[pbs] Adaptable Juno irises
James Waddick
jwaddick at kc.rr.com
Wed Mar 14 20:29:28 EST 2007
Dear Jane,
Your coincidental remarks about 'Sindpers' allows me to
extoll the virtues of 'easy' Junos here.
I grow all mine outdoors year round in mostly raised beds.
Although 'Sindpers' is a fairly recent addition, it supposed
reverse 'Warlsind', has been here longer. It is somewhat less
vigorous, and striking in flower.
My most vigorous Junos must be I magnifica in various forms
from "Alba' to "Agalik' and various seedlings. It multiplies fast and
has in good years reached almost 30 inches in height. Some planted in
a slightly protected spot have self sown and seedlings bloom
regularly.
Equally or more vigorous is I. willmottiae (willmottiana) or
other horticultural names. A shorter plant with pure white flowers, I
have had to dig and divide on a regular basis when it expands in on
other plants.
Although I bucharica was my first Juno, I cannot keep it in
the garden, although there may still be a small clump 'out back'. I
graeberiana in its various forms does OK, survives and blooms, but is
not a fast multiplier.
I have a few others, but these are definitely the most
adaptable. Top of my wish list is I rosenbachiana. I just got a note
from Panayoti Kelaidis that Denver BG has planted a small lawn of
this species after they had such good luck with a larger 'lawn' of I
bucharica. So it goes in Denver!
I think Junos remain under appreciated and grown. I wish more
were totally hardy here and I suspect the less vigorous ones are
simply closer to the 'edge' of hardiness.
Anyone else suggest some really hardy Junos.?
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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