Iris--what do I do and when?

ncsweetpea · 05-07-2012, 06:48 PM

My iris plants have just finished blooming. Seems that the blooms are down in number from a few years ago after I divided them. I *think* it has been about five years since they were divided. I want more blooms next year. What do I do with them and when should I do it?

PDX Mommy · 05-14-2012, 03:50 PM

I have the same question. Mine didn't bloom at all last year and only a few bloomed this year.

ncsweetpea · 05-14-2012, 04:57 PM

Hoping someone knows...

swimming with sharks · 05-14-2012, 05:34 PM

My mom's irises didn't bloom again this year

so your question spurred me on to research.

This is what I've found:

this is based on the irises being the bearded kind:

There are usually three reasons why bearded irises don't bloom:

1) They have become overcrowded. Irises need to be divided every three to four years.

2) They also won't bloom if they're planted too deep, or

3) they receive too much nitrogen from a fertilizer combination high in nitrogen.

It is recommended to dig them up and replant them this summer (For best results, Iris should be planted in July, August or September. It's imperative that the roots of newly planted Iris be well-established before the growing season ends. In areas with hot summers and mild winters, September or October planting may be preferred.) Plant them so that a thumb-size portion of the rhizome is exposed to the sun. Instead of using potting soil I'd add regular bags of garden soil. Fertilize with a fertilizer no greater than 10-10-10.

I'm going to try it with some of mine to see if it works.

ncsweetpea · 05-14-2012, 07:31 PM

So, mine have gone past time and need to be divided again...guess I'll get on that! Did you find out if you are supposed to cut back foliage ever? Like the foliage on mine didn't go away this past winter.

swimming with sharks · 05-15-2012, 06:47 AM

this linksays to cut the foilage after you divide.

Maggirayne · 05-15-2012, 06:55 AM

I need to get mine in the ground. I dug up a bunch from my childhood home last August.

I did have some in a bed, but they didn't bloom this spring.

How can you find out what the nitrogen level is?

Macky · 05-17-2012, 07:00 AM

Test the soil, either professionally or with a DIY home test kit (the home tests aren't as accurate, but they give you a general range).

05-07-2012, 06:48 PM	#1
ncsweetpea Rose Garden Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 6,178	Iris--what do I do and when? My iris plants have just finished blooming. Seems that the blooms are down in number from a few years ago after I divided them. I think it has been about five years since they were divided. I want more blooms next year. What do I do with them and when should I do it? __________________

05-14-2012, 03:50 PM	#2
PDX Mommy Rose Trellis Join Date: Mar 2010 Location: Portland, OR Posts: 2,123	Re: Iris--what do I do and when? I have the same question. Mine didn't bloom at all last year and only a few bloomed this year. __________________ Carrie ~ ISFJ Evan ~ February 2008 Joshua ~ November 2009

05-14-2012, 04:57 PM	#3
ncsweetpea Rose Garden Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 6,178	Re: Iris--what do I do and when? Hoping someone knows... __________________

05-14-2012, 05:34 PM	#4
swimming with sharks Rose Garden Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 16,225	Re: Iris--what do I do and when? My mom's irises didn't bloom again this year so your question spurred me on to research. This is what I've found: this is based on the irises being the bearded kind: There are usually three reasons why bearded irises don't bloom: 1) They have become overcrowded. Irises need to be divided every three to four years. 2) They also won't bloom if they're planted too deep, or 3) they receive too much nitrogen from a fertilizer combination high in nitrogen. It is recommended to dig them up and replant them this summer (For best results, Iris should be planted in July, August or September. It's imperative that the roots of newly planted Iris be well-established before the growing season ends. In areas with hot summers and mild winters, September or October planting may be preferred.) Plant them so that a thumb-size portion of the rhizome is exposed to the sun. Instead of using potting soil I'd add regular bags of garden soil. Fertilize with a fertilizer no greater than 10-10-10. I'm going to try it with some of mine to see if it works. __________________ Swimming with Sharks Loving my DH for 18 years 'Pete' 8 yo dd 'Dragonfly' 5.5 yo ds the new kid is 3 yo ds always remembering the one I didn't get to hold Mary has been healed by the blood of the lamb

05-14-2012, 07:31 PM	#5
ncsweetpea Rose Garden Join Date: Apr 2008 Posts: 6,178	Re: Iris--what do I do and when? So, mine have gone past time and need to be divided again...guess I'll get on that! Did you find out if you are supposed to cut back foliage ever? Like the foliage on mine didn't go away this past winter. __________________

05-15-2012, 06:47 AM	#6
swimming with sharks Rose Garden Join Date: Mar 2008 Posts: 16,225	Re: Iris--what do I do and when? this linksays to cut the foilage after you divide. __________________ Swimming with Sharks Loving my DH for 18 years 'Pete' 8 yo dd 'Dragonfly' 5.5 yo ds the new kid is 3 yo ds always remembering the one I didn't get to hold Mary has been healed by the blood of the lamb

05-15-2012, 06:55 AM	#7
Maggirayne Rose Garden Standing with Braveheart, Seahorsie, Koala and all the other Mamas healing from abuse Join Date: Aug 2008 Location: Midwest Plains Posts: 12,169	Re: Iris--what do I do and when? I need to get mine in the ground. I dug up a bunch from my childhood home last August. I did have some in a bed, but they didn't bloom this spring. How can you find out what the nitrogen level is? __________________ Maggi, Tw irler of the Umbrella of Silliness EnFp, Mama to two sweet girls, E, my busy 5.5 yo and A, my 3.5 yo and Ella Rayne (12/4/11) 6 weeks Grace is not a destination, it's a journey. I first learned to show grace to my child that was not shown to me, then I learned to accept it for myself, and only recently have I been able to have grace for others more. ~Sweetpeasmommy This is a Facebook Support group for Peridot!

05-17-2012, 07:00 AM	#8
Macky Rose Garden Remember to turn left Join Date: Apr 2008 Location: Rural Saskatchewan Posts: 4,324	Re: Iris--what do I do and when? Test the soil, either professionally or with a DIY home test kit (the home tests aren't as accurate, but they give you a general range). __________________ Robin Keeper of the green jungle and far too many creatures. INTX

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