Iris
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BEARDED IRIS
When to Plant: For best results, iris should be planted in August or September.
It's imperative that the roots of newly planted iris be well~established before
the growing season ends. In areas with hot summers and mild winters, September
or October planting may be preferred.
Where to Plant: Iris need at least a half day of sun. In extremely hot climates
some shade is beneficial, but in most climates iris do best in full sun. Be sure
to provide your iris good drainage, planting either on a slope or in raised beds.
Soil Preparation: Iris will thrive in most well-drained garden soils. Planting
on a slope or in raised beds helps ensure good drainage. If your soil is heavy,
coarse sand or humus may be added to improve drainage. Gypsum is an excellent
soil conditioner that can improve most clay soils. The ideal pH is 6.8 (slightly
acidic), but iris are tolerant in this regard. To adjust the pH of your soil,
lime may be added to acidic soils or have your soil analyzed before taking corrective
measures.
Planting Depth: Iris should be planted so the tops of the rhizomes are exposed
and the roots are spread out facing downward in the soil. In very light soils
or in extremely hot climates, covering the rhizome with 1 inch of soil may be
desirable. Firm the soil around each rhizome and then water to help settle the
soil. A common mistake is to plant iris too deep.
Distance Apart: Iris are generally planted 12 to 24 inches apart. Close planting
gives an immediate effect, but closely planted iris will need to be thinned often.
Plants spaced further apart will need less frequent thinning.
Watering: Newly set plants need moisture to help their root systems become established.
Specific watering information depends on your climate and your soil, but keep
in mind that deep watering at long intervals is better than more frequent shallow
waterings. Once established, iris normally don't need to be watered except in
arid areas. Overwatering is a common error.
Fertilization: Specific fertilizer recommendations depend on your soil type, but
bone meal, superphosphate and 6-10-10 are all effective. A light application in
the early spring and a second light application about a month after bloom will
reward you with good growth and bloom. Avoid using anything high in nitrogen,
as nitrogen encourages rot problems.
Thinning Old Clumps: Iris need to be thinned or divided before they become overcrowded,
generally every 3-4 years. If iris are allowed to become too crowded the bloom
will suffer, some varieties may crowd others out and disease problems may be aggravated.
Old clumps may be thinned by removing the old divisions at the centers of the
clumps and leaving new growth in the ground. Or, you may dig up the entire clump
and remove and replant the large new rhizomes.
General Garden Care: Keep your iris beds clean and free of weeds and debris, allowing
the tops of the rhizomes to bask in the sun. Bloom stems should be cut off close
to the ground after blooming. Healthy green leaves should be left undisturbed,
but diseased or brown leaves should be removed.
Types of Bearded Iris:
Dwarf Bearded: These miniature gems display their splendid bloom early in the
spring. Ranging in height from 5 to 15 inches, these delightful iris are perfectly
suited for edging, borders or rock gardens. Intermediate Bearded: Blooming after
the Dwarfs and reaching in height from 16 to 28 inches, these cheerful iris will
brighten your garden and mix well with other favorite spring bloomers.
Tall Bearded: These are the gorgeous queens of the iris world, with magnificent
6 inch blooms displayed on stems over 29 inches high. The later~blooming flowers
are available in every color of the spectrum and include an incredible variety
of color patterns and combinations.
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Siberian
(beardless) iris care
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