Re: rebloom
- To: i*@rt66.com
- Subject: Re: rebloom
- From: D*@aol.com
- Date: Tue, 17 Sep 1996 21:20:01 -0400
In a message dated 96-09-17 13:52:02 EDT, you write:
<< I just planted yesterday Betty Frances, Queen Dorothy, Pinkness, Hi
Ho Silver, Clarence, Rosalie Figge and Triple Whammy. I think I
should have ordered and planted these in August and am just
wondering if they will bloom next spring or next year at all. >>
Diane, good luck with your new crop of rebloomers. I am sure that you are
warmer than here; but I too, would have preferred that they be in the ground
by mid-August. Mainly so they get a good set of roots to anchor them thru
our miserable freeze-thaw cycles.
I really don't have much experience with rebloomers and hesitate to make
recommendations. I just treat 'em like others; divide in late July thru
mid-August. I understand they do like more water when dry and more
fertilizer than "oncers" to perform optimally. Unfortunately, irises that
need attention from me in the height of bloom-convention-show season are not
likely to get a lot.
I'd expect as much bloom as I get first-year from any iris, which is about
60-80% if they come thru winter decently.
P.S. Had to add this after I read your second message re: fertilizer. I
would NOT fertilize newly-planted, or even established, bearded irises now.
Others might be braver, but I would be afraid of promoting quick, "soft"
growth that will be a magnet for rot over winter.
Dorothy Fingerhood
DFingerhoo@aol.com
Newfield NY (where it's been rainin' nonstop all day)
