Frequently Asked Questions: Iris
|
In what colors can I find iris?
Iris come in every color and tone with the exception of true red. Throughout the catalog you
will find detailed descriptions which attempt to convey a mind's eye image of the flower
to go along with the picture of the flower. It can be very difficult to describe the
complex color blending that takes place in nature, so you may sometimes disagree with a
description or question whether it is accurate or matches the picture. Please feel free to
bring these issues to our attention, but realize color, like beauty, is in the eye of the
beholder.
Return to the List of Questions
How are iris categorized?
In addition to color, iris may be categorized by flower pattern, form, texture,
substance, variegation, season of bloom and American Iris Society awards received. The
following terms are used to describe iris:
| Amoena |
White/tinted white standards, colored falls. |
| Bicolor |
Light or medium
standards, and deeper contrasting falls. |
| Bitone |
Two tones of the same
color. |
| Blend |
Combination of two or
more colors (one is always yellow). |
| Neglecta |
Blue or violet bitone. |
| Plicata |
Stitched or stippled
margin color on white. |
| Self |
An iris of uniform
color. |
| Substance |
Thickness of petals. |
| Texture |
Sheen or finish of the
petals. |
| Variegata |
Yellow or near yellow
standards with deeper falls which may be either varied or solid tones of brown or purple. |
| American Iris
Society Awards |
Bloom Season |
| HC |
Highly Commended |
| HM |
Honorable Mention |
| AM |
Award of Merit |
| CGW |
Clarence G. White
Award |
| CDM |
Cook-Douglas Medal |
| CWM |
Caparne-Welch Medal |
| KM |
Knowlton Medal |
| SASS |
Sass Medal |
| DM |
Dykes Medal |
|
| VE |
Very Early |
| E |
Early |
| M |
Midseason |
| ML |
Midseason Late |
| L |
Late |
| VL |
Very Late |
| RE |
Reblooms |
|
Return to the List of Questions
When should I plant my iris?
For best results, iris
should be planted in July, August or September. It's imperative that the roots of newly
planted iris be well-established before the growing season ends. In areas with hot summers
and mild winters, September or October planting may be preferred.
Return to the List of Questions
How much sun do my iris need?
Iris need at least a half
day of sun. In extremely hot climates some shade is beneficial, but in most climates iris
do best in full sun. Be sure to provide your iris good drainage, planting either on a
slope or in raised beds.
Return to the List of Questions
How do I prepare my soil?
Iris will thrive in most
well-drained garden soils. Planting on a slope or in raised beds helps ensure good
drainage. If your soil is heavy, coarse sand or humus may be added to improve drainage.
Gypsum is an excellent soil conditioner that can improve most clay soils. The ideal pH is
6.8 (slightly acidic), but iris are tolerant in this regard. To adjust the pH of your
soil, lime may be added to acidic soils or sulfur to alkaline soils. It is always best to
have your soil analyzed before taking corrective measures.
Return to the List of Questions
How deep do I plant my iris?
Iris should be planted so
the tops of the rhizomes are exposed and the roots are spread out facing downward in the
soil. In very light soils or in extremely hot climates, covering the rhizome with 1 inch
of soil may be desirable. Firm the soil around each rhizome and then water to help settle
the soil. A common mistake is to plant iris too deeply.
Return to the List of Questions
How far apart do I plant my iris?
Iris are generally
planted 12 to 24 inches apart. Close planting gives an immediate effect, but closely
planted iris will need to be thinned often. Plants spaced further apart will need less
frequent thinning.
Return to the List of Questions
How should I water my iris?
Newly set plants need
moisture to help their root systems become established. Specific watering information
depends on your climate and your soil, but keep in mind that deep watering at long
intervals is better than more frequent shallow waterings. Once established, iris normally
don't need to be watered except in arid areas. Overwatering is a common error.
Return to the List of Questions
How should I fertilize my iris?
Specific fertilizer
recommendations depend on your soil type, but bone meal, superphosphate and 6-10-10 are
all effective. A light application in the early spring and a second light application
about a month after bloom will reward you with good growth and bloom. Avoid using anything
high in nitrogen, as nitrogen encourages rot problems.
Return to the List of Questions
How should I thin my iris?
Iris need to be thinned
or divided before they become overcrowded, generally every 3-4 years. If iris are allowed
to become too crowded the bloom will suffer, some varieties may crowd others out and
disease problems may be aggravated. Old clumps may be thinned by removing the old
divisions at the centers of the clumps and leaving new growth in the ground. Or, you may
dig up the entire clump and remove and replant the large new rhizomes.
Return to the List of Questions
What else should I know?
Keep your iris beds clean
and free of weeds and debris, allowing the tops of the rhizomes to bask in the sun. Bloom
stems should be cut off close to the ground after blooming. Healthy green leaves should be
left undisturbed, but diseased or brown leaves should be removed.
Return to the List of Questions
Return to Paradise Garden Iris
Copyright © 1997-2008 Paradise Garden. All rights reserved. (Legal Info)
| 
