- Upon receipt
- Plant as soon as possible, preferably within a couple of days, we dig as close to sending as possible because they do not like to overly dry out. Botanical Name: Iris pallida
- Family
- Iridaceae
- Plant Type
- Semi evergreen rhizome
- Size (HxW)
- 40-100cm x 20-30cm
- Depth & Spacing
- Plant the crown at the soil surface with the top of the rhizome exposed (at the point where the green growth starts). Plant 20-30cm apart.
- Soil
- Moderately fertile to humus rich, well drained soil, neutral to slightly alkaline preferred, though they thrive in our slightly acid paddocks. Tight, boggy or poorly drained soils will likely keep the soil too moist and may cause rotting. If this is the case, you will need to raise the beds or add drainage. Sandy soils are fine, though you may need to water a little more depending on conditions.
- Aspect
- Full sun
- Climate
- Cool to Subtropical
- Frost
- Hardy. They tend to flower better with a touch of frost, but can get by without it. If you are borderline, try freezing an ice cream container of water, then leave it around the roots overnight for a few nights June/July.
- Water
- Keep just moist until established, then they are dry tolerant.
- Fertiliser
- Apply a rose (or similar) fertiliser in spring, before flowering – take care to keep the fertiliser away from the rhizome as this may cause burn if applied directly. Repeat in summer to encourage a second bloom. They are not heavy feeders, so a light application is best.
- Flowering Time
- Late spring to summer (dwarf varieties flower first).
- After Flower Care
- Remove spent flowers to tidy and encourage more blooms. There are usually two flowers to each stem, just pull out the spent ones. If the foliage looks tired, you can cut it back to 10cm tall after flowering, and it will soon reshoot.
- Notes
- They flower best when the rhizome is just above the ground, taking in the warmth. It is advisable not to cover the rhizome with mulch/plants as this may inhibit flowering. Be wary of aphids and remove as necessary. Fungal leaf spot may occur if your plant is unhealthy, this is represented by brown spots on the leaves. Remove the affected leaves and discard. If the problem persists use a fungicide, following the directions on the packet. If overcrowding occurs, they can be lifted and divided, (this can be between two to five years depending on conditions), you can do this anytime of the year, as long as they are not in flower. Cut the foliage back to around 5cm then lift and divide. Replant soon after, and water in with a seaweed tonic. Store in a cool position if unable to replant immediately then replant as soon as possible.
Dwarf Bearded Iris 'Open Your Eyes'
Shop Dwarf Bearded Iris 'Open Your Eyes'
Dwarf Bearded Iris 'Open Your Eyes'
Dwarf Bearded Iris 'Open Your Eyes'
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