Can someone tell me if there is any reason why I shouldn't plant a different variety of iris in the same spot where I removed another variety? I know you are not supposed to do that with roses, so I want to make sure before I plant my new irises. Thanks for your help!!!
And make REAL sure you get all the "original" iris out of the ground ! The actual "roots" are alright to leave....but even a pea sized chunk of rhizome CAN, and likely WILL grow....then, you end up with a "mixed clump" ! I always watch the area very carefully for a month, or 6 weeks after replanting....and quite often see a little "grass -blade" sixed iris leaf coming up.....from one of those "pea-sized' chunks that I missed !
Those pea sized rhizome pieces have shown up in the oddest places for me, and some seemed like little nodules on the root. I have seen several ones showing up where old irises used to be and nothing should be there now.
Name: Bonnie Sojourner Harris Brake Lake, Arkansas (Zone 7a) Magnolia zone
I have always since childhood been told to never plant new roses in an old rose bed or take the great soil from an old rose bed to use for a new rose plantings. I have heard it is death to the new roses. I guess I should look it up and see what this is based on.
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?
Name: Bonnie Sojourner Harris Brake Lake, Arkansas (Zone 7a) Magnolia zone
has something to do with rose re-plant disease but I am not clear on it. I think if you remove the top soil you will be ok or if roses have not been there too long it is ok.
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?
Name: Bonnie Sojourner Harris Brake Lake, Arkansas (Zone 7a) Magnolia zone
I think the previous rose need to have been established in that soil for a very long time.... like the old rose gardens in England..... or ten years whichever comes first. You can tell I know all about it!
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?
Probably so. And rose mosaic virus used to be a problem that less reputable rose nurseries were spreading around- I think that had something to do with that rule of thumb too.
As for any plant I'm replacing in the same spot, I think its always a good idea to replenish with compost to compensate for particular nutrients a plant uses most.
"...and don't think the garden loses its ecstasy in winter. It's quiet, but the roots are down there riotous." Rumi
From what I've just read Neal, that's pretty much what they're saying. Replenish the soil, and add micro-organisms (which need organic matter). Of course in California, we march to a different drummer... (No fewer diseases, just different).
The surest sign that intelligent life exists elsewhere in the universe is that it has never tried to contact us.
Japanese iris are not suppose to be planted in the same spot either. Their roots grow differently than the TB's and they such a lovely t of nutrients out of the soil. Most JI vendors say to plant in a different location, and also to thin after 5 years or so because the rhizomes grow on top of each other and will push the plant out of the soil.
"The chimera is a one time happenstance event where the plant has a senior moment and forgets what it is doing." - Paul Black
