Re: Potted Iris (!)
- To: Multiple recipients of list <i*@rt66.com>
- Subject: Re: Potted Iris (!)
- From: j*@totacc.com (June Ellan Mazzolini)
- Date: Wed, 14 May 1997 18:51:40 -0600 (MDT)
Dorothy C. Frisbie wrote:
>
> So far, the info suggests using 5-gal. pots and a well-draining mix. Being
> in pots I am assuming that they will need watering more often than in the
> ground -- right? Any suggestions on how to avoid the black plastic pots
> heating up during our hot dry summers which are usually high 80s, 90s and
> into the low 100s? I don't want to go to the expense of purchasing more
> expensive cache pots (is that the correct term?), but can't think of a way
> to keep black plastic from heating up. (No, I am not going to move each one
> of them every day into the shade during the middle of the day!) The west
> side of the property shaded in the afternoon by neighboring trees is devoted
> to a 150' manmade rocky stream bed (to control runoff down the slope from
> heavy winter rains) which is planted on both sides with California natives.
>
> At this point my choice is to either take up space on my small lath-covered
> east-facing deck or line them up along the neighbor's fence on the east --
> but of course that gets both noonday and hot afternoon sun! What to do,
> what to do!!??
>
> Dorothy C. Frisbie
> Woman of Many Interests
> Escondido, CA
> AIS Region 15, Sunset Zone 20/21
Hi again it's me June Ellan.
Just sent you a message re programs a few minutes ago.
I moved on Memorial Day several years ago and was forced to pot up
everything, about 75 plants. The survived beautifully here in Las
Cruces (southern New Mexico). I just was absolutely faithful about
watering and put a layer of mlch on the top of each plant. I am not
bragging, but several of these potted plants won ribbons at the next
year's show. I think the secret is faithful watering and the mulch.
