Iris New Leaf

Iris New Leaf should be planted shallowly, with the rhizome just above the soil level. Add sand if the soil is too heavy or wet, and place the rhizomes on small mounds. Ensure good drainage to prevent rotting. During summer, this iris should be watered 1 to 2 times a month. After flowering, the flower stalks should be cut to 10 cm (4in) above the ground. Damaged leaves should only be removed in autumn. It is not a good idea to provide too much nitrogen as it weakens the plant and increases the number of leaves at the expense of flowers. The taller flower stems can become brittle. Iris can be susceptible to heterosporiosis, a disease characterised by oval brown spots. To prevent it, treat the iris with Bordeaux mixture at the beginning of the growing season. Divide the clumps every 4 years, in summer after flowering by digging up the entire plant. Take the most beautiful young plants from the rhizome, usually those around the edges, and transplant them to an area that has had no irises for at least a year.