - whilst the sibirica is bursting
out all around the garden along with spurians and, very soon
Louisianans.  A beautiful sight unless one wishes to confirm the
identification of those grown from seed.  Too many to handle!  This
leads me to two serious problems.

1.  After five years from seed, my milesii flowered.  Unfortunately, the
plant has no relationship with milesii at all.  It is a delicate
"sibirica" with the difference that the standards are very small - under
5mm - and pale pink.  I can find no trace of this in any of the books. 
Can anyone give me a hint??

2.  Equally annoying is another "sibirica".  This one has smallish
flowers [plant is about 2ft tall] and the branching is odd.  The
branches come out at right angles and then turn up - more like U's than
Y's.  Very floriferous but one would not keep it for the flower, which
is rather small and delicate.  Again, any hints??

I do have a seedling sibirica which is a giant.  Flower and plant is
more of the ensata size and quite beautiful.  Certainly a keeper and one
that I will cultivate.

This year, I am averaging one "mini-tour" a day with different visitors
wishing to see the flowers.  My wife wants me to begin charging at the
gate!

Ian, in Ottawa

PS  My botanic garden project has been designated the millennium park
project for the Ottawa region, which gives me hope that the government
will turn over the whole 250 acres in the middle of the city.  If so, I
guarantee that no more than half will be for irises.

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