Re: Siberians zone 7
- To: s*@onelist.com
- Subject: Re: [sibrob] Siberians zone 7
- From: R* D* H*
- Date: Wed, 26 May 1999 08:08:56 -0400
- References: <8e2048bf.247cd4b0@aol.com>
From: "R. Dennis Hager" <rdhager@dmv.com>
Amoret,
I'm originally from North Carolina, still have many gardening relatives in the
Carolinas and converse with them regularly about gardening issues. My brother,
who is a SERIOUS gardener lives on sand in Columbia, SC, which has a climate very
similar to yours (almost Zone 8). He grows a few Siberians on his 1/3 acre lot,
but most selections fail to thrive for him. He waters constantly and his water
bill is higher than his electric bill in the summer months.
If you are to grow Siberians successfully, I would recommend you start with
cultivars that are known to thrive in the South. I would recommend you start out
with 'Caesar's Brother', 'Snow Queen', 'Pink Haze' and 'Jeweled Crown'. Carol
Warner and Jim Wilson described a rating system for Siberians, which Carol now
uses in her catalog (Draycott Gardens, 16815 Falls Road, Upperco, MD 21155). If
you want to jump in with both feet (which I don't recommend in your climate), get
her catalog and only get plants that earn a 4 or 5 on vigor for her. Her rating
is for Zone 6-7.
If you are just starting out with Siberians, I can assure you that your chances
of success are heightened by getting your plants locally. I would recommend that
you contact Jim & Peg Jeffcoat at Singing Oaks Garden in Blythewood, SC. (email:
jimjeff@scsn.net ) They run a huge day lily nursery and used to sell Siberians
and Japanese irises. I understand that they still have some irises, but are no
longer willing to ship them. If you are willing to drive over to Blythewood
(probably 3-4 hours), you may be able to pick them up at the nursery. A Siberian
that is dry is a dead Siberian. Considering your summers and proximity to the
coast, I would recommend you consider planting in late September and plan to
water a lot.
Good luck.
R. Dennis Hager
on Delmarva--still Zone 7, but almost Zone 6.
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