How to Grow, Propagate and Store Iris

DebDavies | Sep 1, 2009 |

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Iris come in a variety of colors, in fact, the name means rainbow. They are perennial flowers that grow from rhizomes. There are Bearded Iris, Beardless Iris and Crested Iris. Regardless of type, these flowers are timeless and beautiful. Follow the steps below to easily grow, propagate and store them.

Things You Will Need

Iris rhizomes

Shovel or Garden spade

Gardening gloves

Garden hose

Compost, organic matter,

Fertilizer

Garden snips

Mulch

Plant Iris rhizomes in soil that has good drainage and is slightly acidic, they like a pH level close to 6.8, but tolerate lower levels. Soil that does not have good drainage or is heavy with clay can be amended by mixing organic matter into the top 12 - 18 inches of soil.

They can be planted in raised beds or along hillsides to improve drainage.

Bone meal or super phosphate should be added to the soil below the rhizome to encourage root development in the rhizomes.

Fertilize the top 4 - 6 inches of soil.

Mulch around the spring-flowering plant to preserve moisture.

Plant the rhizomes in a sunny to slightly shaded location. Dig 2 trenches, approximately 4 inches deep. Place the rhizome on the "hill" in between and fan the roots down into the trenches.

Barely cover the rhizome with soil. Beardless Iris rhizomes should be planted slightly deeper.

Plant rhizomes in early spring or fall.

1 - 2 months after the flowers have bloomed and died off, cut back foliage to within 4 inches of the ground.

Every 2 - 3 years, dig rhizomes up.