Planting And Growing Iris

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  • Updated: Jun. 26, 2010, 10:25 a.m.
  • Published: Jun. 26, 2010, 9:25 a.m.
By
  • The Oregonian/OregonLive
bettydunn.JPGView full sizeThe Oregonian'Betty Dunn' reblooming iris

Plant irises July through September.

They do best in full sun but need at least a half day of sun. Plant in well-drained soil with rhizome exposed at the surface or just below. There should be no measurable soil on top of plant. Spread roots down and out. Firm soil around iris and water in.

Irises don't require much food.

Soil that's too rich in nitrogen can cause rot. Feed in spring with a light application of low-nitrogen fertilizer such as 5-10-10. You can also add a light application of bone meal or superphosphate in fall.

Once established,

irises normally don't need to be watered except in arid areas.

When iris are done blooming,

cut stalks off, but leave foliage until fall.

Divide irises

in August about every two to three years. You can tell it's time to divide when bloom starts to deteriorate and there is an empty spot in the middle of the iris clump.

Avoid these common mistakes:

planting iris too deep, soil doesn't drain well enough and rhizomes get soft rot, over-fertilizing, over-watering, cutting down foliage too soon.

Schreiner's Iris Gardens offers

more advice.

-- HGNW staff

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