Is It a Keep or Cull???

kHT · Post by **kHT** » May 19, 2008 8:32 pm

Finally one of ours has opened. What do you think??

bengal · Post by **bengal** » May 19, 2008 8:35 pm

I really like the way the petals curl up, so that you see that contrasting lighter purple. It that were mine, I'd keep it.

John · Post by **John** » May 19, 2008 9:20 pm

Sorry, Karma, I'm not a fan of the curled-up edges... Great color though. Of course, it's your call!

Post by **Chris_W** » May 19, 2008 10:31 pm

I don't think I've ever seen an iris with curled up falls. Is that really a characteristic of this one? The color is terrific.

laurief · Post by **laurief** » May 19, 2008 11:43 pm

It looks like you were understandably anxious to photograph your new baby before it had a chance to fully unfurl. It'll likely look quite different (and much better) tomorrow and the next day after the petals finish opening. Be sure to take more pics to show us its full effect.

Laurie

kHT · Post by **kHT** » May 19, 2008 11:44 pm

This was my first attempt, it was done 3 years ago. I waited and waited, I have two and this is the first to bloom.
This is the first bloom and it just opened this afternoon.
I just went out with my flashlight and it appears they are still curled. Will check in the morning. Before the Storm's do as it's opening, the Father does not have curled up falls so I'm a little confused here. It is also small.

laurief · Post by **laurief** » May 19, 2008 11:59 pm

Just be patient. Those petals will unfurl. If you're having cold temps, they may stay curled until temps warm up. But if temps remain cold, the flower may never have a chance to fully open. Your best bet is to check the flower in late afternoon when temps are at their warmest for the day.

Laurie

kHT · Post by **kHT** » May 20, 2008 7:44 pm

I went out this am after it rained and 4 1/2 hours later I finally got back with the photos! Still curled.

I need to correct this as I found the tag on this when I went out. Oh the memory is going!

laurief · Post by **laurief** » May 20, 2008 7:49 pm

Give it time. Try again tomorrow late in the afternoon.

Laurie

kHT · Post by **kHT** » May 20, 2008 7:55 pm

laurief, I'm leaving this for open pollination. Do you think I should save the seeds??

laurief · Post by **laurief** » May 20, 2008 8:03 pm

Oh gosh, please understand that when asked my honest opinion, I give it. I'm not known for my tact, and I tend to tell it like I see it.

You're welcome to rescind your question now. ;-)

Laurie

caliloo · Post by **caliloo** » May 20, 2008 8:13 pm

Oh my gosh!

I am not an experienced iris person - but I think it is spectacular! I LOVE the color and the ruffly edges!

If you are culling it - send it my way!

Alexa

Spider · Post by **Spider** » May 20, 2008 8:15 pm

Name it Curlie Que

I like it curly.

largosmom · Post by **largosmom** » May 20, 2008 9:07 pm

Different...I'd keep it and use it as a parent. I think the curliness would look better on one with a bigger, fluffier fall. I don't know much about iris, but I know what I like!

Laura

KellieD · Post by **KellieD** » May 21, 2008 9:52 am

Keeper!!

Either that or get rid of it and let it live at Kellie's house!

John · Post by **John** » May 21, 2008 11:30 am

Is it the only bud/flower on that scape? I'd be interested to know if it is a one-time fluke, or if it is some genetic trait of that seedling. Guess it is the equivalent of "chicken fat" edges in daylilies, some would consider it deformed, others would breed for it.

But what do you think, Karma? Keeper or cull?

kHT · Post by **kHT** » May 21, 2008 12:01 pm

laurief, I really appreciate you!!

Honestly is a quality that is important in my book.

caliloo, Spider, largosmom thank you and I've noted the comments. I decided last evening to tickle it with a mixture of the Dad's and Imormoritality pollen, DH just laughed and said I couldn't leave it alone! I'm thinking 'Coot' would be a nice name?

KellieD, I posted her on the other site I slide in and out of and I hate to tell you there is a line already! I might have to adopt out the seeds?

Oh Dearest John, I've been awaiting for you, coot and Mike!
karma, is on the fence as you stated, curling isn't what we look for but the colors, fancy my dark side!

I believe there are more blooms to come on this one and another fan close by. I know from the Brugmansia, one shouldn't judge by the first bloom. 4 more buds were found this morning!

kHT · Post by **kHT** » May 22, 2008 9:50 pm

Still curled. . . . . .

John · Post by **John** » May 22, 2008 11:21 pm

Gorgeous color, but just cannot see the beauty in those deformed falls... since you asked: CULL!

Garden_of_Mu · Post by **Garden_of_Mu** » May 22, 2008 11:28 pm

I've held off as I didn't want to spoil your enjoyment of your seedling. But if you want my honest opinion I think you should cull it. Other than the color tone, which is very nice but easily obtainable on a better formed iris, I don't see any redeeming features to this seedling. That said, everyone's taste is different and there is no wrong or right opinion when it comes to a matter of preference for a flower or a plant. If there was what a boring world it would be!

So I wouldn't grow it, but so what? If YOU like it and it makes YOU happy that is what is important.

I am having a similar problem with my PCI seedlings right now. They are all pretty and excellent garden plants, but not one is special enough or different enough in flower to keep. I know the pros are ruthless in their culling (you should see the compost heap at Mid-America!!), but it's so hard to toss a good flower just because it isn't a great flower. One at least (maybe two) is at least worthy of daubing pollen on to see what happens.

Don't forget to consider other factors: bud count, foliage habit, good plant growth, disease resistance, branching, etc., when making a final decision. Making crosses is addictive. You'll have to get used to more seedlings than you have room for and hence culls. Now if only I could get used to it...