Oops, I forgot to mention I just put up photos from the Mio Irisarians' show here. The lighting was rough to say the least (as it is at most shows), but there are some neat varieties and a ton of arrangements to see.

What are the growth habits of Kinshikou in term of vigor? The same as a Siberian?

I've not understood the buzz about Sea Power --- a ton of ruffles. But I'll take your word that in person it is a showstopper.

Purple Serenade is showing gorgeous color in your photo. What's not to like?

Oops, I was thinking of Sibtosas, not pseudata!

Thanks for posting your comments along with the photos. I never saw much in Sea Power myself, but since I have grown Beverly Sills next to Alice Goodman I realize what a difference a ruffle can make. It doesn't necessarily show up in photos.

How tall is Kinshikou? It's got such nice subtle color variations, but it does not appear to get lost as a result.

Renee

Sorry for the delayed response. I've been transplanting the rest of my old garden. 600 NOID divisions are done, but I'm still not finished (I haven't even started my sister's collection) and my orders (and the one I'll be growing for my club) will be rolling in before I know it.

iris_gal,

I don't know if I'd say SP is a showstopper ('Kinshikou' definitely is), but it actually is an exceptional blue. That's all, not the greatest thing in the garden, but I understand the buzz.

PS is a nice shade of purple, but it's just another purple. Do we need more? If it doesn't grow into the giant it was claimed to be I don't see anything distinctive about it.

Renee,

This is 'Kinshikou's first year here and yet it has two stalks. One is about 3' and the other is a little under 2', but I didn't amend the soil (I will), it doesn't get the amount of water it should (it will), and I haven't tested the soil pH (I will). Even so, the blooms are probably 5" across. If you didn't see it, here's the whole plant (in the sun):

{{!gwi}}

Thanks for the response Brock.

Purple Serenade looks like an intensely colored violet on my monitor. But if it's purple I understand.

Your Kinshikou is a stunner! Nicer than a lot of Japanese I've seen.

Five inches! Wow. I love big.

I can't even imagine planting that may iris! Kinshikou is beautiful! What kind of culture do the pseudata require? Is is like the Siberians? I have 6 JIs but don't plan on getting any more. My Sea Power didn't bloom this year. I am on my work computer right now because my computer crashed. I am so glad I bought that external drive or I would have lost every single iris picture I have ever taken. My son is going to try to reload my computer today and see if that works. If not, I guess I will have to get another one. Can't post any pictures until I have a computer to download to, resize, and put on Photobucket. That external drive was the best $79 I ever spent. The computer I am on now is only for my work stuff. Love the color on Purple Serenade.

Shadow

Hi Shadow,

Another untimely response and I apologize again. Still moving my old garden and repeating "the good don't need any!" to myself. :)

I am no pseudata expert, but the fact that 3 of 4 are blooming their first year for me boosts my confidence a little (more photos soon). The healthiest ('Ryugan') is the only one taking the year off!? As I understand it, they like conditions more akin to JI's (i.e. more water).

I can't imagine why you wouldn't want more JI's, but I know davesgarden swore they wouldn't even grow in zone 5. I told their iris overseer that I thought it was funny that my success with them (and Ensata Garden's for that matter) must be imagined. Mine are coming along nicely and I should have photos of several soon enough.

I'm sorry to hear of your computer, but thankful for your external drive, too. My last pc crashed and I finally retrieved my old photos by extracting the hard drive and installing it in a new pc. I don't know if it would work for your situation, but it sure was a relief in my case.

Brock

Hi there. I am interested in growing some iris pseudata. I am having difficulty in finding a supplier. I live in Zone 2. Can anyone help me.