Comments on: Bearded Iris

By: Nelda Sanchez

Nelda Sanchez — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 17:01:55 +0000

What would make an entire stand of iris NOT bloom for two years in a row? Plants have been pruned and watered as required.

Hi Nelda Some of the reason that iris will not bloom are; too much shade, they were planted too deep, over fertilized which will produce too many leaves no flowers, too crowded and need division. If your iris bed is 4-5 years old, it may need to be divided. In addition, check for disease causing insects (iris borer).

By: Elaine

Elaine — Thu, 23 Jul 2009 17:39:31 +0000

Yellow Leaves. Around July 12, I planted a bearded iris plant that had green leaves. It is now July 23, and some of the leaves are yellow, and they are looking very droopy. We have had a lot of rain recently. Question 1: Is there something I should do to help the plant? Question 2: When you plant in July, do you have to wait until the next year to get blooms?

Hi Elaine
The best time to transplant iris is now (Aug/Sept) after bloom. You will not get flowers this year. You may or may not get blooms next year. It depends on howwell they grow during the season and if the a rebloomers (bloom 2x a season).

By: Diana Dickerson

Diana Dickerson — Tue, 21 Jul 2009 11:58:54 +0000

I have problems with grass and weeds growing in my iris beds. Can I spray with roundup or weed spray without hurting my iris blades?

Hi Diana
Roundup and weed spray will kill everything that it comes in contact with.

By: Vivian Catt

Vivian Catt — Mon, 29 Jun 2009 00:32:55 +0000

Seed pods
What are the pods that grow on the end of the flower stalk?

Hi Vivian
The pods are seed pods which will mature, turn brown and have seed enclosed inside.

By: Al

Al — Fri, 26 Jun 2009 17:31:29 +0000

can I send you a picture of my problem–based on the comments I have read concern browning and yellowing leaves–it sounds like I have borers, eye spot, over crowding–in effect the works — the iris bed is well over 5 years old and the blooms were beautiful this year as usual– however, with all the rain we have been having many of the leaves are turning brown, starting at the tips and eventually distroyng the whole leaf–looks like a dried tobacco leaf-brown and wrinkled. Any and all suggestions will be welcomed–including starting from scratch — interested in which chemicals, when to do what-etc.

Hi Al
It sounds like your iris bed needs rejuventation. Time to start a new iris bed. Iris need to be thinned and separated every 3-5 years. A crowded bed will reduce blooming as well as invite diseases. When digging up your tubers, carefully check for soft, soggy spots(bacterial sof t rot). Remove and destroy. You can rebuild your bed right after they are finished blooming.

By: Patrice

Patrice — Thu, 25 Jun 2009 23:51:14 +0000

I planted Iris 2 years ago in the summer I think I planted them to deep as they come up nicely but they never bloom.When and how do I fix this problem,

Hi Patrice
In late summer (Mid-July-Sept) dig up the tuber and replant it. Plant the rhizome tops right at the soil level and point the growing tips outward of the circle or triangle, 12 to 24 inches apart. Cut the leaves to 1/3 of their full height.
Other factors that may cause your iris not to bloom is not enough sun and excess fertilizer. Make sure that they are in a sunny location. The more shade the less flowers. If they are getting too much fertilizer especially Nitrogen, it will cause lots of leaf growth at the expense of flowers.

By: Mesha Davis

Mesha Davis — Fri, 29 May 2009 04:52:24 +0000

I have several varieties of beautiful bearded iris in the large rock garden at the entrance to our property. There are numerous other flowering perennials and small shrubs in the garden also. As the irises grow (2 yrs. now) they are very showy in spring, and some are twice blooming in fall, but their foliage is taking up a lot of space! Should I remove all of them to another location, or let them stay mixed with other plants? I have never grown irises before, and am not sure of their favorite growing habit. Also, can I cut some of the foliage back without sacrificing next year’s bloom?
I don’t currently have another location that is cultivated for them, but want to do the best thing long-term for all the plants.
Thanks so much!

Hi Mesha
Because the rhizome are on the surface of the soil, iris are usually grown in their “own” area but can be mixed with other plants. Iris will usually need division after 3 years of growth. If yours are crowded and need to be separated wait till after they are done blooming before doing anything. In July/Aug you can dig up the rhizomes and separate them. It’s not a good idea to cut off the foliage as the foliage is what replenishes the rhizomes for next year’s bloom. Iris like well drained soil and full to part shade.

By: michelle

michelle — Mon, 18 May 2009 15:27:01 +0000

One more question….I recieved a shipment of iris’s friday and my husband is the person that does all the planting and he planted the new iris’s that came in is that a no no?

Hi Michelle
It’s fine to plant iris in spring. You may or may not get flowers this year.

By: michelle

michelle — Sun, 17 May 2009 19:02:26 +0000

Powdery mildew I have lots of iris's and right now they have white spots that look like powder on the the leaves. Some type of fungus im sure. Could you tell what causes this and how to take care of it.

It sounds like powdery mildew on the leaves. They may need more air ciculation.

By: Maggie

Maggie — Mon, 27 Apr 2009 14:48:01 +0000

I was wanting to know if it would be ok to plant bearded Iris around the deck of my above ground pool? My concern is that the clorine in the water may kill them! Any Advice would be gratefuly appreciated.

Hi Maggie According to Clemson U. Normal use of splashed pool water generally has no effect on nearby plants.