How To Grow Beautiful Iris Plants                               in 8 Easy steps   A few important steps if you are planning to plant your first Iris Garden, and even some good suggestions for growing healthier and more beautiful iris for the seasoned gardener. Iris is a hardy perennial flower grown for its large, showy blooms held high above the long, narrow leaves.

 You'll see iris widely distributed throughout the north temperate zone. Their habitats are considerably varied, ranging from cold regions into the grassy slopes, meadow- lands, stream banks and deserts of Europe, the Middle East and northern Africa, Asia and across North America.

Although iris are hardy plants that thrive in many areas, following these 8 simple tips will make yours stand out from those being grown by your neighbors.

  1. When to plant. Plant in July, August, and even September. If your summers are hot and winters mild, start planting in September and on into October.

  2. Where? Select an area with at least a half day of full sun and good soil drainage. Raised beds or slopes are good spots.

  3. Preparing the Soil. Most garden soils will support the growth of your iris plants. If you are uncertain about the quality of your soil, have it analyzed. A pH of 6.8 is ideal. Add coarse sand or humus if your soil is heavy. Your garden shop will guide you in adjusting the pH (Acidity reading)

  4. How Deep? The 'root' (or bulby thing) is called a rhizome. Plant it just deep enough for its top to show and spread it's roots out - facing down. In very hot climates, put about an inch of soil over the top of the rhizome. Tamp the soil around the rhizomes and water. Don't plant them any deeper than this.

  5. How far apart? 12 to 24 inches apart is best in the long term. Closer planting leads to more frequent thinning but is prettier in the short term. You choice -

  6. About watering - deep watering less often is better than shallow watering too often. It depends upon your soil and your climate. Don't over-water. Actually, established iris don't need to be watered unless your climate is arid.

  7. Fertilizing - depends upon your soil. A light application of bone meal, superphosphate and 6-10-10 in early spring and again 3 or 4 weeks after blossoms have withered will bring good future blooms and growth. Do not fertilize with high nitrogen products.

  8. Thinning the rhizomes - necessary to be done every few
(3 or 4) years. If you wait too long between dividing the rhizomes, your iris plants will become overcrowded leading to less desirable blossoms and possible plant disease. Thin by dividing clumps of rhizomes.

Let your iris rhizomes have full sunlight and warmth. Cut the flower stems off close to the ground when the blossoms have withered. Remove any brown or diseased leaves, but leave the healthy green leaves undisturbed.

And all gardeners know that keeping their gardens free of weeds and debris is just as much the fun part of this rewarding pastime as is enjoying the beauty of your iris plants and blossoms.

 
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