Iris germanica Haut les Voiles

Does your garden have a sunny area, sheltered from the wind, that is warm and rather dry in summer? This is the ideal location for planting irises! In the shade they will grow but do not flower. They are hardy and do not need winter protection. Well-drained soil is perfect, even if it is rather dry. Iris germanica require alkaline soil: amend yours with lime if it tends to be acidic. Excessively wet soil promotes rhizome rot. Plant from July to September: this allows the rhizomes to grow sufficiently before lifting, and to develop new roots before winter. For best results they should be planted as soon as they are purchased. Plan to divide the iris every 4 years or so to give them fresh soil. They have strong growth and need space to develop and flower well. They are planted with spacing appropriate to the size and vigour of the variety: about 34-50 cm (13-20in) for tall ones (5 to 10 plants per square metre). In a monochrome planting, the rhizomes are planted in a staggered pattern. When mixing 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 rhizome growth by arranging them in a star shape, with buds and leaves facing outward, and spacing them well in relation to other varieties so they have room to develop.

Planting:

Dig a hole that is wide and deep enough for the roots. Make a large conical mound of soil in the hole, on which the rhizome and spread-out roots are placed. Cover the roots. It is important that the rhizome is left just above the surface of the soil. It should not be planted in a depression (risk of rot), so anticipate that the soil will settle and the iris will sink. In clayey or damp soil, the rhizome should even be left raised on a slight mound of a few centimeters. To make the soil adhere to the roots, lightly compact the soil and water it abundantly after planting. Water 2-3 times if necessary until the plant establishes.

Maintenance:

Keep the soil free of weeds by shallow hoeing, taking care not to damage the rhizomes or roots. Weeds create shade for the irises, retain moisture (causing rot), and attract slugs. Similarly, remove dry leaves. If they are diseased (reddish-brown bordered spots of heterosporiosis), burn them. Remove faded flowers to prevent the plant from wasting energy on fruit formation.