Iris

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BEARDED IRIS

2). Where to Plant - Iris need at least a half day of sun. In extremely hot climates some shade is advantageous and more beneficial, but in most climates Iris do best in full sun.

3). Soil Preparation - Be sure to provide your Iris good drainage, planting either on a slope or in raised beds. 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.
• Get your garden beds ready a week before planting to give the soil sufficient time to settle down. Deep spading promises a perfect planting bed for iris.

5). Depth to Plant - 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. A common mistake is to plant Iris too deeply. 6). Distance Apart - Iris are normally planted 12 to 18 inches apart. Close planting gives an immediate effect, but closely planted Iris will need to be thinned often. Plants spaced further apart will require less frequent thinning.

7). Firm the soil - Make sure to firm the soil around each rhizome and then water to help settle the soil.

8). Watering - Recently placed plants require moisture to assist their root structures in becoming more established. In particular, irrigating depends on your climate as well as your soil, but consider that deep watering for extended periods surpasses frequent but superficial watering. As soon as your plant is established, Iris usually don't require much water except in dry locations or during drought.

9). Fertilization - Depending on your soil type, bone meal, super-phosphate and 6-10-10 are all most effective. A gentle treatment in the first part of spring and a subsequent light application around a month after the plant comes into flower will repay you with first-rate developed plants and thriving blooms.

General Garden Care - Tall Beaded Iris

• Iris beds need to be tidy; maintaining a weedless and debris free area.
• Tops of the rhizomes should be allowed 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.
• Bearded Iris are excellent when planted as borders, lovely in garden beds, excellent for foundation plantings and are great for cut flowers.
• Barnyard manure on iris should be discouraged; it causes rot.
• Stay away from using anything elevated in nitrogen, as nitrogen supports decay trouble.
• Don't over-water your plant.
• Iris plants can be divided every three to four years.
• Iris can be protected with mulch throughout the cold months, particularly if the plant is in an exposed setting.

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