This is my first iris (Iridaceae) ever. About a month ago, a local lady was giving away a couple hundred irises to friends and neighbors. (She’s turning her iris plot into raised veggie beds.) I received a dozen or so irises, most of which I planted under the flowering plum trees (Prunus x blireiana). Two iries are in the garden, one planted on each side of the heart-shape pathway. Unlike the other ones, these two have variegated green and yellow foliage. As one strolls to the left or to the right, each iris is a pleasant surprise . . . a pop-of-color behind the society garlic (Tulbaghia violacea). Dug up the wrong time of the year, they aren’t performing at high-capacity. Next year, though, I have big expectations.
Iris Tips:
Over 300 species
Grown from bulbs or rhizomes
Three categories: bearded, beardless, and crested
Irises need full to half day of sun
Plant July – September 12 – 24 inches apart
Bloom periods is spring or early summer
Deadhead bloom stems close to the ground.
Apply small amount of fertilizer one month after bloom
For prolific blooms, divide every 3-4 years before they become crowded
Remove only diseased or brown leaves
Copyright © 2010 Dianne Marie Andre
In and Around the Garden 