Iris : Perennial Stalwart
There are many types of iris and I’ve grown a number. Their eye-catching beauty is entrancing. They are colorful, graceful, and sometimes fragrant. Depending on the species they can bloom throughout the season, so let’s look which can be grown in the climate zone 5 of the USA.
Reticulata
[the look] One of my favorites, this is the earliest iris bloomer in spring (March - April) for me, and very hardy. Shades of deep blue to purple with interesting golden accent markings on the falls.Good plant for rock garden, and the flowers are sweetly fragrant. Named for the fact that their bulbs have a netted look to them (reticulata means a fish net, netted, or a network in Latin)
[the needs] requires a sunny situation that drains well; Soil needs to stay relatively dry in summer during a dormant period.
Dutch and Spanish iris, Iris Xiphium
[the look] Bloom late spring (April-May), bulbs sold in the fall, graceful and slender blooms and foliage. Clear, beautiful colors blooming with the lily-flowered tulips. My favorites were Wedgewood blue with Elegant Lady tulips. The whites, such as White Pearl, are ethereal. They are often used as cut flowers for arrangements.
[the needs] Semi-hardy, they prefer sun or afternoon shade and rich, well-drained soil. Plant bulbs in fall, 4 to 6 inches deep. The top of the bulb should be just beneath the surface of the soil. Feed with low-nitrogen fertilizer.
“Bearded” Iris germanica
[the look] Bloom in May, these Iris range in height from 2 to 4 feet. They are all colors of the rainbow ( hence the name “Iris”, and have many variations of form in both bloom and height. Intermediate (height 16 to 27 inches), miniature tall (height 16 to 25 inches, small flowers), border (height 16 to 27 inches), and tall (height 28 to 38 inches) bearded types alternate bloom sequence through the blooming season ( shortest blooming first through to tallest blooming latest). There are also dwarf irises,Miniature dwarf (height 8 inch or less,), standard dwarf (height 8 to 15 inches). Certain varieties can re-bloom.
[the needs] top half of the iris rhizome should be left exposed so that it will not rot, but roots attached to the rhizome need to be covered with soil and require a sunny location for best growth. Light, loamy soil with a pH of 6 to 7 (prefer slightly alkaline soil) that has been amended with organic matter is best, but just remember that it is mainly too much moisture that is the enemy, so make sure it is well-drained. Divide every 3 to 5 years. They can be prone to disease and borers, but good practice reduces problems. Planting and dividing information
Siberian, Beardless
[the look] bloom in June, these perennials are long lived -for generations. They take a year or two to get settled before they bloom well for you, but then they make up for it! Mainly purples, blues, and whites, the colors range from nearly black and wine reds to purples, lavenders and blues, to pinks, whites and yellows. These are my very favorite iris, and one of my favorite garden plants, they are graceful and elegant in flower and foliage. A joy in the garden. Hardy,elegant Siberian Iris.
[the needs] They can be planted in spring or fall,the top of the rhizome 1 to 2 inches below the surface. They like a slightly acid, moist soil, but do not like standing water. Growing best in moist, well-drained, fertile soils, yet they tolerate less welcoming situations. Part sun to sunny. When making divisions for replanting, be sure that each division has about a half dozen or more fans of foliage.
Japanese ( Iris ensata), beardless
[the look] bloom in July, with full fancy flowers in delicious shades of color. Page of Japanese iris.
[the needs] they require more water and a definitely acid soil, same conditions as ferns, astilbes or impatiens. They like a rich soil and should be transplanted in fall or early spring; thoroughly soak and keep well-watered while getting settled. Planted 2 to 3 inches deep, they need good winter protection in the north and benefit from mulching (2 - 3 inches). Divide every three to four years.
Pseudacorus
[the look]bloom in July; ideal for plantings around pools, ponds and low spots. With yellow flowers, it grows 4 to 5 feet tall. Best for a natural, wild site, not so satisfying for cultivated gardens.
[the needs] It tolerates well-drained areas, but is happiest in 3 to 6 inches of water or areas that stand in water periodically.
General Information
Iris Facts
- First two are drought tolerant, the second two need lots of moisture. One feeding in spring is important for Irises. In garden design they make a good vertical accent.
- Falls are three segments of petal-like sepals that droop down on irises. The upper set of petals, three upright segments, are called “standards.”
- Thrips on the flowers? Control by using insecticidal soaps and hanging blue sticky traps next to the iris beds.
- Bearded iris especially like heavy feeding of low-nitrogen fertilizer, but all types appreciate some extras of compost and soil kept fertile
More Iris Info All Things Iris Iris
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