Iris

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Types of Irises

Irises are classified into two major groups: rhizome irises and bulbous irises. Within those groups are countless species, varieties, cultivars and hybrids, according to the American Iris Society.

Rhizome irises are thickened stems that grow horizontally, either underground or partially underground. After planting, iris rhizomes produce swordlike leaves that overlap, forming flat fans of green foliage. Three popular irises in this group are Bearded, Beardless and Crested irises.
Bulbous irises grow from bulbs that require a period of dormancy after they have bloomed. The bulbous irises are typically smaller than rhizome irises and usually produce smaller blossoms.

• The bearded iris has four distinct parts: Standards, Falls, Stigma flaps, Beard
• The beardless variety has : Standards, Falls and Stigma flaps, but usually have crests
• The crested Irises or Evansia Iris: Standards, Falls and Stigma flaps and in addition to a ridge on the falls of the blossom, they have ridges like crests instead of beards

Crested iris are often considered in the same manner as the beardless iris. These plants spread freely by underground stems and produce flat flowers in the shades of blue, violet and white. Often the flowers and leaves are found on bamboo like stems which can vary in height from 5-200 centimeters in height.

Medicinal and Perfumery Uses of Iris

The juice of the fresh roots of Iris, bruised with wine, has been employed as a strong purge of great efficiency in dropsy. The juice of Iris is also sometimes used as a cosmetic for the removal of freckles from the skin.

The fresh root of Iris germanica is a powerful cathartic, and for this reason its juice has been employed in dropsy. It is chiefly used in the dry state, being said to be good for complaints of the lungs, for coughs and hoarseness, but is now more valued for the pleasantness of its violet-like perfume than for any other use.

Growing Iris

Before planting iris, improve the soil conditions, use a slow release fertilizer. To increase the organic matter content use compost, peat moss or well rotted manure. Fertilizer and organic matter should be worked thoroughly into the top 4 to 6 inches of soil.

• Wooded areas with good drainage and partial shade are ideal spots for the crested iris.
• Irises are grown from both seed and root separation.
• The roots, or Rhizomes, are easily separated and replanted.
• The Rhizome looks like a long, thin potato with roots underneath.
• When transplanting, separate the Rhizome. Make sure to have some root and a leaf or two in each section.
• Plant the Rhizomes near the surface with the roots below.
• Divide the clumps and plant single rhizomes, spacing them 8 to 18 inches apart according to effect desired.
• Spade planting hole about 10 inches deep and work 1 tablespoonful of fertilizer into the soil in the bottom of the hole.
• If the soil is heavy, some drainage material such as gravel or broken pottery should be placed in the hole.
• Fill the hole with the loose soil and place the root section so that it will not be covered more than 1 inch deep.
• Most Beardless Irises can also be propagated from seeds.

Iris Plant Care

• Apply a thin layer of compost around the base of plants each spring, leaving the rhizome exposed.
• As flowers fade, cut back the flower stalks to the base of the plant.
• To encourage a second bloom on reblooming varieties, promptly remove faded flowers and maintain consistent watering throughout the summer.
• In autumn, trim away dead foliage and prune back healthy leaves to a height of 4 to 5 inches.
• Once the soil has frozen, apply a layer of mulch to help prevent roots from heaving out of the soil during alternate freezing and thawing.
• If heaving occurs, don't try to force plants back into the soil. Instead, cover rhizomes and exposed roots with soil.
• Divide bearded iris every 4 to 5 years, preferably in late summer. Each division should have one or two leaf fans. Older rhizomes that have few white feeding roots should be discarded.