Deer River, MN (Zone 3b) | October 2003 | positive
Very few tall beardeds (TBs) can survive my growing conditions. This northern MN zone 3b climate inflicts severe, extended cold during t...Read Morehe winter months, often with little snow cover for insulation. Summer temps can exceed 90 degrees F. My soil is very heavy, compacted clay with a slightly acid pH. A large local deer population frequently tramples and sometimes grazes on my irises in early spring and late fall. Iris borers are present but managed successfully with a granular systemic grub control product. Weeds are abundant and only occasionally beaten back by an admittedly lazy gardener (yours truly). Fertilization is inconsistent, when provided at all. Most TBs here are growing with less than 6 hrs of sun per day, so growth and bloom are not what they could be under full sun conditions. I have lost hundreds of weaker TB cultivars over the years, so the few that have managed to survive are worthy of high praise.
HOLY NIGHT is a stunningly beautiful, dark rebloomer (rebloom reported in USDA zones 5-10). Though it is not as vigorous a grower as some of my other TBs, it is an absolutely reliable bloomer and tough as nails in the face of adverse growing and climatic conditions. I have this one growing in full sun and better soil than many of my other TBs. I highly recommend this cultivar.
Awards: American Iris Society Honorable Mention 1987; Award of Merit 1991
This reblooming iris was rightly named. For me - - It blooms around Christmas. Good growth habits!
Margie
Very few tall beardeds (TBs) can survive my growing conditions. This northern MN zone 3b climate inflicts severe, extended cold during t...Read More