Having been asked to share my “wisdom” about rules for Iris growing – here goes....
(Please note that the following applies to standard Irises. Wild Iris that grow in boggy and marshy areas obviously have different requirements).
1.Plant in full sun – they need sun at least two thirds of the day.
2.Plant on a slope or raised bed or in well-drained soil – they should never be allowed to sit (or stand) in water. Water them in for a few weeks but thereafter they do not need to be watered.
3.If your soil is heavy use coarse sand or humus to improve drainage. Lime is also good to improve clay soils.
4. The ideal pH is 7 (neutral). A bit of bonemeal in early spring is beneficial.
5. Remove all weeds before planting and keep their plot weeded.
6. Plant about 30 cm apart and leave to grow into the spaces for 4 or 5 years or plant closer and thin more frequently.
7.When you thin them – remove the old divisions at the centre of the root clump or dig the whole thing up and just replant the nice big new rhizomes.
8. Plant so that the tops of the rhizomes are exposed and the roots are spread out facing downward into the soil.
9. After flowering cut the flower stems down close to the ground. In the autumn cut the leaves back to 15cm above the ground.
10. Enjoy.
Much appreciated.
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