IRIS

Iris spp. (EYE-ris)

Perennial     Sun     Height 10 - 40 inches     Spread 3 - 4 feet     Spacing 6 - 24 inches

HABIT: Vertical leaves, spreads by underground rhizomes, available in any color. Beardless and bearded are the major groups.

Bearded iris have surface level thick rhizomes, center

CULTURE: Iris culture varies greatly - some of the beardless irises (Japanese and Louisiana) can grow in or on the edge of water. Others, like Siberian, need to be continually moist. Tall bearded iris need dry beds and good drainage. When clumps get too thick, dig with turning fork, cut leaves to 6 - 8 inches and replant, placing bearded iris rhizomes even with the soil surface and beardless 1 - 2 inches below the surface.

USES: Spring flowers, perennial gardens, cut flowers.

White and blue bearded irises that need to be thinned. Transplant or share with friends and neighbors

PROBLEMS: None serious.

NOTES: Iris means rainbow in Greek, so I like to plant mixed color masses. Louisianas and spurias grow the tallest.

Blue Bearded Iris

Louisiana iris

  Search Library Topics      Search Newspaper Columns