Planting your rhizomes after purchase

     Iris rhizomes are very hardy.  Any tiny piece of a rhizome, whether it has leaves or not, will produce.  They may arrive dried out, brown or shriveled.  They simply need to be planted into the ground immediately and watered copiously.  If your temps are hot, keep them moist, but not soggy.  (They do not like wet roots.) You should see new baby shoots coming up within two weeks.

     Bearded iris multiply quickly and the number of "fans" (leaves) triple every year.  Clumps that become too dense can start to decline in the middle, and should be dug up and divided every 3-4 years.  Dividing clumps in June, just after they bloom, gives plants the longest time to re-establish before the next blooming season.

     Irises typically do not need fertilizer and can grow in poor, compacted soil.  Optionally, you can sprinkle a thin layer of compost on the soil to supply a nutritional boost.

     Best wishes for a glorious, eye-popping addition to your flower beds!