Beautiful irises come in many colors

Tuesday, August 28, 2007 12:51 PM MDT

The vast family of beautiful perennials is one of the most important of all garden plants.

There are hundreds of varieties ranging through almost every color, differing in size, blooming seasons and even habits of growth and method of propagation.

The two most important groups for the average gardener are the bearded and beardless iris groups. The bearded iris group is commonly known as the German iris, and the beardless group includes the Japanese iris.

Within this vast family are many different colors; early, midseason, and late flowering; and dwarf, intermediate and tall strains. Every state in the country, with the possible exception of Florida, can successfully grow irises.

Irises demand good drainage and full sun. A good garden soil that will produce corn or potatoes will grow irises, but for the finest flowers and foliage, a high fertility level must be maintained.

Plant root divisions in the early spring or just after blooming. Early fall planting is successful in all but the most northern sections of the country.

Divide clumps and plant single rhizomes, spacing them 8-18 inches apart, according to effect desired. Spade planting hole about 10 inches deep.

If the soil is heavy, some drainage material, such as gravel or broken pottery, should be placed in the hole. Fill the hole with loose soil and place the root section so that it will not be covered more than one inch deep.

Most beardless irises also can be propagated from seeds.

Iris growers have learned that early theories about plant foods being dangerous to the growth of the iris are unfounded. However, they will not tolerate fresh manure or even partly rotted manure in direct contact with the roots.

Most irises should be divided every 3-5 years. You should divide when the root clump becomes crowded and the stems become numerous, thin and weak.

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