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Iris
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About our Iris:
Iris are available all year, but stocks are generally best in Spring, at other times not all varieties will be available.
Growing
Iris
Iris are beautiful and rewarding plants. Their flowering period is short but this is more compensated by the sheer exuberance of their blooms and fragrance. Also, don't forget that the blue-green, sword shaped leaves at long-lasting appeal to the border in their own right.
Sibirica Iris:
These Iris do not need moist soil to thrive. They have flattened flowers on tall stems in June. The basic species is blue, as are many of the cultivars. There are also white, yellow, mauve and mixed colours available. Divide after flowering. We find it is best to break up into good-sized clumps if planting back into the garden - single stems will provide lots of plants but these need a lot of care and time to form strong plants.
Bearded
Iris:
The plant at Chelsea in 2006. These Irises are named for the furry beards that grow along the lower petals (the "falls"). The upright petals are called standards. Most are scented with a wide range of fragrances - so far we have experienced: sherbet, chocolate, rose water, Parma Violets, lemon curd and orange. They thrive in hot dry conditions and need the rhizomes to be baked by the sun to promote good flowering (this years sun makes next years flowers!). Plant with the rhizome only half buried and add plenty of grit if you soil is not free draining. Plants are propagated by dividing the rhizomes in summer after flowering - discard the portions with flowered stems as these won't flower again. Tall varieties may require staking in exposed positions.
Ensata Iris:
These are moisture lovers, needing damp soil to thrive, although they do tolerate drier conditions in the flower bed. We grow them as marginals in a shady pond, where they grow strongly but flower slightly later than those grown in the sunny bog garden. Divide after flowering.
Iris pests and problems:
Leaves eaten along the edges in May / June: Look out for the small black-headed grey caterpillars of Iris Sawfly in late May / June. Easy to squash by hand (go on don't be squeamish - its them or your Irises!). Look every few days as new caterpillars hatchout over time.
Soft evil-smelling rhizomes can occur on bearded irises in late spring. This is due to bacteria entering through damage or at old leave joints. Cut off rotten parts, cutting into healthy tissue. Sterilise knife before and after cutting.
