On 2013-07-02 08:27:48 +0100, Bob Hobden said:

"Sacha" wrote

, Bob Hobden said:

"Sacha" wrote ...

Very exciting! My Iris from Cayeux arrived today and I've potted them
up and stood them out on the mypex for a while, all on Ray's
instructions! They are Cable Car, Caprice de Star, Devonshire Cream,
Joy de Rohan Chabot, Piste Noire, Williamette Mist and a freebie of
Queen's Circle.

But have you sorted out where to plant them that is sunny and
sufficiently well drained in the winter?

We think so. We're back to the idea of the very narrow bed edging a
path and facing due south. It's had a lot of gritty stuff incorporated
into it and we're going to dig in some more. They'll go in there when
they've put on a bit of growth. In winter, I think I'll coddle them
with a bit of horti fleece though. I'm going to put 2 of the 7 in an
entirely different area, however, on a sloping bed at the back of the
big fishpond. This is where the one that you think is Sparkling
Burgundy (?) appeared without warning one year. It's full south facing
again and quite well drained. This is undoubtedly a bit experimental in
this winter-wet garden but I love Iris and am determined to keep trying!

What you always have to watch out for are slugs and snails in the
spring which will eat the very tender new shoots as they sprout from
the rhizome before you even notice they are sprouting. That is also the
time to throw on some Gromore fertilizer or similar to get them growing
well and flowering.

Thanks, Bob. I'll note that and also tell The Boss. This has also
reminded me that we have a very pretty Iris japonica sitting in a large
pot somewhere, looking for a home. That's another decision we've got to
get around to. The days just race past!
--

Sacha
www.hillhousenursery.com
South Devon
www.helpforheroes.org.uk