FAQ

1.

Irises need well-drained neutral pH soil with as much sunlight as possible. A half day of sunshine is the minimum.
 

2.

Bearded irises require a definite winter season. They won’t grow well (or bloom) in south Florida, south Texas, or coastal areas.
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3.

Not much. Ordinarily, average rainfall is adequate. The fastest way to kill your irises is to water them excessively during the summer when it is hot.  In drought conditions water deeply with a soaker hose about every 10 to 14 days.
 

4.

Plant new irises immediately after you get them. When each new plant is in the ground, remove the stapled name tag and insert it in the soil in front of the iris.  Irises need at least six to eight weeks to get well established before winter begins. 
 

5.

Every three to four years you should dig, thin, and replant bearded irises in late summer or early autumn. Keep the rhizomes which have white roots and green leaves. Discard the rest. For easier planting, trim the roots to two inches long. Cut the leaves back to about six inches in length with the center leaf of the fan being the longest.
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6.

Tall bearded irises (over 27") should be planted 12 to 18 inches apart. Median irises (between 10" and 26") should be planted 8 to 12 inches apart. They need the space to expand as they multiply.
 

7.

In warmer climates, plant the iris with the top of the rhizome just below ground level. In colder climates, plant the iris about one-half to one inch deep. Water well after planting; then water again in a couple of days. After that, normal rainfall should be adequate.
 

8.

Fertilize your irises twice a year using a formula that is high in phosphorus (that is the middle number). Do not feed lawn fertilizer to irises or allow lawn fertilizer to travel into the iris beds. Lawn fertilizer is high in nitrogen (that is the first number) which causes lush growth and little to no flowering.

Ideally, feed your irises about six weeks before bloom time and about six weeks before winter.
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9.

Sounds like the pH level of your soil is not compatible to the plants’ needs. Have your soil tested so you’ll know exactly what pH and other elements you have. Irises prefer a neutral pH (7.0). If your pH is high, your soil is alkaline and can be amended by adding sulfur. If your pH is low, your soil is acid and can be amended by adding lime.
 

10.

As you dig each of your favorite irises, use a Sharpie marker to write the iris name or color on the center back of the leaves. Trim the roots and the leaves as described above. Place the irises in a cardboard box or paper sack (not a plastic bag). Keep them cool and DRY (not refrigerated). Replant them as soon as possible - within two to three weeks maximum. If you are moving during very cold or very hot weather, you may need to pot the irises and keep them in a shaded location until the ground temperature modifies.
 

In the Spring. Place your order while there is the largest selection available.
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To have irises bloom for more weeks, raise bearded irises of different heights and types.  Typically, the Dwarf irises start the bloom season.  They are followed by the Intermediates and the early Talls.  Then the Border Beardeds and other Talls complete the season.
 

Irises are hardy, easy-to-grow perennials with few problems.  In the Spring you may see some fungal leaf spot (during rainy, moist conditions) which can be treated with a fungicide.  Bacterial soft rot has a rotten potato smell and can quickly kill the iris.  Rot is caused by excessive water when the soil is warm or hot.  Removing the dead tissue and applying a chlorine cleanser like Comet may save the plant.  Common pests like aphids can usually be controlled by lady bugs, applying a solution of soapy water, or using a pesticide.
 

When the bloom is finished on an iris stalk, use a sharp knife to cut off the stalk about an inch above the rhizome.  You should not cut down the green iris leaves (except when transplanting).
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No, that is not true.  Hybrid irises do not change from their original color to any other color. If the iris bed is not properly cared for, the dominant white irises may grow over and choke out the others.
 

Blue or blue-toned irises are usually the most fragrant.  The perfume genes are also the genes which provide the color blue.

A rebloomer or remontant is an iris with the genetics to bloom in both the Spring and the Fall.  Rebloom or Fall bloom is not guaranteed.  It depends on the climate, the weather, and the horticultural skills of the gardener.
 

It is very difficult to identify unknown irises. There are numerous similar or identical irises among the 80,000 plus named cultivars registered with the American Iris Society. There is also the possibility that an unknown iris was never registered. Try to develop a list of names of potential matches and then see how many of those can be acquired to grow side by side with the unknown iris. Make detailed comparisons over the next few years as they grow and mature into clumps under exactly the same growing conditions in the same garden.

No.  International shipments involve complicated import fees, quarantines, and numerous regulations which in some cases are  more expense than the value of the irises.