I have a 30 ft row of Siberians that i tend to diligently and it has some of the Schafer-Sachs newer varieties as well as others. In my alkaline soil i had to dig down 12-+ inches, heavily amend the soil with a acid planting compost, and have 2 irrigation lines that run once a week, if not more. Some varieties do quite well, others last 2-3 years then dwindle down to nothing.
Japanese iris are possible only in barrels or very small enclosed water features, both our climate/soils and water are far outside of their cultural preferences. I cannot water them with my hose since my water is well water from deep volcanic strata and alkaline and hard by nature. I can only water with distilled water. My soft water from my indoor plumbing has too much sodium in it, and heavily damages the plant over time.
My spuria collection is small but will be increasing since this class IS adaptable to my regions climactic characteristics. I would absolutely love to grow CA iris but in my semi arid clime it is an utter impossibility. even in pots filled with rhody/azalea potting mix. Ive tried and failed multiple times. My Iris ochraleuca, a spuria relative is a nice clump of white and gold in late spring/early summer. I enjoy it very much.
Cal-sibes and pseudata are also difficult for me, but in selected spots around my house where there's afternoon shade, and carefully controlled soil amending they'll last a few years then sink into oblivion. Out water's too hard and alkaline and our winters are too variable and chaotic for them to last.
I could indict the whole class of beardless iris as inferior and not worthwhile based on my difficulty with culturing them, but instead, i'll adapt by finding out which cultivars/classes DO work in my area and then grow and enjoy them.
