June 6, 2000
Irises Are Easy

             It’s Thursday of last week as I write and we’re enjoying a little heat wave and it looks like the temperatures will climb into the low 80s today.  There are strong to severe storms predicted for tomorrow and the meteorologists are all aflutter about the potential for “supercells” and the possibility of hail and “tornadic activity”.  I don’t mind a little rain but, I can take a pass on the tornadoes thank-you-very-much.  It looks like, by the time you’re reading this, things will have calmed down a bit weather-wise.

                Right now, at my house in the Glenville hills, I’m enjoying the show that my irises are putting on.  By my estimation, they’re flowering about three weeks later than normal.  Better late than never though.   I have about seven types of iris scattered around and they really have taken center stage while we wait for the rest of the flowering perennials and annuals to kick in.

                The thousands of modern iris varieties we have to choose from are descendants of about 150 species that are found growing around the world.  They grow from tuberous roots called rhizomes.  In early spring you’ll find iris rhizomes offered bare root in plastic bags at the garden center.  Later you’ll find others available as potted plants among the selection of perennials. 

                The popular Bearded Iris comes in almost any color and color combination you can imagine.  They’ll range in height from 15”’ to 36”.  Well-established Bearded Iris will have 3 to 5 flowers on each stem and are one of the first of the irises to flower in spring.

                There are also Dwarf Bearded Iris varieties that grow to no higher than 8” or so.  Bearded and Dwarf Bearded Irises need to be planted in a location with full sun (7 hours minimum) in soil that’s been enriched with plenty of organic matter.. 

                Later in spring, Japanese and Siberian irises will appear at the garden centers as potted perennials.  Japanese Irises are some of the largest available with some cultivars growing as tall as 4’.  Japanese Irises can tolerate some shade and will perform at their best when placed in a location that has damp, acidic soil.  Along a stream or a boggy pond bank would be an ideal spot for Japanese Irises.

                The easy-to-grow Siberian Irises have been gaining in popularity lately.  This is due, in part, to their ability to grow well in drier locations than most other iris varieties.  Siberian Irises have narrower leaves and smaller flowers than other Iris varieties and will grow best when planted in full to partial sun and will struggle in shady spots.  Siberian Irises would prefer an acidic soil with lots of organic matter but is more adaptable to less-than-ideal conditions than other members of the Iris family.

                Another Iris will appear at the garden centers in the display of plants for water gardening.  Yellow Flag or Water Flag Iris grows to a height of 3’.  The flowers of this moisture-loving iris are a bright yellow sometimes highlighted with purple veins.  The bluish-green leaves contrast nicely with the bright yellow flowers.  Variegated varieties are also available that will have yellow striped leaves that gradually turn al green as summer progresses.  Yellow Flag Irises must be planted in damp locations that are rich in organic matter.  Yellow Flag is a bog plant that will suffer or perish if planted in a location that dries out at all.

                All irises tend to mature quickly so, be prepared to divide them every few years.  A clump that is overgrown will tend to from a ring as the original tubers die out at the center of the clump.  Dig these clumps in early spring and divide by breaking or chopping them into several smaller clumps and replant. 

                Irises are easy to grow and don’t need much in the way of nutrients.  Dividing them is easy since they tend to be a shallow rooted plant.  All and all, irises should be a welcome addition to any flowerbed.  Thanks for the read.