How to Care for Irises
Blooming after the spring-blooming bulbs but before spring-blooming perennials like roses, peonies and poppies, irises are a flowering perennial that is easy to grow. They grow from rhizomes, which are swollen roots similar to bulbs. Varieties of irises are suitable for planting in a rain garden or xeriscapes, depending on the cultural needs of the particular variety. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Garden planting tools
- Scissors
- Garden claw
- 5-10-5 granulated fertilizer
- Straw or hay mulch
Instructions
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Choose a site with full sun, or that receives direct sunlight at least eight hours a day.
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Plant iris rhizomes 2 inches deep in sandy soil; in medium-textured soil, situate rhizomes just below the surface of the soil. In clay soil, plant iris rhizomes so their tops are even with the surface of the soil.
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Water iris in spring before they bloom to keep the soil moist but not sopping wet.
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Hand-pull weeds and other undesirable vegetation growing near the iris. Carefully loosen the soil around their roots with a garden claw. Remove faded flowers shortly after they finish blooming.
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Fertilize immediately after the plants finish blooming. Scatter approximately 1/2 cup of 5-10-5 fertilizer for every six iris plants. Healthy iris with rich, green foliage may not need supplemental fertilizer every year.
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Cut the leaves down to about 6 to 8 inches from the ground in early fall. Cut the flower stem off near ground level after the first hard frost.
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Mulch iris the first winter after planting to protect the newly planted roots from fluctuating winter temperatures. Use straw or hay and put down a 3- to 4-inch layer after the ground freezes in late autumn. In cold northern areas, iris will most probably require a protective winter mulch every year to protect the shallowly planted rhizomes from damage.
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References
- Photo Credit Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images
