Re: [SG] Correction and Irises

>Re:  Siberian Irises - I have had them growing in sun and shade, and I have
>never had them bloom in sun. The best blossoming I have now is from a clump
>in half-shade (about 3 hrs. sun in the morning); the least from a clump
>receiving late afternoon sun.  These are the same variety.

This is an anomalous experience--most people find that they do best in sun.
I suspect there is another variable having to do with soil and/or watering.

>
>Here's an oddity:  I have never had Siberians bloom from the first
>planting.  In other words, I plant a new clump, leave it in place for a few
>years, then divide it.  It will bloom the year it is divided, if I divide
>before its flowering season (early June here).  Anyone else have a similar
>experience?  I should mention that the clumps I have planted were always
>blooming-size when I bought them.

Yes, I have found that some varieties of Siberians--especially those
hybridized in Maine--sulk for years in our hot Virginia summers, and other
bloom only sparsely.  I've tried moving some of them to a shadier, cooler
spot but no results so far.  Fall planting works best for us in hot
climates; spring planting would probably be preferred in colder ones.  The
non-bloomers were all spring-planted originally, but it is hard to believe
that that factor has carried on down the years and through at least one
subsequent replanting.

Bill Shear
Department of Biology
Hampden-Sydney College
Hampden-Sydney VA 23943
(804)223-6172
FAX (804)223-6374
email<bills@hsc.edu>
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