Iris Pagan Dance - Bearded Iris

Do you have a sunny, warm location, dry location in summer?

This is the ideal location for planting irises! In the shade, they grow but do not bloom. They are hardy and they 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 gives the rhizomes enough time to grow and 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 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 34-50 cm (13-20in) for tall ones. In a monochrome planting, the rhizomes are planted in a zigzag pattern. For 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. Create a conical mound of soil on which to place the rhizome and spread out the roots. 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 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 adhere to the roots, lightly firm the soil and water abundantly immediately after planting. Water 2-3 times if necessary until established.

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