Re: SPEC: Passions for Species?

From: HIPSource@aol.com

In a message dated 3/16/99 3:08:55 PM Eastern Standard Time,
wmoores@watervalley.net writes:

<< 	Well, I guess the excitement started with bloom two years ago  on 
 the sibtosa, MAUVE SNOWTOP.  I have found the species cross of 
 siberian and setosa to produce easier growing plants (for my garden, 
 at least).  I ordered more last year and am looking forward to their 
 blooms this spring.  They are already greening up, but the pure sibes 
 are still dormant.>>

Interesting. To greater vigor overall, or better heat tolerance, or ease of
establishment or what do you attribute this? Got any intuitions? My siberians
are starting up here with new growth at the crown up to an inch. Probably up
higher in some places in town since mine have to wait until the sun returns to
their bed in the spring to wake up. 

<<Then there was the slide of the versicolor hybrid, MYSTERIOUS 
 MONIQUE, which somebody on the iris-l had.  I flipped over that one 
 so I ordered it to see for myself.  I was re-bitten by the irisbug, 
 this time the beardless one.>>

Yep. Quite a flap over that one! Mike still has a photo of it up on the World
Iris Page, along with some other choice stuff you don't see every day.

http://www.worldiris.com/public_html/WIF/WI_Pictures/Photo_Frame.html 

Just scroll down the list at the left until you find her.
 
<<	Meeting Lorena Reid and talking with her at the Detroit AIS convention only
stirred further curiosities in the beardless, species, spec-x departments.>>

Yes. Just looking at her lists has the same effect.
 
<<Getting seeds from SIGNA and having them sprout has been the latest 
 adventure in the world of species.  I hope to see my first blooms next
year.>>

It is the best cheap thrill in irisdom. I actually joined AIS to be able to
join SIGNA and get those seeds. Little brown envelopes of miracles. 

<< 	Another reason for seeking 'water varieties' stems from the poor luck I
have been experiencing with Louisianas the last several years ...I feel
confident that the species may replace the LA's and occupy all the damp, low
spots of my garden, maybe saving space for the hardiest of the diploid LA's.
I really hate to see the LA's go, but 
I cannot see growing them for foliage only.>>

Sounds like a plan. I wish I had a sunny soggy place.  And I think you will be
able to get a fine range of color in there as well. We know you could have a
whole selection of  I. pseudacorus, an iris which would get more respect if it
was harder to grow. The cream and white ones are very elegant and the ones
that grow to six feet in bogs are splendid. Hopefully you can do some fulvas,
and a wide range of versicolors. And virginicas, especially some pretty pink
ones. And some I. laevigata, especially the variegated one that is so
beautiful. 

I just know it will be beautiful,Walta.

Anner Whitehead
HIPSource@aol.com

------------------------------------------------------------------------
Start a new hobby. Meet a new friend.
http://www.onelist.com
Onelist:  The leading provider of free email list services
Other Mailing lists | Author Index | Date Index | Subject Index | Thread Index