Iris

Botanical Name

:

Iris spp.

Plant Type

:

Flowering perennial

Seasons

:

Plant in late summer to early fall; Blooms in spring and summer

Sun Level

:

Full sun with at least 6 hours of sunlight daily

Ideal Soil Temperature for Planting

:

60–75°F (15–24°C)

Soil Type

:

Well-draining, fertile soil

Hardiness Zones

:

Slightly acidic to neutral

Germination

:

Takes 2–3 weeks

P.H. Level

:

3–9 (USDA)

Water/Irrigation

:

Water only when the soil is dry 2–3 inches deep

Fertilization

:

Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer such as 5-10-5, 5-10-10, or 6-24-24 in fall; Fertilize around the plant, avoiding direct contact with the rhizome

Habit

:

Clumping from rhizomes or bulbs

Propagation

:

Division

Final Plant Height

:

2–4 ft (60–120 cm)

Spread

:

2–3 ft (60–90 cm)

Flowers

:

Blue, orange, pink, purple, red, white, gold, yellow, and multicolor

Attracts

:

Butterflies, hummingbirds

Uses

:

Lovely cut flowers

Companions

:

Roses, peonies, and lilies

Pruning

:

Remove winter mulch and old foliage; Deadhead spent blooms consistently; Trim flower stems back to the base to prevent rhizome rot

Toxicity

:

Mild toxicity in humans but can be serious in animals; roots are especially toxic

Pests

:

Aphids, iris borers, nematodes, slugs, snails, thrips

Diseases

:

Rhizome rot, basal rot, iris severe mosaic (gray disease), and leaf spots

Fun Fact

:

The name “Iris” comes from the Greek word iris, meaning “rainbow,” referencing the variety of colors in iris flowers. In Greek mythology, Iris was the goddess of the rainbow, further connecting the flower’s name to its colorful blooms.

Additional Info

:

Mulching around the rhizomes helps retain moisture and adds nutrients to the soil, but avoid covering the iris rhizome with mulch, as it can lead to rot

Botanical Name

:

Iris spp.

Plant Type

:

Flowering perennial

Seasons

:

Plant in late summer to early fall; Blooms in spring and summer

Sun Level

:

Full sun with at least 6 hours of sunlight daily

Ideal Soil Temperature for Planting

:

60–75°F (15–24°C)

Soil Type

:

Well-draining, fertile soil

Hardiness Zones

:

Slightly acidic to neutral

Germination

:

Takes 2–3 weeks

P.H. Level

:

3–9 (USDA)

Water/Irrigation

:

Water only when the soil is dry 2–3 inches deep

Fertilization

:

Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer such as 5-10-5, 5-10-10, or 6-24-24 in fall; Fertilize around the plant, avoiding direct contact with the rhizome

Habit

:

Clumping from rhizomes or bulbs

Propagation

:

Division

Final Plant Height

:

2–4 ft (60–120 cm)

Spread

:

2–3 ft (60–90 cm)

Flowers

:

Blue, orange, pink, purple, red, white, gold, yellow, and multicolor

Attracts

:

Butterflies, hummingbirds

Uses

:

Lovely cut flowers

Companions

:

Roses, peonies, and lilies

Pruning

:

Remove winter mulch and old foliage; Deadhead spent blooms consistently; Trim flower stems back to the base to prevent rhizome rot

Toxicity

:

Mild toxicity in humans but can be serious in animals; roots are especially toxic

Pests

:

Aphids, iris borers, nematodes, slugs, snails, thrips

Diseases

:

Rhizome rot, basal rot, iris severe mosaic (gray disease), and leaf spots

Fun Fact

:

The name “Iris” comes from the Greek word iris, meaning “rainbow,” referencing the variety of colors in iris flowers. In Greek mythology, Iris was the goddess of the rainbow, further connecting the flower’s name to its colorful blooms.

Additional Info

:

Mulching around the rhizomes helps retain moisture and adds nutrients to the soil, but avoid covering the iris rhizome with mulch, as it can lead to rot

Written by Nondiah Khalayi – https://www.linkedin.com/in/nondiah-khalayi/