How to Plant |
Iris roots should be planted in the early fall. The most important thing here is - don't plant your new friend too deep or it won't flower! The rhizome looks like a bit of a long potato and has roots growing down from it, and the green foliage (which may be brown - this is normal) growing up. You want to plant it with the roots buried and pointing down, and the foliage growing up. The bulb part - the rhizome - should be about 5% visible above the soil line - do not bury it all the way. Now give your plant a few solid pats to compress the soil around it, and a long drink of water, and wait until spring |
Where to Plant |
Find a place with good well-draining soil (this is the most important part - the roots are prone to rot) and that gets mostly sun. Space plants about 12-24" apart. They will spread and multiply gradually |
When to Plant |
Plant within a day or two of receiving your roots |
When to Expect Blooms |
For a couple of glorious weeks in the early summer |
Care Instructions |
Water deeply every couple of weeks during dry spells for the first year, being mindful not to over-water since Iris are prone to rot. After the first year they do not need any supplemental water
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Extra Credit |
If you have hot summers, the Iris will still bloom well with some afternoon shade, and you can bury the rhizome almost completely to protect it from the heat |