Re: Lazy Editor Looking for Help

>I'm editor of our little local newsletter and I've just started a
>question/answer column "Ask the Irisborer".  So... I received some questions
>- and my hope is that all you folks who are CERTAINLY more learned that I am,
>will help me with answers.  Of COURSE I will credit the source!  You'll also
>be helping others on this list because (she reasons), if MY folks have these
>questions... others must too!
>
>1.  What are species iris?
>
>2.  Why are new irises so expensive?
>
>3.  Is rot contagious?
>
>4.  Can a rhizome ever bloom again?  If the answer is no...why?
>
>5.  Does leaf spot hurt bearded iris?
>
>
>There are lots of others.... many I can answer without too much
>misinformation.  Others I'll save for later on.
>
>So.... please help Kathy Guest look smart!
>
>Kathy Guest
>E. Aurora, NY

Kathy, heres how I would answer your questions in a simple way.

1. Species iris are iris in their natural form, Examples would be Iris
pallida, from which many of the bearde iris have been produced. Another
would be Iris douglasiana, from which most of our Pacific Coast hybrids
originate. Basically you could say they are iris that has not been modified
by man.

2.New iris are not expensive by historical standards, nor are they
expensive compared to some other hybrids.(daylillys for one) To get
something new and different, or better than whats currently on the market a
grower will grow thousands of seedlings for years. Then there is the supply
and demand modifier.
Unfortunatey many introductions are not worth their prices and should not
even be offered. Looking at catalogs form 30-40 years ago you will find
introductions priced at $20-25 each. With inflation todays are a bargain at
$35-40.

3. Rot-whats that? They only time I have rot is when I plant fat rhizomes from
some growers that I haven't let dry out for 2-3 months before planting.

4. Where's our remontant experts?

5. Leaf spot itself does not hurt the plant but an unhealthy plant can lead
to other diseases.

Jay Hudson  Fort Bragg, CA USA
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