What is the common name for Iris reticulata?
Iris reticulata, commonly called reticulated iris, is a bulbous perennial iris that is native to Turkey, the Caucasus, Northern Iraq and Iran. It is a low-growing purple-flowered reticulate or netted iris that blooms in March to early April in the St. Hot and humid conditions do not sound like a good time to garden. If you are a lover of iris, forget about the weather as there is work to be done. Late July through mid August is the best time to plant, move or divide iris. Iris is one of the most popular perennials in the garden and easy to grow.Plant Iris reticulata bulbs in late autumn, at a depth of approximately twice their own height. Choose a position in full sun in moist, free draining soil.Irises don’t like high-nitrogen fertilizers, because they encourage soft growth that is prone to rot. Use a balanced 10-10-10 or low-nitrogen 5-10-10 fertilizer, or a superphosphate. Apply lightly in the early spring and again about a month after blooming is done. Sprinkle it around the rhizome, not on top of it.Shade and overcrowding are the most common culprits when irises won’t bloom. If your irises aren’t in full sun, move them to a brighter spot.In dry-summer climates they’re highly resistant to disease. They’re able to push back and hold their own against aggressive weeds and groundcovers, without ever becoming invasive themselves, since a clump of irises only creeps outward by about 3-4 inches per year.
How tall do Iris reticulata get?
In early spring they will produce ivory white flowers, veined blue with a golden yellow tongue on its falls. Iris reticulata is a surprisingly hardy spring flower with a mature height of 15cm. For best results grow Iris reticulata in well-drained soil in full sun. Plant the rhizomes 5-10cm apart at twice their own depth. To propagate new stocks, divide bulbs from mid-summer to early autumn.Do Irisis Need Sun or Shade? Irises do well in most regions of North America and are hardy from zones 5 – 9; they bloom best in full sun but can also be planted in partial shade.Bearded Iris and Beardless Iris (Louisiana, Siberian and Japanese, for example) are among the easiest to grow hardy perennials in northern temperate zones. See below for tips on how to grow and care for both bearded and beardless Iris.The spectacular bearded iris grows from a rhizome, a lumpy looking mass of root that likes to sit right on the surface of the soil. So that is how deep you should plant bearded iris bulbs. The rhizomes should be planted in late summer in a well-drained, sunny spot.Iris can be successfully grown in containers. A 6 to 8 pot will work for Dwarf Iris; a 12 pot will work for Tall Bearded Iris. Make sure your pot has good drainage. For soil, we recommend 45% fir bark, 20% pumice, and 35% peat moss.
When to plant Iris reticulata?
They should be planted between September and mid November for best results. Irises require at least a half-day (6-8 hours) of direct sunlight. Some afternoon shade is beneficial in extremely hot climates, but in general irises do best in full sun. Iris will grow in deep shade, but probably not flower.In dry-summer climates they’re highly resistant to disease. They’re able to push back and hold their own against aggressive weeds and groundcovers, without ever becoming invasive themselves, since a clump of irises only creeps outward by about 3-4 inches per year.Iris is cold hardy enough to be left in the ground all winter long as long as the soil has excellent drainage and no seasonal flooding during the colder months.Some iris cultivars need a year or more to fully establish in their new locations before blooming.
What is the difference between Iris reticulata and Dutch iris?
Two common types of bulbous iris are the Reticulata (early spring bloomers) and the Dutch bulbous(mid summer bloomers. Bulbous irises need a period of dormancy after they finish blooming wherein the plants rest and replenish for the next season. Most irises flower from late spring to early summer. Some—mostly bearded hybrids—are remontant, meaning they may flower again later in the summer.Divide at the right time of year, after flowering, when irises become dormant during late summer, reducing the chance of bacterial soft rot. Avoid dividing during winter when irises are trying to survive on stored energy in their rhizomes.Generally, the best place to plant irises is in a location that receives full sun to partial shade, with well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil pH should be neutral to slightly acidic.Iris germanica (German Iris) German Iris, also known as Bearded Iris, is the showiest and easiest to grow of all the iris. And, with a wide range of colors to choose from, including blue, purple, red, yellow, pink, white flowers, and all hues in between, they’re easy to incorporate into sunny perennial flower gardens.The best time to divide an iris is probably during the worst time of the summer months. We want to do it somewhere between mid July and early August.
Why did my iris reticulata not flower?
Why don’t my bearded iris flower anymore? Is a question we are sometimes asked at Open days and Shows. This is most likely one of three things, either the plant has got overcrowded, the rhizomes are planted too deep or they aren’t getting enough sunlight. Winter Care For Iris in Pots Move pots to a sheltered location out of the path of prevailing winds and storms if you live in growing zones 5-8. Potted irises in colder zones may need to be sunk in the garden or moved to a spot in an unheated garage to provide insulation for the rhizomes.Iris can be successfully grown in containers. A 6 to 8 pot will work for Dwarf Iris; a 12 pot will work for Tall Bearded Iris. Make sure your pot has good drainage. For soil, we recommend 45% fir bark, 20% pumice, and 35% peat moss.Aspect & position: Full sun is ideal for most irises (bearded need full sun), though some will tolerate part shade (Iris reticulata and Iris histrioides are fine in part shade). For taller types, a sheltered position works well to minimise the impact of wind damage.Generally, bearded irises are planted 12-18 inches apart, with the fan of leaves facing the same direction. If you have multiple cultivars, plant the different types in groups of three to seven rhizomes. After planting, water your iris and keep the soil moist (but not too wet) until new leaves begin to emerge.Trim Iris foliage to a height of about 6 inches. A clean garden will help prevent the spread of various fungal diseases and can discourage overwintering pests from building nests. Evergreen boughs or straw make a good winter protection for Iris, particularly in areas with especially harsh winters.
Are iris difficult to grow?
Garden irises are hardy, long-lived perennials that need a minimum of care. They are an established “backbone” of home gardens because they bloom when few other plants do—after spring-flowering bulbs and before peonies, delphinium and phlox. Also, the plant needs well-drained soil in full sun for flowers to be produced. Irises in shady locations may fail to form blooms. Depth of planting can also cause iris plants not flowering. Rhizomes should be near the soil surface, ideally with the tops at or slightly below the soil surface.Horticultural zones 5-8. Aptly named, the early Spring blooming Rock Garden Iris are best in rock gardens, in clusters along garden borders or in sweet little forced pots over the winter as they grow to about 4 tall.Most iris plants spread by means of underground stems called rhizomes. Rhizomes become too crowded over time, resulting in reduced flowering. By lifting and dividing the larger clumps, you can rejuvenate the old planting, as well as provide a source of new plants to expand your garden or share with friends.Fertilization. Irises should be fertilized in early spring about 6 to 8 weeks before bloom, and again after the blooms are gone. Because phosphate is important, we recommend bone meal or super-phosphate and a light balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 6-10-10 depending on the amount of nitrogen in your soil.Provide well-draining, fertile, neutral to slightly acidic soil. Loosen the soil to 12 to 15 inches deep, then mix in compost or aged manure. Good drainage is critical: Irises prefer “wet feet, but dry knees. They will not tolerate wet soil in winter.