Iris germanica Cats Eye - Bearded Iris

Do you have a sunny, warm and rather dry location in summer?
This is the ideal location for planting irises! In the shade, they vegetate but do not flower. They are grown in all regions. Hardy, they do not need winter protection. Well-drained soil is perfect, even if it is rather dry and chalky. Too much moisture promotes rootstock rot. Plant from July to September. This allows the rootstocks to grow sufficiently before lifting, and to develop new roots before winter. They should be planted as soon as they are purchased for best results. Plan to divide irises every 4 years or so to give them fresh soil. They have strong growth and require space to develop and flower well. They are planted with spacing appropriate to the size and vigour of the variety: about 34-50cm (13-20in) for tall ones (5 to 10 plants per square metre). In a monochrome planting, the rootstocks are planted in a staggered pattern. To create a mix of colours, it is recommended for the overall aesthetics of the iris bed to plant them in groups of several plants of the same variety. Always consider the direction of growth of the rootstocks by arranging them in a star shape, with buds and leaves facing outward, and spacing them well from other varieties to allow them room to develop.

Planting

Dig a hole that is wide and deep enough. Make a conical mound of soil in the hole and place the rootstock and spread out the roots on top. Cover the roots. It is important for the rootstock to be left just above the surface of the soil. It should not be planted in a basin (risk of rot), so anticipate that the soil will settle and the iris will sink. In clay or wet soil, the rootstock should even be left raised on a slight mound of a few centimetres. To make the soil adhere to the roots, the soil is lightly compacted and abundantly watered immediately after planting. Water 2-3 times if necessary until it takes root.

Maintenance:

Keep the soil free of weeds by lightly hoeing, taking care not to damage the rootstocks or roots. Weeds shade the irises, retain moisture (causing rot), and attract slugs. Similarly, remove dry leaves. If they are diseased (reddish-edged spots of heterosporiosis), burn them. Remove faded flowers.