Few gardens are unadorned by some sort of iris. The Iris has a long and involved history that goes about 7000 years.
There was a Greek Goddess called Iris, goddess of the rainbow, whose main job was to lead the souls of women to the Elysian Fields. Because of this Greeks planted purple Iris on the graves of women. The iris was also found sculpted on stones in Egypt and was used for medicinal purposes and for making of perfume. It was dedicated to Juno and was the origin of the scepter. It shows up on the brow of the Sphinx, its three leaves of the blossom symbolizing faith, wisdom and valor.
The Kings of France used the Iris as a symbol of France. Called Fleur de lis, or flower of the lily, it represented the French monarchy for about 600 years after Louis VII of France had a dream about the Fleur de lis shortly before setting out on a crusade. He placed it on his banner and there it stayed.
Joan of Arch carried a white banner that illustrated the flower when she led French troops to victory over the English. It was so powerful a symbol that Revolutionaries in 1789 decided to obliterate it from clothing, jewelry, and anything else. It was chipped off buildings and anyone caught wearing this regal flower was guillotined. Nineteenth century Italy named the flower as the symbol for Florence and began drying the rhizome from which they made perfume. Even today orris root, which is made from the iris is used to keep the scent in potpourris.
During the Renaissance era, when there was very little cleanliness in England, orris root was used as a perfume for linen that was lifted to the nose whenever the every day stench got too terrible. Orris root was steeped in wash water to give clothing a decent scent and was added to the big wigs worn by French and English aristocracy. Only the rich could afford this and it was though as being frivolous.
Iris is one of the easiest perennials to grow and they spread like crazy with minimal care. The root is called a rhizome that reminds one of a shriveled up potato. Rhizomes can remain out of the ground for a week or two but should be planted as soon as possible.
Before planting make sure the soil is light. If it has a clay-like texture be sure to add coarse sand and humus. The Iris loves bone meal and fertilizer that is low in nitrogen (5-10-5) Once they bloom 5-10-10 can be used. Use manure after the rhizome has been in the ground a year. Using it before then might cause root rot.
Plant in a sunny, well-drained spot in the garden. Rhizomes need to remain close to the surface and the roots can be planted further into the ground. A good way to do this is to dig two trenches with a ridge between them. Place the rhizome on the ridge and spread the roots into the trenches. In the North the Rhizome should remain about ½ to 1 inch above the ground and in the south there should be about 1 inch of soil on top to protect it from the heat. Firm the soil tightly around. This will cause the rhizome to be closer to the surface and the roots can spread downward. Place rhizomes at least 4 feet apart because they will spread. Water heavily after transplanting.
Click here to see the different types of iris and pests that can attack them.
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