GARDENING : Hybridizers Compete in Iris Sweepstakes
The genus iris is a very large group containing approximately 200 species. Among the most popular are the stately bearded irises, perennial plants with sword-like leaves that decades ago were popularly called Grandma’s Flags.
But because of the hard work of hybridizers and iris fanciers, today’s irises bear little resemblance to their ancestors.
Kenneth Moore is a second-generation iris hybridizer and the only one in Orange County to introduce named varieties of bearded irises to the marketplace. He’s even won a coveted award during his 25-plus years of hybridizing for a dark purple named Holy Night, which blooms June through December.
Moore, of Anaheim, does his hybridizing with Bernard Hammer of Perris.
“I’m trying to develop ever-blooming irises--plants that will produce flower stalks continuously from spring through winter,” Moore said.
Most bearded irises are once-bloomers that produce flower stalks in spring or summer. But some have a genetic tendency to bloom again in fall, especially in areas with benign climates. Moore, along with other hybridizers, is trying to extend the blooming season.
“It’s hard work involving long hours,” he said. “It takes thousands of seedlings to get just one iris variety that’s actually marketable. It usually is 10 years before you can produce something that’s worthwhile.”
His father, H.C. Moore, formerly a professor at the University of Kentucky and a plant breeder, had the distinction of producing a Dykes Medal winning variety, named Quintessence, in just three years. The Dykes Medal is the highest award given to bearded iris. Just three are awarded each year, one each to the best American, French and English bearded iris.
Ken Moore produced the award-winning Holy Night, which earned the second highest award--an Award of Merit given to only eight or nine new iris varieties yearly.
In addition to lengthening the blooming season of irises, hybridizers have improved their flowering quality, vigor and range of colors and hues.
Iris flowers consist of six petals, or standards. The inner three are usually erect. The lower three are called falls and usually curve down. Bearded irises are distinguished by hairs on the falls. Irises are available in all colors except true red and green. Many are multicolored, and each year new colors and color combinations are introduced.
“Earlier bearded iris were tissue-paper thin and couldn’t hold up to hot temperatures,” Moore said. “Frequently, each flower lasted just one day or so, especially in Southern California’s hot weather.”
But that’s changed as the result of hundreds of hybridizers who have improved the substance and vigor of iris plants.
“Now, bearded irises grow better in California than just about anywhere else in the United States,” Moore added.
Jim Puckett agrees. He recently established Blooming Fields Farm in Riverside, where he grows 2,000 irises, mainly tall bearded iris, and sells them mail-order.
“The best of today’s iris flowers have abundant ruffles and lace, wider petals, better substance, higher bud count and better branching than those of yesterday,” he said.
And tomorrow’s irises promise to offer more intense hues, longer blooming periods, increased substance and more varieties that are fragrant.
People tend to value irises for their vertical form and intense color and don’t think of them as fragrant plants. But at least half are somewhat fragrant, and some have intense aromas of lemon, carnation, grape or honey scents. Iris flowers are harvested for the French perfume industry.
Most iris varieties don’t need a lot of water, and that’s one reason for their renewed popularity in Southern California gardens. (The exceptions are Louisiana and Japanese irises, which can be planted in or along ponds.)
Bearded iris thrive with fast-draining soil, full sun to light shade and regular fertilizing during the year. Irises with the genetic tendency to re-bloom need regular watering to encourage the additional flowering.
Bearded irises are grown from rhizomes, and there’s still time to select and plant them in your garden. Fall is the best planting time in Southern California and that includes iris.
Puckett offers the following planting guidelines.
Plant the rhizomes in a sunny location at the surface of well-draining soil. If your soil is heavy, amend it with compost or planting mix, build a mound of two to three inches and spread the rhizome’s roots over it.
The top of the planted rhizome should be slightly below the level of the surrounding soil. Don’t fertilize at planting time and be careful not to over water. Weekly irrigation is all the plant needs. More frequent watering encourages root rot.
For a speedy, colorful effect, plant three rhizomes of the same variety in the same location. Place them 12 inches apart, two with the growing ends pointed outward and the third placed to grow into the space between them. (Rhizomes grow outward from the end with the leaves.)
If you already have bearded iris in your garden, they may need to be dug up, divided and replanted if the clump is two and three years old and if bloom quantity has diminished.
Dig with a fork and discard the old center rhizomes. Use a sharp knife to divide the clump. The leaves can be trimmed to six inches for convenience in handling. The divisions can be replanted in your garden or shared with friends.
Iris experts recommend planting in a new part of the garden. If that’s not possible, add organic amendments to freshen the soil.
Iris plants in a garden can be fertilized now. Clean the plants by removing brown leaves and spent flower stalks, but don’t cut off the green leaves because that’s how the plant produces the nutrients needed for spring flowering. Fertilize again in February and repeat in spring.
The largest selection of irises are obtained through specialty growers, usually mail-order.
In October and November, iris divisions also can be obtained during the monthly meeting of the Orange County Iris and Day Lily Club. The club meets at 7:30 p.m. on the second Tuesday of each month. The next meeting is Oct. 13.
Meetings, free and open to the public, are at the First Presbyterian Church of Garden Grove, 11832 Euclid St. Divisions of named varieties will be sold at the plant table with prices ranging from 25 cents to several dollars.
The following specialty growers offer catalogues or price lists. Prices range from a few dollars to $25 for rare varieties.
* Blooming Fields Farm, P.O. Box 8416, Riverside, Calif. 92515, (714) 353-8022. Price list on request.
* Cal-Dixie Iris Gardens, 14115 Pear St., Riverside, Calif. 92508, (714) 780-0335. Catalogue available for $1.
* Hamner’s Iris Garden, 960 N. Perris Blvd., Perris, Calif. 92370, (714) 657-3501. Price list on request.
* Moonshine Gardens, P.O. Box 367, Potter Valley, Calif. 95469. No phone. Catalogue available on request.
* Schreiner’s Iris, 3625 Quinaby Road, Salem, Ore. 97303. (503) 393-3232. Color catalogue available for $2.
