Re: CULT: Companion plants

At 08:01 AM 5/14/97 -0600, you wrote:
>The subject of companion plants for TBs is a thorny one.  I would agree
>that daylilies are a bad match for TBs.  Not only are the cultural
>requirements different but the robust foliage of the daylilies can smother
>the irises. >As TB companions, I like early tulips and daffodils for first
color.

Bill, I appreciate your comments re iris/daylily beds, but perhaps the
climate here may account for the difference in our experiences -- do you
think so?

So far, I like best the short Stella D'Oro daylilies scattered along the
border of the iris bed.  There are some taller yellow daylilies with a small
bloom which I do not find particularly attractive thinly scattered in the
rest of the bed.

You also stated "A good choice for later color would be any kind of
lily--Asiatics, Orientals, or Trumpets.  The stem-rooting types are not as
good with irises because ..... that would encourage rotting of the iris
rhizomes." 

I have never had a problem with rhizomes rotting, even with a mulch which is
almost a necessity because of our hot, dry summers -- perhaps it is due to
the fact that I have a drip irrigation system -- do you think so?

Your comments re Oenothera berlanderii remind me of the comment of my native
plant consultant/friend that it was the Bermuda grass of flowers.  I still
think it a beautiful flower and have so far managed to control it in
restricted areas planted with white and yellow yarrow.

I like your idea of the columbine and might try that after I look up info re
the different varieties.

Thanks again for your input.

Dorothy C. Frisbie
Woman of Many Interests
Escondido, CA
AIS Region 15, Sunset Zone 20/21
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