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When to Plant Iris The roots of an iris must be established well before the growing season ends. For best results, plant your iris in July or August. September is a more appropriate time to plant is the climate experiences hot summers and mild winters. Where to Plant Iris Iris plants do best in full sun, and need a minimum of half a day exposure. The soil must have good drainage, so they will thrive in a raised bed or on a slope. If the climate is extremely hot, some shade is beneficial. Preparation of Soil For the best start, add Iris Lovers Plant Food to soil (sold on page 3). Iris soil must allow for drainage. Gypsum will improve drainage for most clay soil, and sand or humus will improve heavy soil. The ideal pH is 6.8 (slightly acidic), but irises will tolerate fluctuations. It is best to test the soil and adjust the pH, adding lime to acidic soils or sulfur to alkaline soils. Iris Planting Depth The proper planting depth is critical to your iris! Do not plant too deeply. The roots are planted spread out facing down, and the tops of the rhizomes exposed above the soil. 1” of the rhizomes may be covered in extremely hot climates. Pack soil around each rhizome. Iris Planting Distance Iris plants should be set 12” to 24” apart. If planted too close together, frequent thinning will be necessary to prevent overcrowding. How to Water Iris After planting, watering is necessary to establish roots. Slow watering at long intervals, such as with a soaker hose, is the best method to achieve this. Be careful not to over water. Once established, iris plants do well with natural rainfall. If the climate or weather conditions are arid, more watering may be necessary. Iris Fertilization A light application in early spring and a month after blooming of bone meal, superphosphate, or 6-10-10 are effective fertilizers for iris. In the fall, Iris Lovers Plant Food sprinkled on the ground will keep iris plants in peak shape year after year (sold on page 3). Fertilizers high in nitrogen encourage rot problems, and should be avoided. Testing is recommended because specific fertilizers may be required for some soil types. How to Divide Iris Dividing is necessary every 3-4 years to keep irises healthy. This can be done anytime after flowering through August. Old growth may be dug out from the center of the clump, or the entire plant may be dug up and divided. Cut the foliage to about 6”. Separate clumps carefully to avoid breakage. It is important to inspect rhizomes for insect damage or any signs of rotting prior to replanting. Remove traces of damage with a sharp tool, disinfecting between cuts to prevent contamination to healthy areas. Thinning irises keep them from overcrowding which may cause the flowering to decrease, and may subject rhizome to more pests and damage. Maintaining Iris Planting Areas Keep Iris beds clean and weed free! Cut stems close to the ground when cutting blooms after they die or for an arrangement. Remove any brown or unhealthy foliage throughout the blooming season. |
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