Iris 

Due to many different colours like purple, pink, white, yellow, orange, brown, black, and peach, this flower grouping is named Iris after the Greek goddess of rainbows.  Irises have flattened sword like leaves.

While Irises include over 300 varieties, these are some that we entertain growing:

1)  Bearded: 2 to 4 ft.  early season bloomer and noted for the beard that extends down over the flower petal  

2)  Dwarf: 6 to 10” tall with grass like leaves, early spring bloomer & orchid like flowers

3)  Siberian: bunchy long grass-like leaves with multi flowers on stalks

4)  Japanese:  dainty appearance, require more water than traditional irises 

After flowering, we remove flower stems at the base but leave healthy leaves intact to promote overall plant growth and health. Dead leaves are removed from the plants.  If we see chewing on the leaves, we will cut that leaf out to help control borer infestation.  We monitor the roots to assess if borers have infested the root and if yes, we remove that root. The roots are called rhizomes and they spread rapidly.  Ever 3 to 5 years, rhizomes need to be thinned to eliminate overcrowding.

Irises love full sun but can tolerate partial shade.  The majority will bloom in spring or early summer with dwarf varieties blooming late spring and summer.  Reblooming varieties flower once in summer and again in fall.

The majority of irises will bloom in spring or summer. Dwarf varieties tend to bloom earlier in spring, with intermediate sizes blooming later spring, and taller bearded varieties blooming late spring and summer. Reblooming varieties will produce flowers once in summer and again in fall.

The best time to plant iris rhizomes or (sometimes mistaken as  bulbs but it is a root and needs to be esta is late summer to early autumn to allow them plenty of time to establish roots before the growing season ends.  Again, Irises need to be divided every 3 to 5 years.

On a personal note:  we love irises - outstanding blooms and contrasts with leaves to fill in.  Challenge is to learn how to plant very close and on the surface of the ground.  Many varieties, sizes, colours and densities.