Iris Lemon Bubbly - Bearded iris

Do you have a sunny, warm location, rather dry in summer?
This is the ideal location for planting irises like 'Lemon Bubbly'! In the shade, they grow but do not bloom. They are hardy and do not need winter protection. Well-drained soil is perfect, even if it is rather dry and chalky. Soil that is too wet promotes rhizome rot. Plant from July to September. This allows the rhizomes enough time to develop new roots before winter. They should be planted as soon as they are purchased for best results. Plan to divide the irises every 4 years or so to give them fresh soil. They have vigorous growth and require space to develop and flower well. Plant with spacing appropriate to the size and vigour of the variety: about 34-50 cm for tall ones (5 to 10 plants per square metre). In a monochrome planting, the rhizomes are planted in a staggered pattern. To create a mix of colours, 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 away from other varieties so they have room to grow.

Planting

Dig a hole that is wide and deep enough. Make a conical mound of soil in the hole, on which the rhizome and spreading roots are placed. Cover the roots. It is important for the rhizome to be left just above the surface of the soil. It should not be planted in a dip (risk of rot), so anticipate that the soil will settle and the iris will sink. In clay or moist soil, the rhizome should even be left elevated on a slight mound of a few centimetres. To make the soil cling to the roots, lightly firm the soil and water abundantly immediately after planting. Water 2-3 times if necessary until the plant is established.

Maintenance:

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