Re: CULT new acquisitions - very long
- Subject: Re: CULT new acquisitions - very long
- From: D* E*
- Date: Tue, 10 Nov 1998 18:50:15 -0800
From: "Donald Eaves" <donald@eastland.net>
Hello folks,
Following are some observations on my experience this summer
and fall.
First, solarization (check the archives) seems to be quite effective.
Two beds were treated the same re working amendments in etc,
but only one was solarized. For the most part growth has been
superior in the solarized bed and the soil has not compacted to
the extent as in the other one. Not to mention that weeds seeds
are minimal in comparison. I don't understand why the texture of
the soil would be different exactly, but there it is.
Also, with the exception of Zurbrigg's CHIMERA, anything associated
with the word median has been slow to start. I'm wondering at this
point if the medians prefer somewhat cooler temps than Texas is wont
to dish out. None have bit the dust yet. This evaluation does include
a couple from last year. The tiny one I received as a bonus last year,
unidentified, did survive. Foliage has maxed at less than 3 inches. I
still think it must be an MDB.
Some cultivars - LEMON CHESS, VOLTAGE, ELECTRIQUE, BREAKERS,
RAKU BLAZE, TRAITOR look like two or three year old clumps. Really
spectacular growth and increase. On the other hand, ALPINE CASTLE,
BOSKEY DELL, AMPLE CHARM, CHERRY SMOKE, HURRIN' HOOSIER
have not done any significant growth. A couple have started now, I think.
As an aside here, nothing in the white range except I'LL FLY AWAY has
been a happy grower, tho SKATING PARTY has started perking pretty
well.
The arilbreds are seemingly unpredictable. Some have done quite well,
others
have been reluctant, to say the least. A couple have reached the
astounding
height of 1/4 inch. They look healthy and have had no rot, but growth has
been very minimal. They do seem easier to salvage when rot has occurred,
possibly due to most of them having lots of increase associated with them.
Except for MISSOURI SPRINGS, the 1/2 dozen spurias have settled right in.
I'm hoping it will go ahead and start as there is still green showing.
The LAs responded to the water trough treatment. All but SINFONIETTA
looked almost pot bound by the time I finally got them in their bed. All
but
that one have even put up new increase since put in the bed. At this point
I would have to say they have been the easiest iris to handle. The hot,
dry
summers we have will tell the rest of the story, as it were.
Rot. I don't like this stuff (surprise, huh). I have only ever had it on
new
rhizomes. I have very little even then and hope this remains my
experience.
Of the ten which got it, only two didn't pull thru at this point, although
several
still look marginal to me. Those which did get it are not included in the
above
evaluations.
Of the rebloomers, planted apart from the other TBs in a bed with different
soil, SUNNY DISPOSITION has grown the best and has a bloom stalk.
PINK ATTRACTION finished blooming this past weekend. I'd rather it
waited a year, I think. The increase stopped all growth after it put out
the
bloom stalk and it rocks easily in the soil, indicating the root system is
still sparse. Again, the medians have been slow to start. I frankly am
experimenting with these, both in where I am planting them and how I
intend to handle them in the future. My instincts tell me they will be
oncers here unless they can take conditions where more water is
furnished and are protected from some of the summer heat. I'll be
experimenting some. Talk about companion plants!
On irises from previous years, I am having just enough good luck with
the SIBs and JIs to keep working with them to try and get a successful
and easy to maintain system in place. Time will tell.
Last, I think everyone should perhaps try I. unguicularis. It was very
slow
to establish, but trucks along now and is not proving to be in the least
temperamental about what kind of treatment it receives. 'Course, I haven't
tried to divide or relocate it yet either. And it blooms in the winter.
Not
spectacular, but nice when nothing else is blooming.
Donald Eaves
donald@eastland.net
Texas Zone 7 - between Abilene and Fort Worth
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