How to Grow Siberian Iris

Growing iris plants is a relatively simple process for anyone who has a naturally green thumb. Irises come in two variations: land irises and pond/water irises. Siberian irises fall on the more forgiving end of land irises, meaning that they're easier to care for and less prone to rot than other forms of irises. Although they can't live in boggy conditions, they do well outdoors, and can bring color to any garden. These flowering plants grow from rhizomes (fat roots, or bulbs). Rhizomes are available at lawn and garden centers as either a bare bulb or as a bulb with clipped roots and leaves. These clipped rhizomes are recommended for someone starting iris plants.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Siberian iris rhizomes
• Pots
• Potting soil
• Hummus
• Shovel
• Pruning shears

Instructions

1. Prepare to plant your rhizomes. Use pots for storing inside or choose your outdoor location. Fill pots or holes with a light potting soil mixed with hummus for good drainage. For most irises, 6- to 10-inch pots are ideal.

2. Use your finger or a small stick to form two shallow trenches in the soil, leaving a ridge of dirt between them.

3. Place a rhizome on the ridge of dirt and spread its roots into the trenches. Cover the new plant, including its roots, with a shallow layer of soil. The top of the rhizome should be just under the surface of the potting soil, with its leaves left out of the dirt.

4. If you've planted your Siberian iris rhizome in a pot, put the pot in a location where it will receive a lot of direct sunlight. Water well for the first month, but never let the roots stand in water, as this will damage the plant.

5. Check the tag that came with your rhizomes for the plant's blooming time. For Siberian irises, this will be mid- to late spring. Fertilize the plant one month before this bloom date.

6. Early every spring, prune away any old or dead foliage to keep your Siberian iris healthy.

Tips & Warnings

• Purchase rhizomes that are healthy. They should be firm, but not dried out. Make sure that they're not mushy, that they don't have holes or insect damage, and that they smell fresh. Siberian irises are best planted in September. Siberian irises "resent being moved," T. Sparks wrote in a Backyard Gardner article, so plant them in a permanent place.
• If your iris does not have time to "establish" before winter, it might not survive the cold weather. Irises are aggressive plants, and are likely to take over any other vegetation in the area.

References

• "Siberian Iris: A mid season color"
• "Siberian iris sparkles in mid- to late spring"