Cultural Information – American Iris Society (2024)

Irises are among the easiest of perennials to grow, and they give an abundance of beauty with minimum care. The iris has a thick fleshy root called a “rhizome” (pronounced rye-zome) about like a tough potato in texture. When you buy a new iris, you will probably receive a rhizome with clipped roots and leaves. It can remain out of the ground for a week or two without serious harm, but the sooner it is planted, the better.

To plant your irises, choose a sunny spot in well drained soil. Prepare the soil well, by spading or turning over the soil with a garden fork to a depth of at least 10 inches. Spread fertilizer and work it into the top of the soil. If possible, this should be done 2 to 3 weeks before you are ready to plant. A well prepared bed will result in better growth and more bloom. Don’t starve your irises or make them compete with nearby grass or weeds for food and water. Many gardeners, iris and otherwise, have soil analyses made of their garden soil, then add the fertilizer of the kind and quantity the tests show the soil needs.

The soil should be light. If it is clay soil, add very coarse sand and humus. Bone meal and a good garden fertilizer, low in nitrogen, are good for irises, but manure should be used only after it has aged for about a year. Otherwise, it may cause rot. The roots must be buried firmly to hold the plant in place, but the rhizome should be near the surface. An easy way to achieve this is to dig two trenches with a ridge between them, place the rhizome on the ridge and spread the roots carefully in the trenches. Be sure to firm the soil tightly and allow enough for settling to keep the rhizome above any possible standing water. Then fill the trenches with soil, letting the top surface of the rhizome be just barely beneath the surface of the soil.

If you have several plants, plant them at least a foot and a half apart, “facing” the same way. The rhizomes will then increase in the same direction, without crowding each other too soon.

From the new parts of the rhizome, new bloom stalks will come up in later years and the flowers will be exactly as the original flower. This is called “vegetative propagation”.

In about 2 or 3 years, the new rhizomes will begin to crowd each other and you will want to divide the plant, cutting the newer parts of the rhizome free from the old, which may then be discarded. Unlike the other bearded irises, arils need to be transplanted annually.

You will have so many new rhizomes that you will share them with your friends. Perhaps you received your first rhizomes from a friend. When digging, keep all plants carefully labeled with their names, for sure identification. It is wise to keep diagrams of your planting area to double check individual labels on the plants.

This digging and separating is best done between one and two months after bloom season, usually in July or August. Soon after this the irises grow roots which help to hold the plant firmly during the winter in areas where freezing and thawing can result in heaving the rhizome out of the ground. If you live in this type of climate, a mulch of salt hay can be very beneficial.

Culture of the beardless irises differs somewhat from culture of the bearded irises. They should be transplanted in the fall or in early spring. The roots should never be allowed to dry out while they are out of the ground and they should be watered heavily after transplanting. They should be set slightly deeper than the tall bearded. Japanese iris should be planted in a distinct “depression” in heavy soil to assist in supplying moisture to the plant. Siberians and the Pacific Coast Natives can tolerate light shade but the Spurias, Japanese and Louisianas demand full sun. Louisianas and Japanese require moist conditions during the summer months while the Pacific Coast Natives enjoy a very low humidity and dry soil no matter how hot it may get. All, except Louisianas, should be planted in a permanent spot where they can remain for many years as they resent being disturbed. Louisianas tend to “creep” and therefore, should be tended to every few years. All are heavy feeders and need to be fertilized regularly.

Cultural Information – American Iris Society (2024)

FAQs

What is special about the iris? ›

The iris flower is loved by many, and not just due to its unique bloom! This flower has elegant lilac petals and a unique structure, a woody and powdery scent, divine origins, it works well in a variety of floral arrangements, and it even has the ability to attract butterflies.

What is the description of the iris? ›

The colored tissue at the front of the eye that contains the pupil in the center. The iris helps control the size of the pupil to let more or less light into the eye.

Where did the iris flower originate? ›

The history of iris flowers in North America is thought to begin with early European settlers who brought the bulbs to the new world. Iris flower origins have been traced to Virginia, where bulbs were probably planted in the 1600's.

What is the common name for iris? ›

Other common names: German iris, bearded iris, Louisiana iris, yellow water iris, fleur-de-lis. General description: Popular as garden ornamentals this group of distinctive perennial plants comes in a wide variety of colours and types. This includes those with rhizomes or bulbs, and flowers which may be bearded or not.

What does the iris symbolize? ›

The most common meanings include hope, wisdom, trust and valour, making it a great flower to have around the house. The iris has also been known to mean nobility as it's been long associated with royalty all throughout history - especially in France and Italy.

What is the main purpose of iris? ›

Iris is a thin, pigmented structure found in the eye that can regulate the amount of light that can enter the retina. Also, it determines the eye colour. Iris is present in the anterior part of the eye lens. It controls the size and diameter of the pupil and thus regulates the amount of light entering the eye.

Why is irises so famous? ›

“Irises” is a significant work in van Gogh's oeuvre as it reflects his artistic evolution during his time at the Saint-Paul-de-Mausole asylum. It showcases his mastery of color, texture, and emotional expression.

What is the rarest iris flower color? ›

The black iris is one of the rarest flowers in the world, and displays a very unique mix of colours, it is characterised by a dark purple almost black colour' with a mesmerizing Lilac hue and a white spot in the middle of the flower.

What is the myth of the iris flower? ›

The iris's mythology dates back to Ancient Greece, when the goddess Iris, who personified the rainbow (the Greek word for iris), acted as the link between heaven and earth. It's said that purple irises were planted over the graves of women to summon the goddess Iris to guide them in their journey to heaven.

What does iris mean in the Bible? ›

Iris, though not explicitly mentioned in the Bible, carries symbolic significance. The iris flower is believed to be symbolically referred to as a lily among thorns in the Song of Solomon. In Christian art, the iris represents the purity and innocence of Mary, the mother of Jesus.

Are irises poisonous to dogs? ›

Unfortunately, yes, iris are considered toxic to dogs, as well as cats. Although iris poisoning is rarely fatal in dogs, the flower can still cause considerable harm to dogs if ingested or touched.

Are iris flowers edible? ›

The entire plant is toxic. The noxious compounds have been variously called irisin, irone, iridin, irisin, and irisine. The highest concentrations of toxins are found in the rhizomes (underground stems) and bulbs, while lesser amounts are found in the stems and flowers.

Why is iris unique? ›

It's called “chaotic morphogenesis,” and is thought to occur when iris tissue tightens and folds as the fetus opens and shuts its developing eyes. Just like fingerprints, identical twins don't share the same iris swirls and patterns, so each of their irises is also unique.

Why is iris so important? ›

How does the iris help the eye function? The iris controlling your pupil helps your eyes see clearly. The iris is constantly changing how dilated your pupil is without you controlling it. This is called the pupillary light reflex.

What are the special powers of iris? ›

Iris is considered a minor goddess. Photokinesis: As the Goddess of the Rainbow, Iris has the divine authority and absolute control over rainbow. Rainbow Generation: She is able to create or generate rainbows. Pyrokinesis: She can use light from her rainbows to create multicolored flames and burns to ward off enemies.

What is iris most known for? ›

IRIS was the goddess of the rainbow and the messenger of the Olympian gods. She was often described as the handmaiden and personal messenger of Hera. Iris was a goddess of sea and sky--her father Thaumas "the wondrous" was a marine-god, and her mother Elektra "the amber" a cloud-nymph.

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