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Love irises?
Want them to come back every year?
You’ve come to the right place. Follow these simple steps and watch your irises multiply.
Get ready for a garden full of beautiful blooms! Let’s get started!
Choose the Right Spot
First things first, picking the right spot for your irises is super important. These beauties love sunlight, so aim for a spot that gets at least 6 hours of sun each day.
Well-drained soil is also a must—irises don’t like wet feet! If your garden tends to hold water, consider raised beds or adding some organic material to improve drainage.
Prepare the Soil
Before you start planting, give the soil a bit of TLC. Mix in some compost or a balanced fertilizer to make sure your irises have all the nutrients they need to thrive.
Aim for a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0 to 7.0). Remove any weeds or rocks, and turn the soil over a bit to loosen it up.
Planting the Rhizomes
Get ready to plant those rhizomes! Place them horizontally with the roots facing down and the top just above the soil.
Space them about 12-24 inches apart so they have room to spread. Cover them lightly with soil, but don’t bury them too deep—irises like their rhizomes to be somewhat exposed to the sun.
Water Wisely
Once you’ve planted your irises, give them a good drink of water. But here’s the trick: make sure you don’t overwater.
Irises are pretty drought-tolerant, and too much water can cause root rot. Water them deeply but infrequently, letting the soil dry out a bit between waterings.
Mulch to Retain Moisture
Mulch isn’t absolutely necessary, but it can be a big help in keeping moisture in and weeds out. Use a light, airy mulch like straw or pine needles, and be careful not to cover the rhizomes too much.
A thin layer around your plants should do the trick nicely.
Watch for Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for any signs of trouble. Common pests like iris borers and aphids can be a nuisance.
If you spot them, try using natural insecticides or introducing beneficial insects like ladybugs. For diseases like root rot, good drainage is your best defense!
Divide and Conquer
Every 3-4 years, you’ll want to divide your irises to keep them from getting overcrowded. Lift the clumps with a garden fork, break them apart, and replant the healthiest-looking rhizomes.
This not only keeps them thriving but also gives you more plants to spread around your garden.
Enjoy the Blooms
Last but not least, sit back and enjoy those gorgeous blooms! Irises will reward your efforts with stunning flowers year after year.
Snip a few for your indoor vases, or just admire them in your garden. Either way, you’ll be glad you planted these easy-to-grow beauties.
my green thumbs are starting to turn brown …I planted an Apple tree and the 2nd year I didn’t get any apples 🙁 I have a small garden in the back yard, plant flowers to attract some bees , he’d Now flowers to to draw them to my garden… I’m just not very good at gardening but I’m not giving up. I’m retired now and I am GOING TO HAVE A GARDEN OF FLOWERS OR VEGTABLES … my weeds are doing well 😉 have a nice day