Spring only flowering bearded irises cannot
become a reblooming one.
Remontants (rebloomers) are bred for spring and fall flowering. As hybridizers such as the late Dr. Lloyd Zurbrigg formerly of
Radford, VA and Durham, NC retired, concrete performance data and new
development saw a significant decline over the past decade. Since rebloom origins are difficult to
pinpoint, only a handful of dedicated breeders across the US and Canada are
actively working for new color breaks and patterns plus better fall
reliability. One current goal is
to move the fall bloom sequence up to late August or early September. Such progress would allow gardeners in
colder climates the chance to enjoy these marvelous heirloom plants in fall
flower.
Gardeners should use extreme caution in
ordering plants from mail order catalogs and print media ads. Growers fail to make the distinction
between warm and cool season varieties.
West Coast selections may not grow or flower in fickle Mid-Atlantic
growing conditions. Consult
reputable local growers for the best choices in performance
and fall bloom reliability.
Mike Lockatell
Roots & Blooms,
LLC
The Joyce Lockatell
Memorial Garden
500 Pantela Drive
North Chesterfield, VA
23235
(804) 330-2916
rootsandblooms.us
