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Early settlers in Louisiana brought
the natives into their gardens. In south Louisiana the native
iris thrived where bearded iris failed to flourish. The damp
and humid conditions of the gulf coast areas do not suit bearded
irises that like to dry out after bloom and want dry feet. Many
variations in color, size and form were found by adventuresome
gardners. These gardeners began hybridizing and produced more
and more variations. The discovery of I. nelsonii gave
hybridizers the gene pool that would produce fuller flowers and
wider foliage charasteristic of the modern hybrids. Thus, the
species and their hybrids are referred to as Louisiana iris.
Louisiana iris are rhizomous and beardless.
I. brevicaulis' and 'I. fulva' are found growing far up into
the Mississippi valley. Louisianas are tolerant of very wet conditions
and will thrive in areas that have standing water as well as
in regular garden beds. Louisianas can be grown successfully
in most areas of the world with attention paid to mulch and water.
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