Hi All - I split some yellow irises from the backyard and transplanted them to the front yard. They are growing great and have bloomed beautifully, except that now they are purple and before they bloomed yellow.
Any idea how that happened?
Thanks for the information everyone - Dita's post is right on target. I didnt trim the stems the last couple of years like I normally do and they were probably cross pollinated with a purple iris. Since purple is dominant, they grew in purple. I learned a few things along the way - one of which is that there are a whole boatload of people on the web who are SERIOUS about their irises!
Thanks for helping!
Hmm...some plants, like hydrangias (sp?) bloom different colors depending on the acidity of your soil. Maybe irises react the same way? It's neat, whatever caused it. :)
I was thinking the same thing about the acidity. I don't know if that applies to irises or not, but it seems to me my mom's have bloomed several different colors. If you want them yellow, ask at a nursery and they can tell you what to add to the soil to change the color back, if it's an acidity thing. Very interesting, though.
I recently read about iris blooming different colors! How funny that you have this question. Below is a direct quote from C and T Iris farm in northern Colorado. They grow 3,200 varieties! It is one of the loveliest spots around. Here is a link to their web site. Good luck!
http://www.candtirispatch.com/index.php
Why do iris change color?
If your iris are blooming a different color than originally purchased, it is because of letting your iris go to seed: the bloom stalk was not removed shortly after blooming. Bees do a wonderful job of pollinating different colors for the following year. The dominant color of iris is purple and will take over if the bloom stalk is not removed shortly after the bloom dries up. Chemical damage, overcrowding, and heat stress can be a factor in some color changes.
WOW...I had no idea...we learn so much on this site! Thanks, Mom's!!
