Re: JAP CULT: Summer dormancy
- To: Multiple recipients of list <i*@rt66.com>
- Subject: Re: JAP CULT: Summer dormancy
- From: "* D* H* <r*@dmv.com>
- Date: Wed, 28 May 1997 19:07:07 -0600 (MDT)
> In the six or seven years that I have grown JI's, I have never had
> them to go dormant. I do put a soaker hose in the bed and turn it on
> during hot, dry spells....guess that keeps them from going dormant. Lots
> of mulch may be helping too.
>
> Walter Moores
> Enid Lake, MS 7/8
Walter,
Dormant may not be the right word, but the plants just sit there. The
foliage does not grow any taller and no new fans form. Plants that are
divided right after bloom in mid-July (which I don't recommend in my
area) demonstrate roots that are not actively growing. Fans that are cut
back just sit there--until late August.
Plants that I lift around Labor Day are showing active root growth. Fans
that are cut back grow rapidly. I usually leave the clipped and dug
clump in a bucket of water for 24 hours before replanting. By the end of
that time, the fan has often grown an inch or more.
Based on that evidence, I conclude that they go dormant after bloom.
R. Dennis Hager
on Delmarva Zone 7
