Iris Gardening at TV

[Williesmom]

We are planning a move to TV as soon as we can sell our house here in northeastern Connecticut. I have a lot of very old bearded irises, going back about 40 years or so. They are a medium purple color and grow about 15-18 inches tall in the very early spring here. I have moved them successfully from here to North Carolina and then back to Connecticut again. They grew well in coastal North Carolina but I am afraid they won't be able to survive in Florida, given the fact that there is no long period of dormancy like there is here.

Has anyone been successful growing the bearded variety down there or will I have to switch to Louisiana and Siberian?

Thanks!

Williesmom

[njgranny]

I don't know the answer, but understand your wish to bring them with you.

My daughter was teasing me the other day that before we move, she's coming over to dig up all our bulbs. Some of my daffodils, violets and lillies of the valley came from plants my mother had and moved from house to house.

Jan

[Williesmom]

Yes, I had already decided that I will bring some with me and give it a try. I'll probably dig up the rest and give them to my daughter and a few friends. I just can't bear to leave them here with strangers!

Thanks for your response!

[gsumom]

Bearded iris are supposed to grown to zone 9, which is what TV is I believe. I grew them in zone 8 with no problems at all. I think in the south it's important to plant them like a duck on water, half in the ground and half on top of the ground.

Good luck with them. I really enjoy my every year. Wish they lasted longer though.

[Hyacinth Bucket]

Hi, there is a nursery in Lady Lake or the surrounding area that specializes in Iris's. She knows the ins and outs. I heard her talk and since I knew we weren't going to get Iris's I did not keep her name.

She spoke at the Garden Club South about two months ago, also try a Google search.

Hope this helps.

HB

[swrinfla]

Williesmom:

The Daily Sun did an article on the iris farm HB mentioned recently; can't remember when, unfortunately.

I have African iris (Dietes iridioides) which "came with the house." Nowhere near as colorful as bearded irises, but virtually "maintenance free!" Some are blooming even today!

A website I have found very helpful in learning which plants will work and which will not in this totally different climate: www.floridata.com

SWR

[gfmucci]

The book Florida Top Ten Garden Guide (a Sunset book available at Barnes and Noble) lists the "Louisiana Iris" among the top 10 bulbs in the state. The authors' favorites include Delta Dove, Eolian, Gerry Marstellar, Grace Duhon, and Jeri. Best conditions are full sun with some late afternoon shade in acid soil and some moisture; otherwise no special care or pest problems. These should do great in TV.

[Williesmom]

Thank you all so much for your information and advice about the irises. I will definitely bring some of my old ones and am also looking forward to growing some Louisiana style irises. A friend sent me the article about Heather Oaks and I am waiting for a response from the owner.

Thanks again!