Caring for your Iris in any season

Recent News

What's new?

There is now a display bed of john's seedlings at the gardens come and see them in June. They are not registered and therefore not for sale at this time but we would like your opinion. June 4th is the Second Annual Iris Festival, come and see

Monthly Tip

April

As the soil warms and dries clean all the dead leaves and debris from the base of the plant and dispose of it. Loosen the soil around the plants to help dry and warm up the soil. May Spray with 10% solution of Clorox 9cups water 1cup bleach. This will help with many of the diseases that attack iris. Check the plants for signs of Boer damage from mid May on. Watch the iris bloom and enjoy.

Need more?

Check out these links...

Canadian Iris Society

American Iris Society

Spring

April  - When soil dries sufficiently to work with in your garden, clean all the debris from around the iris.  The Iris Borer lay their eggs in the fall and this is one way to help eliminate them.  At this time, shallowly loosen the soil as this will allow the soil to warm and dry.  Do not scratch the rhizone with your hoe as this will create the entry point for bacteria that could cause soft rot.

May - This is the time of year that many gardeners apply mulch to their gardens.  There are many different choices for a mulch on the market - do not use ANY of them on your Iris!  The rhizones grow naturally on top of the soil and do not like to be buried.  Iris need the sun in order to keep them dry and healthy.  A mulch cover would keep them moist and be a possible cause for soft rot.  May is also the time to keep an eye on the leaves for watery streaks or jagged edges in the centre of the fan.  These are the signs of Borer.  Put your thumb and forefinger at the base, apply pressure as you slide your fingers toward the top - squeezing the Borer.  you may also gently pull the leaves apart to find the Borer and destroy it.

Summer

Planting Bearded Iris - For best results plant late July to early September. Colder areas are best planted early.  Iris need at least one half day of sun but do best in full sun.  Good drainage is important as Iris will not grow properly in wet areas.  If your area is damp, plant your Iris on a slope or in a raised bed.  In heavy clays it helps to add coarse sand and/or humus.  If your soil is acidic, add lime.  If its alkaline, add sulfur.  If you are unsure about your soil contact your local garden centre to see if they have a testing service available.

When planting, prepare your soil with a light application of bone meal or superphosphate or 5-10-10 fertilizer.  Remember not to use too much nitrogen (the '5' in this example).  When planting spread the roots and plant with the top of the rhizone level with the soil surface; in sand cover with one inch of soil water well when planted and not again unless it's a dry season.  Do not over water as it does more damage than under watering.

Fall

Check back for more information about how to care for your Iris in the fall.

Winter

Check back for more information about how to care for your Iris in the winter.