An Iris Q for mild climate gardeners

James Waddick jwaddick@kc.rr.com
Tue, 05 Apr 2011 05:29:22 PDT
Dear PBS Friends,
	Iris unguiculares and I. lazica are 2 of the 3 members of 
this unique series of beardless iris (I. cretensis is the 3rd).

	The former is known as the Algerian Iris and is often grown 
in mild climates where it blooms in winter. It is probably reliable 
in Zone 7 and up.  I lazica is from more NE and blooms about the same 
time, but is a bit hardier.

	After years of trials and losses I have both (finally) doing 
OK. I unguiculares had its last flower wither yesterday after a 
peculiar spring  day of 91F (a record 9 degrees above the old). I 
think the first lazica will bloom today. I removed the stamens from I 
ung. yesterday to dry overnight and I'll apply the pollen to lazica 
today.

	SO... has anyone tried hybridizing these two species ?  I 
couldn't find any info on hybrids, but someone who grows both might 
see something intermediate.

	I figured it was worth trying as both are in bloom. Why not? 
Appreciate any personal experiences trying this.

		Best	Jim W.
-- 
Dr. James W. Waddick
8871 NW Brostrom Rd.
Kansas City Missouri 64152-2711
USA
Ph.    816-746-1949
Zone 5 Record low -23F
	Summer 100F +


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