- location
- floor
- Plant irises: timing
- Plant irises
- pour
- fertilization
- Irises overwinter
- pests
- frequently asked Questions
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If you want to plant irises, you have to pay attention to the right location and care. This allows the vitality of the numerous iris species to be maintained for years.
In a nutshell
- Irises need a sunny location
- permeable soils recommended
- Planting from summer to autumn
- low maintenance
- hibernate not necessary
location
Irises are perennial plants that sprout again every year in a suitable location in the garden without any problems. For this reason, you must choose a suitable place where the ornamental plants can develop. It doesn't matter which type you choose. Irises therefore prefer locations with the following characteristics:
- Light requirements: sunny to semi-shady
- at least 4 to 6 hours of sunlight daily
- sufficient sunlight promotes flowering
- warm
- sheltered from the wind
floor
If you want to plant irises, you must not ignore the soil conditions. Irises are hardy plants that don't really have a problem with prolonged drought. Due to their soil requirements, irises are therefore ideal for planting in rock gardens and Mediterranean garden concepts. Pay attention to these characteristics when preparing the cookie in the garden:
- permeable
- relaxed
- dry to fresh
- nutritious
- pH: 6.5 to 7.2
Notice: Meadow irises (Iris sibirica) and marsh irises (Iris pseudacorus) prefer fresh to moist soil compared to the other species. If you own a garden pond, you can even plant the species in the riparian zone.
Plant irises: timing
In order for the sword lines to establish themselves in a relaxed manner after planting, you have to wait for the right time for it. After planting, it is important to have enough time for the iris family (Iridaceae) to establish themselves. For this reason, we recommend planting from mid-July to mid-October. If you live in a mild region, such as a wine-growing area, and the weather is not too humid, you can put the plants in the ground as early as March.
Plant irises
The planting of the irises is not difficult, since the effort between onion and rhizome irises hardly differs. The following instructions explain step by step how to plant irises:
- dig up the bed
- Enrich soil with fresh compost
- mix in quartz sand on heavy soils
- Level the surface with a rake
- Dig holes for bulbs and rhizomes
The depth of the holes and the completion of the planting depends on the outlasting organ of the iris:
- Onions: about 10 cm
- put in hole
- completely cover with soil
- Press lightly and pour thoroughly
- Rhizomes: 15 to 20 cm
- check for roots
- remove dead and dried ones
- Halve roots
- Place in hole with roots down
- Rhizome must look out of the ground
- about a third
- Cover remaining rhizome with soil
- press and pour thoroughly
pour
Planted irises have a decisive advantage when it comes to optimal care and the right location: they do not have to be watered if the soil conditions are optimal. Only prolonged dry periods pose a problem for the Iridaceae. In this case, check the soil for dryness and water it thoroughly. But be careful not to overdo it. The plants must not be placed under water. For moisture-loving species, also water as needed. If the specimens are in the riparian zone, you can also do without watering, since the soil is usually moist enough.
fertilization
Irises only need to be fertilized in the spring after planting. Mature compost is ideal for this, which you mix with some quartz sand and lift into the ground, just like when planting. Pay attention to the roots of the plant. She shouldn't get hurt. You can also use a complete fertilizer with the following composition, which is administered instead of the compost:
- N (nitrogen): 1 part
- P (Phosphorus): 2 parts
- K (potassium): 2 parts
Irises overwinter
Irises are hardy perennials and therefore do not need winter protection. You simply leave the iris in the preferred location. It drives out again in the coming season. The situation is different for species that require moist soil. So that they do not dry out completely over the winter, they are covered with a layer of leaves, brushwood or straw. To prevent rot, the leaves are then simply peeled off in October or November. This leaves only the rhizome or bulb in the ground, providing ideal overwintering conditions.
pests
Snails are the most dangerous pests of irises. They eat the leaves and buds of young specimens and as a result can cause great damage to the iris. The use of a snail fence, which you place around the bed, is recommended here. As a result, the pests do not get to the irises.
frequently asked Questions
How are irises propagated?Depending on the species of iris, it is propagated via daughter bulbs or by dividing the rhizomes. The soil around the plant is carefully removed so that the bulbs and rhizomes are not damaged. Pieces of rhizome or daughter bulbs with roots and leaves are then neatly separated with a spade or garden knife and can be planted immediately in September.
Can irises be encouraged to flower twice?Yes, if you completely remove the faded flowers. To do this, the flower stalks are cut back about ten centimeters above the ground. This prevents the formation of seeds, which in turn makes a second flowering possible. At the same time you prevent the irises from self-seeding, which is often a big problem with irises.
Which planting distance must be observed?In order for the irises to develop, you must observe certain planting distances. Small species such as the Low Bearded Iris (Iris barbata-nana) need 20 to 25 centimetres, while medium and tall species, e.g. B. Marsh irises, between 30 and 40 centimeters apart. The plants do not have to fight for nutrients.
Do irises suffer from diseases?Irises are very disease resistant. However, leaf spot disease and leaf smut are an exception. These diseases are triggered by planting too close together and a location that is too damp. Transplant the irises and then remove affected leaves to bring them back into shape.