Dublin Bay Irises

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Planting Guide

When a how to plant your Beared Iris....

Planting Bearded Iris

When to plant

From December to March so that plants can establish well before winter.

Where to plant

Ideally, an open sunny situation in well-drained soil. Raised beds are more suitable in heavier soils.

How to plant

Cultivate the bed deeply before planting and work in some compost if soil is poor. Spread roots out and plant firmly but shallowly so the top of the rhizome can bask in the sun. For greater effect, plant three or more of the same variety in a circle with the fans outermost. If dry at planting time, water, but only until plants become established.

Fertiliser

After planting and then each Autumn, in colder districts again in Spring, give a light dressing of a balanced plant food. Avoid too much nitrogen which can encourage rank foliage growth at the expense of flowers, and encourage rot. If soil pH is below average, top dress with lime in Winter.

Care & Diseases

The Tall Bearded Iris is a hardy and relatively disease free plant. It thrives in the extremes of Central Otago. Spray with lime sulphur in Winter and keep plants clear of dead leaves, weeds and aphids. Bloom stems should be cut off close to the ground immediately after flowering. Diseased brown leaves should be removed. For aphids &/or leaf spot use rose spray. When plants become overcrowded, usually in three or four years, lift in December, or alternatively in February or March, and replant the outer rhizomes.

For more details see CULTURE NOTES >

More information:

For further information on planting see:

Culture Notes

Planting: