Re: CULT: acclimation?
We have an expression in the Midwest that "we can shrink 'em down in no time"
referring to the fat, gorgeous rhizomes from the West Coast.
Like you, Walta, we let them sit in the shade on the front porch for weeks to
dry out and so we don't get heat-stroke planting them in August! OK bred
varieties from OR (Mid-America) do just fine but even with "drying out time" the
survival rate for other West Coast irises is not nearly as good as the East
Coast and the BEST of all are "locally raised" Midwest irises, no matter who the
original hybridizer is. They truly have acclimated to the severe Midwest
climate and suffered their losses BEFORE we get them! Sure saves "heartbreak" at
losing $$$ new intros.
The big exception to the rule is Superstition Garden (we have never lost a
one and have ordered many over the years!) but they are inland CA at the base of
Yosemite. Must be that good mountain air because they are usually the
fattest kids we get - just amazing!
Rita Gormley
Gormley Greenery
Cedar Hill, MO
Zone 5 and FINALLY raining with flash flood warnings!
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