SPEC-Louisianans

Mark asked "Do any of you all grow the Louisiana species Iris fulva,
Iris
nelsonii, and Iris giganticaerula?  Are they difficult to grow.  Since
the
originate in a similar climate, they appear to be good candidates for
Florida."  

I.fulva will grow in Ottawa but, so far, has not flowered for me.  In
fact, my last one, grown outside from seed, died this summer, probably
from the very dry conditions we had.  I now have a great production of
seedlings that emerged over the last four weeks, these will be kept in
doors over winter so that I can try again.

I.nelsonii certainly grew well in the Hamilton region of Southern
Ontario and flowered in two colour varieties - yellow and red.  I have
those plants and am keeping some indoors and some outside over winter. 
I imagine that they will survive the ones outdoors will flower but am
not sure that they will flower.

I think I am right in saying that both species are grown in the Duke
University Botanic Garden - in the wild flower section in the woods. 
There are two ponds with Louisianans and virginica.

I. giganticaerula, I believe, grows in great profusion in Florida.  I
drove from Gainesville to Cedar Key in April and found that the western
half of that road has a ditch which is filled with irises in flower.  I
mistakenly thought that they were large virginica but, subsequently saw
a display of giganticaerula in High Point, N.C. and now better
understand the differences between the two.  There is a new botanist at
the National Biological Service laboratory in Gainesville who, I am
told, is very good.  She would almost certainly be able to confirm the
identification and say whether they are introduced or wild.  I searched
much of Florida north, but not west, of there and did not find any other
specimens.  This suggests to me that they might be introduced.

Conclusion - they will all grow very well in Florida.

Ian, in Ottawa where there is now about 6 inches of snow and it is still
around -10C.
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