With their colorful displays and ease of growth, irises are one of the most common choices for most of the gardeners. The term iris is Greek and it means rainbow, because the iris have a wide range of colors in which they appear. One can see all the rainbow colors represented in the petals on the velvet-textured flowers. You must be wondering how to take care of iris, it simple and hassle free.
Here are some simple tips on how to take care of iris.
Preferred Conditions
- Before you plant the iris, you will have to choose a location for the same. The ideal requirements for planting an iris will be a place, which is in direct sunlight for at least six to eight hours and has good air circulation. The place should have light, loamy and well-drained soil.
- If you plant them in locations with poor drainage or in tight clay soils, then this will always keep the rhizomes wet and will lead to poor plant performance or plant mortality. Remember that bearded iris will grow properly when in full sun or else there will be no flowering. Before you plant the iris, you will have to prepare the soil by placing three inch of organic compost over the planting site. Try using a tiller for breaking the soil and then mix the compost by removing the visible rocks, which will serve as an impediment for the root system.
Flower Planting
- Start digging a hole, which is large enough for holding the rhizome iris and then make a small cone at the bottom of the hole. This will allow the pointed tip of the rhizome to come out on the surface. Now, you must keep the rhizome in the hole and start spreading the roots as much as you can. Now, fill the hole with water and soil. This will help in compacting the soil near the roots and fill the air pockets present inside it. Take a space of minimum eight inches before you plant the other rhizomes for allowing sufficient growth to iris.
Water Requirements
- To encourage nice flush of blooms you will have to keep the soil moist and not wet. Make sure that you water the rhizomes at least thrice a week and do not water the rhizomes when it is raining.
Fertilizing and Mulching
- The most important part of iris is fertilization. Always remember that you will have to use a fertilizer once a month during spring and summer. During the winter and fall season, you will not need fertilization. At this time, the iris plant will not be able to absorb the nutrients and excessive fertilizer will result in root burn.
- Remember to water the soil once you have applied the fertilizer for helping it to integrate with the earth. Before every frost of the season, you will have to spread the mulch around your iris plant. This will prevent the temperature in the soil from fluctuating, which will result in thawing and freezing.
Care and Maintenance
- Once you notice that the flowers have faded up to an inch or two right above the rhizome, then you will have to cut the flower stalks back. This will prevent the seed formation and will give vigorous growth to your plant. During the fall season, you will have to cut the leaves six-eight inches right above the ground level to prevent it from disease and insect problem. If you notice heaving, then the best solution is not to force the plant back inside the soil, but cover the rhizomes and the roots, which are exposed, with soil.
- For the bearded flower care, after three to five years, once you notice that the clumps have started to crown, you will have to divide them in four to six weeks after flowering. You can do this by cutting the leaves to one-third of their actual length. Now start digging the clumps and you can wash the soil from the rhizomes and roots.
- Now, you will have to divide the iris by cutting the rhizomes away from one another, so that every section has at least two healthy fans of leaves.
Now, you know how to take care of iris. Iris is a symbol of hope and faith, so if you take care of them the same qualities will start blooming in you. So, go ahead and plant a colorful heaven for yourself.
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