Re: [SG] iris foetidissima
- To: s*@MAELSTROM.STJOHNS.EDU
- Subject: Re: [SG] iris foetidissima
- From: M* T* <m*@CLARK.NET>
- Date: Sat, 9 Jan 1999 16:18:53 -0500
I'm delighted that this subject has come up. A few years ago, I grew some
from seed - good germination, as I recall, with no special treatment;
believe it was the yellow flowered form...Citrina or something like that.
Grew them in pots for a year or so and then set them in one of my shady
beds where they lasted a year and then just disappeared. Ever since, I've
been wondering just what I did wrong. Had read that they were good for dry
shade, but it appears NOT the dry shade I put them in. I've been meaning
to try them again, but not until I could pin point their requirements a bit
better.
So, I was most interested to read your comments, Bill, on their shade
tolerance. Do you have any words of wisdom to share on soil and moisture
preferences? You say they aren't particular about soil....hmmm, then
wonder why mine departed so speedily? They were nice, strong plants when
set out.
Marge Talt, zone 7 Maryland
mtalt@clark.net
Editor: Gardening in Shade
current article: Galanthus - The First Sign That Spring Will Come
http://suite101.com/welcome.cfm/222
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> From: Bill Shear <BILLS@HSC.EDU>
> Date: Saturday, January 09, 1999 10:21 AM
>
> Iris foetidissima is not particular as to soil. It will grow but will
not
> bloom in deep shade; in moderate shade it will produce a few blooms. If
> you want flowers, it must be in light shade to partial sun. In full sun,
> the leaf tips may brown a bit but it will bloom abundantly. Another
> problem with it is that the foliage can look a bit ratty by the end of
> winter.
>
> Here in central VA it self-seeds readily. I grew my original plants from
> seed, and so had a range of colors from a sort of slaty blue to pale
> yellow. The flowers are not that great but the open seed pods in fall
> display brilliant red seeds for some weeks--these are very nice in dried
> arrangments.
>
> Bill Shear
> Department of Biology
> Hampden-Sydney College
> Hampden-Sydney VA 23943
> (804)223-6172
> FAX (804)223-6374
> email<bills@hsc.edu>
