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Iris question

Last post 25-06-2012 5:28 PM by Snoopysue. 4 replies.

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  • 19/06/2012 07:59 PM
    • Snoopysue
    • Denmark
    • 19 Jun 2012
    • 7
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    Hi

    I have a clump of Iris's that were divided about five years ago. They have grown, but don't flower very much, despite regular feeding (usually twice during the growing season).

    What am I doing wrong? I'm considering dividing them again, to see if that helps. We've just widened our flower beds, and added a new bed - so space is no problem.

    Thanks

    Sue
  • 19/06/2012 11:30 PM
    In reply to
    • 07 Nov 2006
    • 2,377
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    Snoopysue, Velkommen til forum

    I am not an expert on the genus Iris.  Basically it is quite a large and ever growing body of plants.  Divided and sub divided many times.  In most cases, each division or sub division,having it's own particular likes and dislikes.  Most people are aware that, apart from the many multi coloured flowers produced.  The rootstock is different.  There are for instance, the bulbous varieties and the familiar rhizome types.  The bulbous types, the usual principal applies, plant the bulb double it's own depth.  The rhizomes, prefer to lie on the soil surface.  On one occassion.  I split up etc an overcrowded border some 30mtrs x 3.0mtrs. of what was considered 'flag iris' or beardead iris.  All rhizome types.  No feeding was given.  The rhizomes wer laid on the freshly turned soil, gently pushed down, [lightly trodden upon]  The following year.  A fantastic showof blooms.  Perhaps.  This is only my thoughts.  perhaps the feeding might well have been better left out of the equation.  A little further personal reading on the subject, might help.

    Best wishes.  Mike. 

     
  • 20/06/2012 08:34 AM
    In reply to
    • ceredig58
    • Ceredigion
    • 15 May 2012
    • 27
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    The rhizomes need to be in sun, they don't require much feeding. But it is usual to seperate a clump of rhizomes every few years. Removing any damaged or rotten sections and replanting facing the sun. If the rhizomes are in shade, you will get alot of leaves but no flowers.

  • 20/06/2012 08:27 PM
    In reply to
    • AlexS
    • Reading
    • 06 Sep 2009
    • 501
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    Irises really don't like a high-nitrogen feed like miracle-grow or anything similar.  If you must feed them, just use a sprinkling of bonemeal when planting, and nothing else.

    So cut out the feeding.  As ceredig says, make sure when you replant that the rhizomes are on the surface so the sun can bake them, and that they don't get shaded by anything (so keep them well weeded). The second half of the summer is a good time to replant.

    Sun on the rhizomes, no feed: they'll flower next year for sure.

    Alex
  • 25/06/2012 05:28 PM
    In reply to
    • Snoopysue
    • Denmark
    • 19 Jun 2012
    • 7
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    Thanks everyone. I'll definately cut out the fertiliser.

    I'll try dividing them, and not planting too deeply. I should have guessed, when I divided the original clump half of them were just left on the surface of the soil (mainlly due to the fact we were building a new house and I knew I'd only end up moving them twice) they did okay!