Spring sickness?, Potted spring shipments
I have two different topics that are somewhat related,
so I will combine them in one post.
Last fall, I planted 150 siberians, representing 70 or so
varieties. Some were from spring shipments and spent
all summer potted. Some were early fall shipments which
were potted to wait for cooler weather. Some were fall shipments
that were planted directly in the garden. All went into the ground
looking healthy. Fast forward through a cold but not bitter winter.
All of the siberians except for one came through the winter
and sent up growth. Some had increased well, others only average.
However, by the time bloom arrived, 10 plants suddenly died. This
was in a matter of days. They simply turned brown, withered and
went to siberian heaven. Surrounding sibs were not affected. There
was no pattern as to location or whether they were potted, planted directly,
or shipped in spring vs. fall.
This is the first time in nearly 10 years of growing siberians that I have
ever
lost plants that over-wintered and sent up growth the following spring.
I have lost a small percentage of plants that simply did not put up growth
in the spring.
I have also ordered siberians in the spring for the last 4 years, potted
them,
placed them in the shade and kept them watered. This has always given good
results, with only one loss out of over 40 plants sp treated. That is, until
this
spring. Of the 25 siberians I had shipped in this spring, 7 are dead. They
were
when planted, started to grow, quickly turned brown and died. Again, no
commonality as to vendor--they shipped the same quality plants they always
have.
Two of the plants, FROSTED CRANBERRY and DEVIL'S DREAM I have lost before.
Especially surprising is F C , since it comes from a nearly identical
climate. I have
tried it 4 times, this year in spring ....I may have to give up.
On to the questions...have I just been exceedingly lucky in the past? Is
this something
that happens from time to time? Any ideas?? Thanks!
John
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
John Bruce jbruce@infinet.com
SW Ohio, USDA Zone 5b, Sunset #35
USA--Mid-Midwest
AIS Region 6, SSI,HIPS,TBIS, SIGNA
President, Miami Valley Iris Society
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