Irises (Part 1)
Offering light-hearted blooms of almost every color of the rainbow, irises are easy to grow and demand little care. Tender petals that may differ in texture from the plush velvet, to the most delicate silk, often on one flower, give you that diversity which will suit almost every taste.
Bearded iris is different from most other spring bulbs, as it doesn’t need cold period to produce blossoms, and that make them perfect for mild winters areas. These flowers are also enough droughts tolerant, and will do well in areas with little or no rains during the summer period. They grow best in well drained soil, but will survive less drainage in drier places.
To plant a rootstock, dig a large hole, fill the center with a well broken soil. Planting a flower in the autumn in a dormant period, cut back existing roots to about three inches. The rootstock itself should sit at about ground level. Plant differ as to whether it is best to cover the rootstock absolutely with a light layer of soil or to leave the tops a bit unprotected.
Irises propagate out from the center, which in the course of time becomes dry and dead. Every three or four years, they should be dug up, divided and replanted to ensure more flowers. The best time for planting in most warm areas is in September or even October, if the weather is hot. In other areas you may transplant them right after the blooming season in the spring, as a rule April or May.