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General Information
The most widely grown group of irises. The plants get their name from the fact that they feature thick, bushy beards on the lower petals of the blossoms. The often fragrant flowers themselves come in white, purple, yellow or blue, with many bi-color selections. The plant blooms March through June.
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Plant Care Instruction
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- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- November
- December
January1. FertilizeFeed once with a fertilizer designed for bulbs, such as a 6-20-20.2. WaterIn the absence of rain, water in-ground plants every two weeks and containerized plants weekly.3. Pest/Disease InspectionCheck for aphids when weather is mild.4. Treat for Pest/DiseaseRemove aphids with a strong spray of water.February1. FertilizeFeed once with a fertilizer designed for bulbs, such as a 6-20-20.2. WaterIn the absence of rain, water in-ground plants every two weeks and containerized plants weekly.3. Pest/Disease InspectionCheck for aphids when weather is mild.4. Treat for Pest/DiseaseRemove aphids with a strong spray of water.March1. FertilizeFeed once with a fertilizer designed for bulbs, such as a 6-20-20.2. WaterKeep soil moist but not soggy during bloom.3. PruneCut out dead leaves at their base.4. Pest/Disease InspectionCheck for aphids and whiteflies.5. Treat for Pest/DiseaseSpray aphids and whiteflies with insecticidal soap.April1. FertilizeFeed once with a fertilizer designed for bulbs, such as a 6-20-20.2. WaterKeep soil moist but not soggy during bloom.3. PruneCut out dead leaves at their base.4. Pest/Disease InspectionCheck for aphids and whiteflies.5. Treat for Pest/DiseaseSpray aphids and whiteflies with insecticidal soap.May1. FertilizeFeed once with a fertilizer designed for bulbs, such as a 6-20-20.2. WaterKeep soil moist but not soggy during bloom.3. PruneCut out dead leaves at their base.4. Pest/Disease InspectionCheck for aphids and whiteflies.5. Treat for Pest/DiseaseSpray aphids and whiteflies with insecticidal soap.June1. FertilizeFeed once with a fertilizer designed for bulbs, such as a 6-20-20.2. WaterKeep soil moist but not soggy during bloom.3. PruneCut out dead leaves at their base.4. Pest/Disease InspectionCheck for aphids and whiteflies.5. Treat for Pest/DiseaseSpray aphids and whiteflies with insecticidal soap.July1. BuyBuy iris rhizomes when they are available in the nursery or via mail-order.2. FertilizeFeed once with a fertilizer designed for bulbs, such as a 6-20-20.3. WaterKeep soil moist but not soggy during bloom.4. PruneCut out dead leaves at their base.5. TransplantEvery 3 to 4 years when iris become crowded and the amount and quality of blooms decreases, lift and divide the rhizomes and replant them. Replant large rhizomes that have healthy leaves and throw out leafless ones. The rhizomes can be broken apart or cut with a knife. Before replanting, cut the leaves to two inches long and the roots to one inch. Allow the cut sections to heal over for 4 to 24 hours before planting. The rhizomes can be kept in a cool, dry place for up to 3 weeks before replanting. Plant the rhizome so that the leafy end is pointed up and the top 1/4 inch of leaves is exposed.August1. BuyBuy iris rhizomes when they are available in the nursery or via mail-order.2. FertilizeFeed once with a fertilizer designed for bulbs, such as a 6-20-20.3. WaterCut back on watering six weeks after plants finishing blooming. Water in-ground plants once a week and water containerized plants twice a week.4. TransplantEvery 3 to 4 years when iris become crowded and the amount and quality of blooms decreases, lift and divide the rhizomes and replant them. Replant large rhizomes that have healthy leaves and throw out leafless ones. The rhizomes can be broken apart or cut with a knife. Before replanting, cut the leaves to two inches long and the roots to one inch. Allow the cut sections to heal over for 4 to 24 hours before planting. The rhizomes can be kept in a cool, dry place for up to 3 weeks before replanting. Plant the rhizome so that the leafy end is pointed up and the top 1/4 inch of leaves is exposed.September1. BuyBuy iris rhizomes when they are available in the nursery or via mail-order.2. PlantPlant in a full sun to light afternoon shade location with excellent drainage. If you have clay soil, plant in a raised bed or a container. Space 1 to 2 feet apart and plant the rhizome so that the leafy end is pointed up and the top 1/4 inch of leaves is exposed.3. FertilizeFeed once with a fertilizer designed for bulbs, such as a 6-20-20.4. WaterWater in-ground plants once a week and water containerized plants twice a week.5. TransplantEvery 3 to 4 years when iris become crowded and the amount and quality of blooms decreases, lift and divide the rhizomes and replant them. Replant large rhizomes that have healthy leaves and throw out leafless ones. The rhizomes can be broken apart or cut with a knife. Before replanting, cut the leaves to two inches long and the roots to one inch. Allow the cut sections to heal over for 4 to 24 hours before planting. The rhizomes can be kept in a cool, dry place for up to 3 weeks before replanting. Plant the rhizome so that the leafy end is pointed up and the top 1/4 inch of leaves is exposed.October1. BuyBuy iris rhizomes when they are available in the nursery or via mail-order.2. PlantPlant in a full sun to light afternoon shade location with excellent drainage. If you have clay soil, plant in a raised bed or a container. Space 1 to 2 feet apart and plant the rhizome so that the leafy end is pointed up and the top 1/4 inch of leaves is exposed.3. FertilizeFeed once with a fertilizer designed for bulbs, such as a 6-20-20.4. WaterWater in-ground plants once a week and water containerized plants twice a week.5. TransplantEvery 3 to 4 years when iris become crowded and the amount and quality of blooms decreases, lift and divide the rhizomes and replant them. Replant large rhizomes that have healthy leaves and throw out leafless ones. The rhizomes can be broken apart or cut with a knife. Before replanting, cut the leaves to two inches long and the roots to one inch. Allow the cut sections to heal over for 4 to 24 hours before planting. The rhizomes can be kept in a cool, dry place for up to 3 weeks before replanting. Plant the rhizome so that the leafy end is pointed up and the top 1/4 inch of leaves is exposed.November1. PlantPlant in a full sun to light afternoon shade location with excellent drainage. If you have clay soil, plant in a raised bed or a container. Space 1 to 2 feet apart and plant the rhizome so that the leafy end is pointed up and the top 1/4 inch of leaves is exposed.2. WaterIn the absence of rain, water in-ground plants every two weeks and containerized plants weekly.3. Pest/Disease InspectionCheck for aphids when weather is mild.4. Treat for Pest/DiseaseRemove aphids with a strong spray of water.5. TransplantEvery 3 to 4 years when iris become crowded and the amount and quality of blooms decreases, lift and divide the rhizomes and replant them. Replant large rhizomes that have healthy leaves and throw out leafless ones. The rhizomes can be broken apart or cut with a knife. Before replanting, cut the leaves to two inches long and the roots to one inch. Allow the cut sections to heal over for 4 to 24 hours before planting. The rhizomes can be kept in a cool, dry place for up to 3 weeks before replanting. Plant the rhizome so that the leafy end is pointed up and the top 1/4 inch of leaves is exposed.December1. PlantPlant in a full sun to light afternoon shade location with excellent drainage. If you have clay soil, plant in a raised bed or a container. Space 1 to 2 feet apart and plant the rhizome so that the leafy end is pointed up and the top 1/4 inch of leaves is exposed.2. WaterIn the absence of rain, water in-ground plants every two weeks and containerized plants weekly.3. Pest/Disease InspectionCheck for aphids when weather is mild.4. Treat for Pest/DiseaseRemove aphids with a strong spray of water.5. TransplantEvery 3 to 4 years when iris become crowded and the amount and quality of blooms decreases, lift and divide the rhizomes and replant them. Replant large rhizomes that have healthy leaves and throw out leafless ones. The rhizomes can be broken apart or cut with a knife. Before replanting, cut the leaves to two inches long and the roots to one inch. Allow the cut sections to heal over for 4 to 24 hours before planting. The rhizomes can be kept in a cool, dry place for up to 3 weeks before replanting. Plant the rhizome so that the leafy end is pointed up and the top 1/4 inch of leaves is exposed. -
Buy
When's the best time to buy this plant? When can you buy these from seed (if you can)? When is it usually available? What are things to look for when you're buying it? Or anything other tidbit of information you can share!
July
Buy iris rhizomes when they are available in the nursery or via mail-order.
August
Buy iris rhizomes when they are available in the nursery or via mail-order.
September
Buy iris rhizomes when they are available in the nursery or via mail-order.
October
Buy iris rhizomes when they are available in the nursery or via mail-order.
Plant
When's a good time to plant this plant or bulb? Any special planting instructions?
July
Plant iris in a sunny spot with excellent drainage. If you have clay soil, plant in raised beds or opt for containers.
August
Plant iris in a sunny spot with excellent drainage. If you have clay soil, plant in raised beds or opt for containers.
September
Plant in a full sun to light afternoon shade location with excellent drainage. If you have clay soil, plant in a raised bed or a container. Space 1 to 2 feet apart and plant the rhizome so that the leafy end is pointed up and the top 1/4 inch of leaves is exposed.
October
Plant in a full sun to light afternoon shade location with excellent drainage. If you have clay soil, plant in a raised bed or a container. Space 1 to 2 feet apart and plant the rhizome so that the leafy end is pointed up and the top 1/4 inch of leaves is exposed.
November
Plant in a full sun to light afternoon shade location with excellent drainage. If you have clay soil, plant in a raised bed or a container. Space 1 to 2 feet apart and plant the rhizome so that the leafy end is pointed up and the top 1/4 inch of leaves is exposed.
December
Plant in a full sun to light afternoon shade location with excellent drainage. If you have clay soil, plant in a raised bed or a container. Space 1 to 2 feet apart and plant the rhizome so that the leafy end is pointed up and the top 1/4 inch of leaves is exposed.
Fertilize
When should you fertilize this plant? Which kind of fertilizer do you recommend? Should you use different fertilizers at different times of year?
January
Feed once with a fertilizer designed for bulbs, such as a 6-20-20.
February
Feed once with a fertilizer designed for bulbs, such as a 6-20-20.
March
Feed once with a fertilizer designed for bulbs, such as a 6-20-20.
April
Feed once with a fertilizer designed for bulbs, such as a 6-20-20.
May
Feed once with a fertilizer designed for bulbs, such as a 6-20-20.
June
Feed once with a fertilizer designed for bulbs, such as a 6-20-20.
July
Feed once with a fertilizer designed for bulbs, such as a 6-20-20.
August
Feed once with a fertilizer designed for bulbs, such as a 6-20-20.
September
Feed once with a fertilizer designed for bulbs, such as a 6-20-20.
October
Feed once with a fertilizer designed for bulbs, such as a 6-20-20.
Water
Is there a time to reduce or increase watering? Any special requirements? Things to avoid during certain times of the year?
January
In the absence of rain, water in-ground plants every two weeks and containerized plants weekly.
February
In the absence of rain, water in-ground plants every two weeks and containerized plants weekly.
March
Keep soil moist but not soggy during bloom.
April
Keep soil moist but not soggy during bloom.
May
Keep soil moist but not soggy during bloom.
June
Keep soil moist but not soggy during bloom.
July
Keep soil moist but not soggy during bloom.
August
Cut back on watering six weeks after plants finishing blooming. Water in-ground plants once a week and water containerized plants twice a week.
September
Water in-ground plants once a week and water containerized plants twice a week.
October
Water in-ground plants once a week and water containerized plants twice a week.
November
In the absence of rain, water in-ground plants every two weeks and containerized plants weekly.
December
In the absence of rain, water in-ground plants every two weeks and containerized plants weekly.
Prune
When's a good time to prune this plant? How about deadheading, pinching back, trimming or any other grooming? Any special requirements?
March
Cut out dead leaves at their base.
April
Cut out dead leaves at their base.
May
Cut out dead leaves at their base.
June
Cut out dead leaves at their base.
July
Cut out dead leaves at their base.
Pest/Disease Inspection
What are the common problems this plant will face and when should you look for them to appear?
January
Check for aphids when weather is mild.
February
Check for aphids when weather is mild.
March
Check for aphids and whiteflies.
April
Check for aphids and whiteflies.
May
Check for aphids and whiteflies.
June
Check for aphids and whiteflies.
November
Check for aphids when weather is mild.
December
Check for aphids when weather is mild.
Treat for Pest/Disease
How do you treat the common problems for this plant? What products or concoctions or natural means do you use? Any special requirements?
January
Remove aphids with a strong spray of water.
February
Remove aphids with a strong spray of water.
March
Spray aphids and whiteflies with insecticidal soap.
April
Spray aphids and whiteflies with insecticidal soap.
May
Spray aphids and whiteflies with insecticidal soap.
June
Spray aphids and whiteflies with insecticidal soap.
November
Remove aphids with a strong spray of water.
December
Remove aphids with a strong spray of water.
Transplant
When's the best time to dig up and transplant this from one spot to another? (This is different than planting). Any special requirements?
July
Every 3 to 4 years when iris become crowded and the amount and quality of blooms decreases, lift and divide the rhizomes and replant them. Replant large rhizomes that have healthy leaves and throw out leafless ones. The rhizomes can be broken apart or cut with a knife. Before replanting, cut the leaves to two inches long and the roots to one inch. Allow the cut sections to heal over for 4 to 24 hours before planting. The rhizomes can be kept in a cool, dry place for up to 3 weeks before replanting. Plant the rhizome so that the leafy end is pointed up and the top 1/4 inch of leaves is exposed.
August
Every 3 to 4 years when iris become crowded and the amount and quality of blooms decreases, lift and divide the rhizomes and replant them. Replant large rhizomes that have healthy leaves and throw out leafless ones. The rhizomes can be broken apart or cut with a knife. Before replanting, cut the leaves to two inches long and the roots to one inch. Allow the cut sections to heal over for 4 to 24 hours before planting. The rhizomes can be kept in a cool, dry place for up to 3 weeks before replanting. Plant the rhizome so that the leafy end is pointed up and the top 1/4 inch of leaves is exposed.
September
Every 3 to 4 years when iris become crowded and the amount and quality of blooms decreases, lift and divide the rhizomes and replant them. Replant large rhizomes that have healthy leaves and throw out leafless ones. The rhizomes can be broken apart or cut with a knife. Before replanting, cut the leaves to two inches long and the roots to one inch. Allow the cut sections to heal over for 4 to 24 hours before planting. The rhizomes can be kept in a cool, dry place for up to 3 weeks before replanting. Plant the rhizome so that the leafy end is pointed up and the top 1/4 inch of leaves is exposed.
October
Every 3 to 4 years when iris become crowded and the amount and quality of blooms decreases, lift and divide the rhizomes and replant them. Replant large rhizomes that have healthy leaves and throw out leafless ones. The rhizomes can be broken apart or cut with a knife. Before replanting, cut the leaves to two inches long and the roots to one inch. Allow the cut sections to heal over for 4 to 24 hours before planting. The rhizomes can be kept in a cool, dry place for up to 3 weeks before replanting. Plant the rhizome so that the leafy end is pointed up and the top 1/4 inch of leaves is exposed.
November
Every 3 to 4 years when iris become crowded and the amount and quality of blooms decreases, lift and divide the rhizomes and replant them. Replant large rhizomes that have healthy leaves and throw out leafless ones. The rhizomes can be broken apart or cut with a knife. Before replanting, cut the leaves to two inches long and the roots to one inch. Allow the cut sections to heal over for 4 to 24 hours before planting. The rhizomes can be kept in a cool, dry place for up to 3 weeks before replanting. Plant the rhizome so that the leafy end is pointed up and the top 1/4 inch of leaves is exposed.
December
Every 3 to 4 years when iris become crowded and the amount and quality of blooms decreases, lift and divide the rhizomes and replant them. Replant large rhizomes that have healthy leaves and throw out leafless ones. The rhizomes can be broken apart or cut with a knife. Before replanting, cut the leaves to two inches long and the roots to one inch. Allow the cut sections to heal over for 4 to 24 hours before planting. The rhizomes can be kept in a cool, dry place for up to 3 weeks before replanting. Plant the rhizome so that the leafy end is pointed up and the top 1/4 inch of leaves is exposed.
Propagate
When's a good time to divide, take cuttings, layer or propagate this plant. Any special requirements?
September
Every 3 to 4 years when iris become crowded and the amount and quality of blooms decreases, lift and divide the rhizomes and replant them. Replant large rhizomes that have healthy leaves and throw out leafless ones. The rhizomes can be broken apart or cut with a knife. Before replanting, cut the leaves to two inches long and allow the cut sections heal over for 4 to 24 hours before planting.
October
Every 3 to 4 years when iris become crowded and the amount and quality of blooms decreases, lift and divide the rhizomes and replant them. Replant large rhizomes that have healthy leaves and throw out leafless ones. The rhizomes can be broken apart or cut with a knife. Before replanting, cut the leaves to two inches long and allow the cut sections heal over for 4 to 24 hours before planting.
November
Every 3 to 4 years when iris become crowded and the amount and quality of blooms decreases, lift and divide the rhizomes and replant them. Replant large rhizomes that have healthy leaves and throw out leafless ones. The rhizomes can be broken apart or cut with a knife. Before replanting, cut the leaves to two inches long and allow the cut sections heal over for 4 to 24 hours before planting.
December
Every 3 to 4 years when iris become crowded and the amount and quality of blooms decreases, lift and divide the rhizomes and replant them. Replant large rhizomes that have healthy leaves and throw out leafless ones. The rhizomes can be broken apart or cut with a knife. Before replanting, cut the leaves to two inches long and allow the cut sections heal over for 4 to 24 hours before planting.
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