Looking for iris

I'd like to get some hardy iris roots. I'm not choicy about the variety. I already have our local blue flag, iris setosa. I'm looking for good rootstock that will winter over for next year's stock. I have lots of potted perennials that are suitable for zone 3 through 5 or more. Email me if you have iris and I can let you know what I have to trade.

Are you looking for bearded or bearless?

I'm not really sure, MudGirl. The bearded would need to be the hardier types. For some reason the bearded don't winter over as well as the other types here. Our winter temps are certainly not as cold as yours, so I do not know why.

I'll send you an e-mail later today w/ some details--maybe something you can try....

thanks, MG. Also, be thinking of some plants you are looking for.

I have a purple lavender Iris that has been in my yard nearly thirty years. I would like to trade a couple for a couple of your Setosa.
Winnie

I have these iris left that I haven't divided yet this year, but need to soon. I think they are all Tall Bearded.

Interested in any or all of these?

Cherub's Smile
Ensemble
Gay Parasol
Going My Way
Lacy Snowflake
Mountain Melody
Painted Cloud
Superstition

I wonder why you have trouble with the bearded iris. Could it be that your winters are wetter than ours? They certainly should do fine for you. They do like to be on the drier side, so maybe you get more moisture than we do?

Sounds good, Winnie. I'll email you.

Yes, Joan, I think it is a moisture issue. The bearded are so beautiful, and there are some varieties that do OK for a year or two, but eventually they disappear. Ive got a few beds that we cover with plastic hoops each year, so I might try some in those beds. I'll email you.

This message was edited Aug 13, 2005 9:13 PM

Wheez, have you ever tried the Siberian iris? I have plenty of those that I could send you, just let me know.
Mine really need to be divided. Will probably have to use a pick ax to get them up-rooted.

Yes, Maxine. The Siberians will grow here. If you decide to divide, I'll trade you for some. I'll email you.