20 PURPLE IRIS" ! PLANT NOW FOR SPRING BLOOMS! - $19 - (Doniphan, MO)
Anyone who studies Greek mythology learns that Iris is the name of the Goddess of the Rainbow, surely one of the best assignments on Olympus. And because of the great elegance of the iris bloom, it has been the symbol of monarchs and royal families throughout history. In fact, one of the earliest known artworks of an iris is a fresco in King Minos' palace on the Greek Island of Crete. The palace dates from 2100 BC.Irises need at least half a day of sun and well-drained soil. Without enough sun, they won’t bloom.They prefer fertile, neutral to slightly acidic soil. If your soil is very acidic, sweeten it with a bit of lime, and forbear summer watering, which can lead to rot. Bearded irises must not be shaded by other plants; many do best in a special bed on their own.Soil drainage is very important. Loosen the soil with a tiller or garden fork to a depth of 12 to 15 inches, then mix in a 2- to 4-inch layer of compost.Plant iris in mid- to late summer.Bearded irises have rhizomes (fleshy roots) that should be partially exposed, or thinly covered with soil in hot climates.Plant rhizomes singly or in groups of three with the fans outermost, 1 to 2 feet apart, depending on the size.Dig a shallow hole 10 inches in diameter and 4 inches deep. Make a ridge of soil down the middle and place the rhizome on the ridge, spreading roots down both sides. Fill the hole with soil and firm it gently.Water thoroughly.When planting, top-dress with a low-nitrogen fertilizer, and again in early spring. Avoid applying high-nitrogen fertilizers to the surface or carelessly mulching with organic matter, which may encourage rhizome rot.Keep rhizomes exposed. Unlike bulbs, which thrive deep underground, iris rhizomes need a bit of sun and air to dry them out. If they’re covered with soil or crowded by other plants, they’ll rot. Irises may benefit from shallow mulching in the spring.Don’t trim iris leaves after they have finished blooming. Leaves carry on photosynthesis for next yea…
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