Re: unusual Iris

 

Hi Donald,

I love you list.  I too like the 'ugly' ones.  Grew Jungle Shadows for several years before it disappeared - Loved it.  I know many people speak disparagingly of Thornbird but I think it is a great iris. 

Great list.

Jan in Chatsworth


From: Donald Eaves <donald@eastland.net>
To: SpaceAgeRobin@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Sat, May 15, 2010 3:25:27 PM
Subject: Re: [SpaceAgeRobin] unusual Iris

 

Hello Suzanne,
 
I'm in Texas, so I don't think my input on handling iris would be all that useful since our growing environment is so very different.  But the way you phrased your post got me to wondering if I could come up with a list of ten unusual iris.  So for fun, here's what I came up with.
 
TBs
1.  BEWILDERBEAST - I think anyone who has seen it would understand why it's on the list.
2.  One of the flatties - those TBs with either six falls or standards that lay flat on the falls.
3.  THORNBIRD - a spaceager that probably belongs in the 'unusual' hall of fame.  A number of similar ones on the market now, but it was the original.
 
BBs
4.  JUNGLE SHADOWS - quite often makes the list when folks are talking about 'ugly' ones, but it was given the Knowlton medal in '67 so obviously someone liked it.  I do.
 
IBs
5.  CHIMERA - odd color with a strong greenish ground washed over with a rosy color.  Reblooms here.
6.  SHAMPOO - described as a bronze gold self which is accurate, but that bronze is more the bronze they use to make statues and this flower is very, very dark and completely unexpected.  I never get used to the color.
 
ABs
7.  ZWANENBURG - a muddy, odd looking customer that's extremely tough in many locations.
8.  EMERALD FANTASY - a very dark, striped distinctive arilbred - with turquoise green anthers and pollen.
9.  KALIFA'S HORN - I think this is the only horned AB.  How unique is that?
 
species
10.  I. paradoxa - probably many species could make the list, but paradoxa almost doesn't have any falls, just little rolled up nubs about the size of the end of a thumb with big, globular standards and oversize styles above. 
 
Here, medians tend to not do well and they should in your location.  Also the Siberians ought to do well.  I'm sure others from a more similar climate can change this list :).  Good luck!
 
Donald Eaves
d*@eastland.net
Texas Zone 7b, USA
 
 
----- Original Message -----
From: f*@myfairpoint.net
To: s*@yahoogroups.com
Sent: Saturday, May 15, 2010 8:16 AM
Subject: [SpaceAgeRobin] unusual Iris

Hi! everyone, 
 
I am looking forward to learning more about growing the unusual forms of Iris and Iris in general.
 
I would like to know when to divide and what type of fertilizer they like.
 
What types will grow here in Belfast, ME (a Zone 5).
 
Thanks,
 
Suzanne Stuart
Belfast, ME
f*@myfairpoint.net

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