We dispatch B. Irises from 1st March - 31st May. Please notify me if you are wanting large quantities of the one cultivar. |
ABOUT BEARDED IRISES
The peak flowering period for iris in Australia is from October – November.
The best planting time for optimum spring flowering is November - March.
Bearded Iris are extremely hardy and make a wonderful display in many Australians gardens. They also make wonderful cut flowers lasting for up to a week.
They like a slightly acid to alkaline soils. A pH of 5.5 to 7.5. Cool to cold winters, lack of cold can produce short stems with minimal blooms.
Ideally bearded iris should be grown in full sun all year round is best which promotes rapid increase and greater quantity of blooms. They can be grown in part shade but the heavier the shade the less likely they are to flower. In very hot areas they may benefit from some afternoon shade.
In most areas of Australia, bearded iris are best grown with 1-2 cm of soil over the rhizome. In hot climates rhizomes exposed to the sun may cause scorching. In cooler climates the top of the rhizome exposed to sun is good for growth & flowering. The easiest way to plant is to form a small mound in the middle of the hole you have dug for the iris, it is recommended to work in a little organic and slow release fertilizer in the bottom of the hole, then sit the rhizome on this mound so that the roots spread down each side of the mound. Then just fill dirt in around the roots and rhizome. One good watering after transplanting is sufficient and a good soaking once a week there after over the hot summer months. I have clay based soils in some parts of the garden with heavy rainfalls during winter and I have found the raised bed method helps prevent rhizome rot. Avoid placing too much water-holding mulch, compost or manures directly on top of the rhizomes, also a high summer rainfall can cause rot.
Rhizomes can be planted within 10cm-20cm of each other for a quick established clump effect. Clumps ideally should be divided every three or four years in order to discard the older non-productive rhizomes and to make space for the new growth.
Once established they appreciate a good slow release fertilizer (9 months) or organic fertilizer (dynamic lifter). For poor soils bulk it up with MIXED IN WELL cow/sheep manure, a sprinkle of dynamic lifter and mixed in compost.
In August a feed with a high potassium/phosphorous fertilizer (low nitrogen) or fortnightly watering of Phostrogen will assist flowering.
MEDIUM & DWARF IRISES
These are highly floriferous and form delightful flower carpets. They are easy to grow but do require full sun and frosty winters and loose well-drained soil. Do not allow to dry out totally over summer.
Rainbow Daylilies & Irises
www.rainbowdaylilies.com
Phone: 08 97553006 Mobile: 0437 206 207
Address: P.O Box 504, Dunsborough W.A. 6281
Email: rainbowdaylilies@hotmail.com