Re: JAP: CULT: height

R. Dennis Hager wrote:
> 
> Linda inquired:
> > Has anyone experienced stunting of Japanese irises as a result of repeated
> > freezes during lush spring growth?  The few that managed to bloom (new last
> > year, planted in new to irises, presumably acid (everything is unless limed)
> > clay, saturated in winter, and staying alternately soggy or moist thru the
> > spring) are on little 12 inch stalks.
> 
> Linda, with the informatin you have provided, I would say you have
> several things going on with your Japs.
> 
> 1. Most importantly, I suspect that you are expecting TB type results
> from your Japs. The best thing to do is forget everything you know about
> TB's when you start working with Japs & Siberians.
> 
> 2. Wet conditions without constant cold (frozen!) in the winter can stun
> the Japs. The only real danger with freezing and thawing is heaving the
> plants. They can and should be planted much deeper than the TB's to keep
> this from happening. Mulch is also beneficial. The deeper you plant it,
> the slower it will be to emerge in the spring. George Bush has a theory
> that late freezes encourage more bud set and can result in a prolonged
> bloom time. I posted on that back in the winter. I don't think it can be
> tested on first year specimens.
> 
> 3. Japs can be slow to establish. My experience has been that the
> further south you go, the slower they are to establish. I generally get
> +40" height by the 2nd or 3rd year in the bog garden. In the mixed
> border, with drier conditions, they don't usually grow as tall. There is
> no guarantee of bloom the first year on new aquisitions. I only average
> around 75%.
> 
> 4. Don't assume that your pH is correct. Always check it. Japanese iris
> can also use more nitrogen than TB's. Don't be afraid to fertilize them
> when they are growing. Azelea or holly fertilize will do.
> 
> 5. When it really gets hot (and dry) Japanese iris go dormant. In the
> fall, foliage growth is not obvious, but it does occur. At the same
> time, root growth is quite rapid, so another little dose of fertilize in
> the early fall doesn't hurt.
> 
> Good luck.
> 
> R. Dennis Hager
> on Delmarva Zone 7B
> Where the LA's have just started and the versicolors are charming the
> socks off of all visitors.


Sorry for my ignoorance once again, but what on earth (or in your
garden) is a BOG GARDEN???????????????????

confusedly yours,
Rusty
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