How to plant Iris is different than planting most other perennials or annuals in your garden. No matter what you may read now about Iris and how deep to plant the rhizome (the bulbous roots) I can tell you from my 25+ years of experience (and I have tried the other way) that Iris do not like to be planted deep.
I want to show you how to plant Iris because they are the easiest spring blooming perennial in the full sun to part sun garden. Iris need more sun than shade but in hotter climates they can do quite well with 6 hours of morning sun and afternoon shade. I have seen so many posts on amending the soil and how Iris only like loamy sandy soil- ha- my Iris thrive in the clay soil of Virginia near or under Oak trees where the only amendments are mulch that has slowly decomposed in the beds over time. I have lived in rich black soil of Illinois and Iowa (zone 5) and find that Iris will grow just about anywhere.
How to plant Iris is simple- and can be done almost any time of the year in zones 7-9 and spring through the heat of summer in zones 4-6. The best time? After they bloom is the best time to move the Iris so they can have the rest of spring and summer to get established for winter. There is no need to disturb the soil or dig any deeper than thickness of the rhizomes (of the Iris) because you will leave the top half of the rhizomes exposed to the sunlight. I know it sounds weird or unnatural but Iris want the top half of their rhizomes basking in the heat of the sun. You will also cut off the bloom stems and cut the leaves back to about 3-4″ above the rhizome. Cutting back the leaves helps the Iris to stay put or they could fall over after planting from the weight of the leaves. Don’t worry- they will grow back by summer. {note: you can stake the Iris if you do not have the heart to cut back the leaves until they are established but the leaves may start to brown on the ends but they will grow}
You can lightly mulch if the sight of the rhizomes bother you. But I stress lightly, barely covering the rhizome. The rhizomes want air and would rather be dried out than too moist. Iris attract aphids and Iris borers so be a bit vigilant as you walk your garden every so often to any signs of distress or holes in the rhizomes (this is Iris borer). You can treat the Iris and save them even if they are attacked by some sort of pest (and I will write more on this later).
I have included 2 videos for you to watch to see how easy it is to plant a newly purchased potted Iris or transplant and move an established Iris. I also want to add in another tip for you- I transplant or even plant many things when it is raining- before, during, or after- doesn’t matter. Why? Because rain softens the soil and waters the plants plus it works for me. Over 25 years of doing it this way and so far I have great success.
Thanks for stopping by and if you ever have a question, feel free to contact me. See you in the garden!
Creating. Inspiring. Gardening without the rules!
2016 copyrighted material C Renee Fuller @The Garden Frog Boutique
I’m the proud owner of some of Renee’s Irises.. as she’s in the process of digging up some of her garden in preparation for her move to the country… I’ve been blessed to have met her recently as we live about 5 minute drive apart. She placed an ad for a yard/plant sale which I’m always on the lookout for! And now, 6 or 7 trips later, I’ve still yet to uncover all the sparkling gems nested within what is a typical suburban yard. A yard that contains so many focal points, so many textures and so many whimsical adornments it seems so much bigger. I’ll not have the chance to see it through it’s seasonal progression as she’s about to move away from our area..But I’m sure I’ll be seeing the fruits of her labor within my own garden and those I pass on to my family. I’m one lucky guy that bumped into Renee and wish the encounter had happened years before. Thank you Renee!.
I never thought of transplanting my Irises. I have a lot of them in one place and they look lovely when in bloom. I have lots of shady areas where they’d go well.
I wouldn’t have thought of cutting them back thinking they’d die off. Thank you for the tip.
In higher zones Iris will grow in part sun. Many of mine get late afternoon shade or dappled sun and they may only get one bloom stem. thanks for reading!
Irises were my mother’s favorite flower. I have them planted in all my garden beds to remind me of her.
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I have always loved Iris and just discovered that I have the heirloom iris I received from a neighbor almost 25 years ago which started my collection
I always transplant things when we’re getting a few showery days, or even overcast days. Even plants in full leaf will be fine this way, and of course, regular watering after that. Great tips on the Iris!
overcast are good days too. regular watering is essential. thanks for stopping by