Plants & Bulbs

» Barbara Nicholson Bell - Siberian Iris

I live in Zone 5. I was given some Siberian Iris bulbs as Easter gifts and was told I could plant them this spring. But I've never planted iris except in the fall - should I wait for the fall to plant these? Will they survive the summer unplanted?

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» Angela England - Siberian Iris

In response to Siberian Iris posted by bici:

All my research points to yes - you can plant Siberian Iris in the early spring OR fall. They are hardy in zones 3-9 and should be kept moist (not soggy) the first year but will be fairly drought tolerant after that. A mulch layer will help keep the plants from drying out before they are established.

Your Iris plants may benefit from soaking in water before planting to help revive them.

Flower stalks can be left if you find them ornamental, or cut before iris seed pods open since seedlings will not necessarily be true. The iris foliage will turn yellow in the late fall and can be trimmed back so only a couple inches remain above ground. Or wait and prune them in the spring to make room for new growth.

Let us know how they do!

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