Re: Siberian observation 2
- To: Multiple recipients of list <i*@rt66.com>
- Subject: Re: Siberian observation 2
- From: "* a* C* W* <c*@digitalpla.net>
- Date: Sat, 1 Nov 1997 11:05:50 -0700 (MST)
Mark Cook writes:
> Some of the Siberian Irises with the more grass-like leaves I was
> thinking of are: CAESAR'S BROTHER, LITTLE BLUE SPARKLER, and SHAKER'S
> PRAYER. Some of the ones with wider leaves are: MARANATHA, and ORVILLE
> FAY.
> The ones with narrower leaves did well in Kentucky, but showed more
> stress during very hot weather. The ones with wider leaves showed no
> stress even though they were next to each other. I was wondering if
others
> had seen anything similar.
Mark,
I wonder if it is the width of the leaves that accounts for greater
tolerance to environmental stress or if it is related to the chromosome
count.
I have observed in my garden, where the pH is close to the upper limits
tolerated by Siberians that all the tetraploid varieties I grow maintain
healthy-looking, deep blue-green foliage throughout the growing season,
whereas a number of the diploid varieties have a tendency towards yellowing
(chlorosis) of their leaves.
I mention this because I believe all the *narrow-leaved* varieties you cite
above are diploids, and ORVILLE FAY, at least, is a tetraploid. I am unsure
of the ploidy of MARANATHA.
Jeff Walters in northern Utah (USDA Zone 4, Sunset Zone 2)
cwalters@digitalpla.net
