Scottish Rock Garden Club Forum
Specific Families and Genera => Iris => Topic started by: Rodger Whitlock on May 25, 2009, 02:57:52 AM
-
Who is growing Iris verna and what kind of luck are they having with it?
It seems to dislike exposure to our wet-though-not-very-cold winters in a pot, and is slow to begin active growth again in the spring. I also suspect that my usual soil mix is too dense and airless for it. In particular, should the rhizomes be at soil level, buried in the soil, or supported by a light airy layer of rough organic debris?
General comments most welcome; I'd love to persuade my Iris verna to come up early and grow lustily.
-
Hello Rodger
Iris verna has 'done' better for me in an experimental cool sand/grit crevice garden than in a pot.
Despite the lack of humus/organic matter my clump has grown over the years ,to the point where i have been able to divide /pull off side growths for potential visitors--Interestingly unless i include sand and increase the grit content when i plant the divisions into my standard potting mix of 40% peat -- 40% bark-- 20% grit they struggle.
I've just been out with the torch and can confirm the rhizomes creep along at soil level.
Although this is my experience ,(as it relates to a local climate), i hope the above is of some help.
Cheers dave.
-
Hello Dave and Rodger , I have no experience in growing I .verna in a pot , there is no need to do so , as it grows very happyly in a semishaded ,cool spot in the rockgarden and flowering freely . it appreciates leafmould and some coarse sand .