Re: pacificas
- Subject: Re: pacificas
- From: L* P* <p*@peak.org>
- Date: Sun, 3 Mar 96 14:31:12 MST
At 09:55 PM 3/2/96 MST, you wrote:
>Louise Parsons:
>Do you know if the Pacificas will grow in the deep South? How much cold do
>they need?
>
>Robert Turley
>LaBelle, FL
>Zone 10a
I am not sure! Your zone is a bit warmer than the natural range of the
commonly grown pacificas, but not by much. They do not absolutely require
freezing temperatures- there are areas in my yard which are by virtue of
microclimate frost-free and these iris do fine there. Summer moisture might
be a problem, however. My other thought is that our soils here stay pretty
cool in the summer because our nights are cool. However, it might be worth a
try. You could try them in pots or plant them under eaves or some other
overhang that would help them to stay drier in the warm weather. (Rock
garden people are sometimes masterful at creating microclimate.) Some sun is
required during the bloom period, at other times, they need good strong
light, but not necessarily full sun. Afternoon shade would help a great deal.
In January, we visited our daughter who lives in the Los Angeles area. She
took us to Huntington Botanic gardens and there was a charming little irid
(?) blooming there. It reminded me of I. cristata, but seemingly with no
perianth tube - could not get a good look at the anatomy and there was no
one to ask about its identity. Whatever it was, it would make a great
addition to southern gardens. The little (8") thing has modestly self sown
everywhere in the cactus beds of this grand estate garden. I am trying to
find it- So many new things coming from South Africa, some of which are
hardy, some not.
Louise H. Parsons <parsont@peak.org>
1915 SE Stone St.
Corvallis, OR 97333 USA
USDA zone 7 (at least!) Emerald NARGS, transplanted Oregrowian
