The name "iris" is derived from the Greek word for rainbow, because of the wide variety of colors in which the flowers appear. The term actually refers to a genus of flowering plants, which grow from either rhizomes or bulbs, and are available in a wide variety of colors and cultivars.
Iris flowers are native to Europe, Africa, Asia and North America, and are classified as perennial herbs. Iris plants are commonly grown in ornamental flower gardens, and are valued for their brightly colored and oddly shaped flowers. Members of the genus iris bloom between the months of February and May, depending on the species.
Preparing the Planting Site
Choose a planting location for your iris flowers that receives between six and eight hours of direct sunlight each day, and has good air circulation. Begin preparing the soil about two weeks prior to planting the iris rhizomes. Spread two to three inches of organic compost over the planting site, and use a tiller to break the soil up and mix in the compost. Break up any lumps of dirt and remove any visible rocks, which can be a hindrance to the root system.
Planting Iris Flowers
Dig a hole just large enough to hold the iris rhizome. Form a small cone in the bottom of the hole, which will allow the pointed tip of the rhizome to emerge from the surface. Set the rhizome in the hole, and spread the roots out as much as possible. Refill the hole with soil, and water thoroughly to compact the soil around the roots and collapse any air pockets in the soil. Space other iris rhizomes at least eight inches apart to allow sufficient room for root growth.
Watering Requirements
Water iris rhizomes that have not yet begun to grow three to four times a week, or just enough to keep the soil consistently moist, but not wet. Reduce watering to twice a week after growth begins, allowing the soil to dry slightly between watering. Reduce watering of iris flowers to once per week during winter, and only on weeks with no rainfall.
Fertilizing and Mulching
Feed iris flowers using a 5-10-10 NPK fertilizer once a month during spring and summer. Do not fertilize during fall and winter, as the plants will not absorb all of the nutrients and root burn can occur. Water thoroughly after applying the fertilizer to help integrate it into the soil. Never allow fertilizer to directly touch the rhizome.
Spread mulch around iris plants in late fall, just before the first frost of the season. Evergreen boughs and straw are ideal, as they provide the most insulation and will be less likely to rot. The mulch will prevent the temperature of the soil from fluctuating, resulting in constant freezing and thawing which can damage your iris flowers.
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