Growing Irises

May is the month for Iris lovers. Irises are usually reaching their peak right around Memorial Day. The color variety of Irises is almost limitless. This link is just one of many that shows what years of hybridizing has done with the old fashioned "flags," as they were commonly called.
http://irisfarmer.com/coirca.html

The Iris blooms are so spectacular it is disappointing to see them go after only a few weeks and the spent flowers are unsightly. Sadly, for this reason Irises are often passed over. However, if the spent flower stalk is removed, the remaining foliage is actually quite attractive and there are quite a few cultivars that are termed 'twice blooming.'

This one is in full bloom now (May 19) and will bloom almost continuously through the summer and fall. I have another color that does the same. Most Iris catalogs now have a section of "reblooming Iris."


Irises have a vigorous growth habit and benefit from being divided every three to four years. The Iris growers I know are willing and happy to share.

Dividing Irises:

When--After you have cut the spent flower stalks, let the plants grow for a month or so and dig them any time through July and August

Separate the rhizomes--Dig deep enough to keep roots intact, shake off the soil and separate the individual rhizomes. Cut the leaves down to a six inch fan.
Plant and share--Irises are very hardy and don't need to be planted immediately, but the sooner they get into the ground the sooner they establish a root system for the coming year. Given an early start the new plants will generally bloom the following spring. There are always extras when dividing Irises-a good time to give and receive.
Planting--Dig a hole 6 to 8 inches deep; deep enough to allow the roots to extend their full length beneath the rhizome. Back fill to bury the roots and leave the top half of the rhizome exposed above ground and soak well to remove air pockets around the roots and look forward to new blooms in the spring.

Don't be afraid of Irises. Their display in May is worth the minimal effort it takes to grow them.

W. T. Svedin