Cindy,
If you can get them in the ground in July even better. I am in a slightly warmer zone in "southern" PA and had bad luck with those planted in late Aug/early Sep. The roots just did not have enough time to dig in and survive the cold and freeze/thaw cycles. Just soak the new ones in water for a couple of hours and proceed as soon as possible.
Cindy, I'm in Zone 5b as well, and unless we have one of those really nasty hot summers like we had in 2002, I like to plant my irises some time between July 15 and Aug. 15. I have planted them successfully in Sept. but then you will need to secure them with a brick or stone placed on top of the rhizome to keep them from heaving out of the ground (Like Dave mentioned) You wouldn't put that on until the ground begins to freeze. It looks like you have ordered a nice variety to begin with. You will get hooked, I must warn you! These things should come with a warning labels.
Politicians are like diapers, they need to be changed often, and for the same reason.
I realized when I looked at my list that there is one color I would like but didn't order and that is a red iris. Any suggestions for a nice red or burgundy colored iris and is there anyplace I could order just 1. I notice a lot of sites have $25 minimum order.
I don't think Schreiners has a minimum order. And you can search their site by color. There are lots of reds out there. You will need to decide if you want the more pinkish red, or the brownish red.
Also - remember the shipping cost is usually the same for one as it is for many. You may want to consider that as well.
"The chimera is a one time happenstance event where the plant has a senior moment and forgets what it is doing." - Paul Black
Bay View (Ghio) has Cardinal Rule for $10. I don't know if he has a minimum order or not. If not, he has some really good prices on some irises. You can reach him at [email protected] to ask him.
Politicians are like diapers, they need to be changed often, and for the same reason.
I just got Medici Prince last year during Schreiner's summer sale (more for less!) It was a good bloomer this year. Very tall. Pretty. And the blooms lasted pretty well. I think it would have bloomed longer, but we were hit with a bout of near 90 degree heat & humidity that sped along the end of the bloom. I think I posted a pic in the database....
"The chimera is a one time happenstance event where the plant has a senior moment and forgets what it is doing." - Paul Black
Name: Bonnie Sojourner Harris Brake Lake, Arkansas (Zone 7a) Magnolia zone
Or Cindy, one that is on the cool side, like a burgundy, and one that is on the warm side with a bit of rust in it. And then you can look at reds in the Intermediates as they typically bloom two weeks before the TB's. And then........ lol
Thro' all the tumult and the strife I hear the music ringing; It finds an echo in my soul— How can I keep from singing?
Hemlady said:I may have to order 2, one that blooms early and one that blooms late.
Then a shorter one, a darker one, a lighter one, a ruffled one, one without ruffles, a mixed color, ones to go with the reds, ones to go with the ones that go with the reds, etc...
These things should come with a warning labels.
...Arlyn
