Love irises but short on garden space?
No worries! You can grow these beautiful flowers in pots.
Here are 7 easy tactics to help your potted irises thrive. Perfect for any space, big or small.
Ready to get started? Let’s grow some irises!
Choose the Right Pot
First things first, you need to choose a pot that offers good drainage. Irises hate sitting in waterlogged soil!
Plastic and ceramic pots work great. Make sure the pot is about 12-15 inches deep and wide.
This gives the roots enough room to spread out and grow strong.
Use Well-Draining Soil
Next, pick soil that drains well. Irises prefer soil that’s not too dense.
A mix of garden soil, compost, and sand works best. Don’t use garden soil alone; it could be too heavy and compact.
You want the water to seep through easily, keeping the roots happy and healthy.
Plant at the Right Depth
Now, it’s time to plant your iris. Place the rhizome (that’s the root part) horizontally, with the top just barely covered by soil.
If it’s planted too deep, it might not flower. Leaving a little bit exposed ensures it gets the sunlight it needs.
Water Wisely
Irises don’t like to be too wet. Water them right after planting to help them settle in.
After that, keep the soil slightly moist but not soggy. Over-watering can lead to root rot.
Water sparingly during winter as the plant is mostly dormant.
Give them Sunlight
Irises love the sun! Place your pot in a spot that gets at least 6 hours of sunlight a day.
They thrive in full sun, though they can tolerate partial shade. More sunlight usually means more abundant and beautiful blooms.
Feed Your Iris
Feed your iris a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring and after blooming. Be careful not to over-fertilize; too much can cause more harm than good.
A little compost mixed into the top layer of soil also works wonders.
Prune and Divide
Once flowering season is over and the leaves start to yellow, trim them back. This helps the plant focus on storing energy for next year.
Every 3-4 years, divide the rhizomes to promote better growth and prevent overcrowding.
can I plant more than one rhizone per 12″ pot?