Arilbred Culture...somewhat lengthly

Thanks to everyone who responed to the above topic.  There are too many
variables to come up with a simple answer.  I think Linda's problem in
Tennessee is humidity like she says.  Although I water deeply here in
the summer once a week, the top of my ground will be bone dry in a
matter of hours due to our desert type heat.  And we do NOT get any rain
at all the entire summer.  Graham in England thinks it's his cold and
wet winters.  Our winters here are relatively mild not dipping down to
below 25 degrees too often and being rather consistent.  However we can
get up to 40 inches of rain in a 6 month period.  Usually the arilbreds
will grow all winter and can take these dips down to 25 degrees.

On the subject of drainage.  We all know that bearded iris should have
good drainage and this includes the arilbreds.  Like I said earlier my
soil is heavy clay but I have raised beds.  From 8 to 12 inches high
with gutters on each side for run off.

Lynn Woosley mentioned humidity in Atlanta and I'm beginning to think
that this is a big factor for failure of growing Arilbreds in the East
and anyplace that has high humidity in the summer.      

I would suggest to anyone growing Arilbreds in a humid climate to 1)have
good drainage, 2)check the ph of the soil. It should be slightly acid to
slightly alkaline.  Say 6.7 to 7.5.  I don't think one needs to go to
extremes such as growing in pure sand for drainage and liming to 9 on
the ph scale.  It would probably help to somehow keep the rain off the
plants, not so much for the moisture but the humidity that will be
created around the plants.  I know, this sounds like a lot of trouble. 
Another suggestion would be to grow them in pots. Culture can easily be
controlled.  Grow in a sterlized potting soil with a ph range as
mentioned above and keep in a sheltered area during the humid summers. 
But don't forget to fertilize and water!          

I seemed to have rambled somewhat, so those of you who have made it this
far, thanks for bearing with me. 

Rick Tasco
Superstition Iris Gardesn
Central California
Zone 8
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