WHAT ZONES DO IRIS GROW IN CANADA?
Iris grow is zones 3 - 8 in Canada without winter protection. However, if you live in an area with freezing and thawing conditions then a mulch might be helpful. Freezing and thawing can result in rhizomes being heaved out of the ground. Use a nonpacked material, such as hay or evergreen boughs, for this purpose. Mulch in late fall after the first hard frost of the season. In the spring after all the ice and snow has melted, remove the mulch.
Should I fertilize and when?
Iris will survive anywhere but they do like fertilizer and some water. Fertilize in the spring with 6-12-12 around the time the tulips are beginning to bloom and then again in late summer/fall. You'll get get bigger and better blooms and more of them. If fertilizers are applied, avoid placing them directly on the iris rhizomes as this can burn and injure them. Apply as a top dressing around the plant and work into the soil. Avoid the use of manure. Iris don't like too much nitrogen as you get more leaves than flowers.
Why aren't my irises blooming?
- First plant in a sunny location with at least 6 hours of full sunshine.
- Make sure the top portion of the rhizome is exposed and not covered by soil.
- Over feeding with animal manure or fertilizer high in Nitrogen.
- They love fertilizer. We recommend 6-12-12 something low in nitrogen.
- Mulching with lawn clippings or other organic matter. Don't mulch, as it acts as shade and can cause rhizomes to rot.
- Over or under watering can also cause problems. Plant Iris is well-drained soil. Water deeply once every week or two during the dry spring and summer months.
- Overcrowding: they need dividing every 3 to 5 years.
- Make sure the top portion of the rhizome is exposed and not covered by soil.
- Over feeding with animal manure or fertilizer high in Nitrogen.
- They love fertilizer. We recommend 6-12-12 something low in nitrogen.
- Mulching with lawn clippings or other organic matter. Don't mulch, as it acts as shade and can cause rhizomes to rot.
- Over or under watering can also cause problems. Plant Iris is well-drained soil. Water deeply once every week or two during the dry spring and summer months.
- Overcrowding: they need dividing every 3 to 5 years.
When i order irises what will i receive?
You will receive a single rhizome of each variety ordered which has about 4" of green foliage. Each rhizome has been washed, disinfected (as to kill any bacteria), and then dried. A photo label is attached with the name of the variety printed on it. We will dig up your order one or two days prior to shipping.
How to plant rhizomes.
- Iris need at least a half day of sun. In extremely hot climates, some shade is beneficial, but in most climates iris do best with at least 6 hours a day of full sun. Without sufficient sun, the iris may "go blind" - producing foliage but no blossoms.
- Iris will thrive in most well-drained garden soils. Planting on a slope or in raised beds helps ensure good drainage. If your soil is heavy, coarse sand or humus may be added to improve drainage. Gypsum is an excellent soil conditioner that can improve most clay soils. The ideal pH is 6.8 (slightly acidic), but iris are tolerant in this regard. To adjust the pH of your soil, lime may be added to acidic soils or sulfur to alkaline soils. It is always best to have your soil analyzed before taking corrective measures.
- For best results, iris should be planted in July, August or September. It's imperative that the roots of newly planted Iris be well-established before the growing season ends. In areas with hot summers and mild winters, September or October planting may be preferred. We strongly suggest iris be planted at least six weeks before the first hard frost in your area.
- Iris should be planted so the tops of the rhizomes are exposed and the roots are spread out facing downward in the soil (more info can be found "How To Grow & Care For Your Iris." In very light soils or in extremely hot climates, covering the rhizome with 1 inch of soil may be desirable. Firm the soil around each rhizome and then water to help settle the soil. A common mistake is to plant Bearded Iris too deeply.
- Plant 12 to 24 inches apart. Close planting gives an immediate effect, but closely planted Iris will need to be thinned often. Plants spaced further apart will need less frequent thinning.
- Iris will thrive in most well-drained garden soils. Planting on a slope or in raised beds helps ensure good drainage. If your soil is heavy, coarse sand or humus may be added to improve drainage. Gypsum is an excellent soil conditioner that can improve most clay soils. The ideal pH is 6.8 (slightly acidic), but iris are tolerant in this regard. To adjust the pH of your soil, lime may be added to acidic soils or sulfur to alkaline soils. It is always best to have your soil analyzed before taking corrective measures.
- For best results, iris should be planted in July, August or September. It's imperative that the roots of newly planted Iris be well-established before the growing season ends. In areas with hot summers and mild winters, September or October planting may be preferred. We strongly suggest iris be planted at least six weeks before the first hard frost in your area.
- Iris should be planted so the tops of the rhizomes are exposed and the roots are spread out facing downward in the soil (more info can be found "How To Grow & Care For Your Iris." In very light soils or in extremely hot climates, covering the rhizome with 1 inch of soil may be desirable. Firm the soil around each rhizome and then water to help settle the soil. A common mistake is to plant Bearded Iris too deeply.
- Plant 12 to 24 inches apart. Close planting gives an immediate effect, but closely planted Iris will need to be thinned often. Plants spaced further apart will need less frequent thinning.
Do bearded iris change colour?
We sometimes have customers tell us that their entire patch of iris changed from its original colour to white or yellow. Iris cannot change colour. Usually, when a customer notices this unusual occurrence, what has happened is that the purple (or red, or pink, or blue, or yellow, or black, or whatever colour) iris has grown into another nearby patch and the one colour has dominated (or crowded out) the other. When dividing iris in the summer, it is an easy mistake to make to throw out one colour and plant the other in the entire bed.
Another culprit is weed killer. The use of herbicides, such as Roundup, near the iris can affect the plants and cause flowers to go whiteish and contort. If they recover from the exposure to these chemicals, the original colour will return in subsequent bloom seasons.
A third possibility is that bees have cross pollinated and a seed pod has developed. The seeds from these crosses can drop into the bed and grow and mature over time. Then one bloom season, a new iris is found blooming in your iris patch.
Another culprit is weed killer. The use of herbicides, such as Roundup, near the iris can affect the plants and cause flowers to go whiteish and contort. If they recover from the exposure to these chemicals, the original colour will return in subsequent bloom seasons.
A third possibility is that bees have cross pollinated and a seed pod has developed. The seeds from these crosses can drop into the bed and grow and mature over time. Then one bloom season, a new iris is found blooming in your iris patch.
how much watering do iris require
Newly set iris plants need moisture to help their root systems become established. Specific watering information depends on your climate and your soil, but keep in mind that deep watering at long intervals is better than more frequent shallow watering. Once established, iris normally don't need to be watered except in arid areas. Over-watering is a common error.
What if i live in a colder region?
Evergreen boughs or straw make a good winter protection for iris, particularly in areas with especially harsh winters. Apply after freeze-up. Avoid mulches that will trap moisture around the rhizome, as this environment can induce rot. Remove winter protection promptly in the early spring when new foliage begins sprouting. When all threat of frost has passed, remove the winter protection. If the garden is still covered in snow and ice, leave winter protection in place. If the ground is clear of snow and ice, you may see weeds and grass begin to emerge. Get them while they're young, and before their roots become long and difficult to remove.
WHAT ZONE DO I LIVE IN?
To find the zone you live in go to the government website (Canada's Plant Hardiness Site) and look for your province and community.
HOW TO GROW IRIS FROM SEED
About two months after pollination, the seed pod will turn brown and split open. Harvest the golden brown seeds in a small paper cup, and allow them to dry out for a couple more months. Keep the cup in a cool, dry place. Be sure to keep the record of the parents with the seed.
In late October plant the seed about 3/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart in well drained soil. Again, label your plantings clearly so that you can identify the sprouts next spring. The planted seed should spend the winter outdoors, planted in full sun.
The following spring little iris will grow from the seed you planted. Replant and space out the "baby" iris when they become crowded. Label each new planting clearly.
Grow your newly developed iris to maturity and enjoy the blooms.
In late October plant the seed about 3/4 inch deep and 1 inch apart in well drained soil. Again, label your plantings clearly so that you can identify the sprouts next spring. The planted seed should spend the winter outdoors, planted in full sun.
The following spring little iris will grow from the seed you planted. Replant and space out the "baby" iris when they become crowded. Label each new planting clearly.
Grow your newly developed iris to maturity and enjoy the blooms.
