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Name: bearded iris (Iris germanica), Dutch iris (Iris reticulata), Siberian iris (Iris siberica), Japanese iris (Iris ensata and Iris kaempferi) and other Iris spp.
Height: typically 1m, but shorter forms are available.
Foliage: evergreen or deciduous.
Climate: cold temperate, warm temperate, semi-arid, sub-tropical.
Soil: prefers deep, well-drained soil.
Position: full sun.
Flowering: showy flowers of various colours at the tops of the plant. Flowering time depends on the variety.
Feeding: regular feeding with a balanced, controlled-release fertiliser.
Watering: regular watering for most types. Some need quite wet conditions.
The iris has a tuft of sword-like foliage arising from the ground. In many commonly grown varieties, this foliage dies down in winter, and is replaced with fresh leaves in the spring. In other irises, the leaves are evergreen.
The flowers appear on strong stems that arise from the base of the foliage. Usually a sequence of flowers appears on the stems. In some forms, there is only one flower per stem, but many flowers in a season.
Iris flowers have six petals, three that come out vertically or droop, and three that stand up. Blue and purple are common colours, but the colour range of irises is truly amazing, with just about every colour combination imaginable.
Irises generally flower in spring and summer, however there are forms that flower in winter.
There are a number of plants that are referred to as “iris”, and which look very similar, but are not of the Iris genus. These include the wild iris (Dietes); native iris (Patersonia) and New Zealand iris (Lambertia).
Use irises to bring colour to a mixed garden bed. Some people grow them in a row as a border to a garden. Smaller irises can be grown in containers.
Many are grown for their cut flowers, although the Dutch iris is probably the best for this purpose. Some irises, such as the Louisiana iris, are grown in ponds or bogs.
True irises are perennials that have a bulb or rhizome. These can be purchased in pots, but are often sold in bags while the plants are dormant.
Of course, if you have purchased a variety of iris that likes water, follow the label to determine whether to plant in or beside the water.
Iris doesn't generally require a lot of work once established. You might need to provide a stake for the flower stems of taller varieties if you are in a windy spot. Water regularly in drier weather to keep the soil damp, but not wet.
You can prune off spent flower stems. This stops the plant putting energy into setting seeds, and should redirect it into producing more flowers.
After a few years irises can become crowded, which reduces flowering and the quality of the flowers' appearance. See “Iris propagation” for dealing with overcrowding.
Sometimes aphids will attack young iris growth. These can be wiped away by hand or killed with a garden insecticide. It is important to control aphids, as they can bring diseases to your irises.
A few fungal and viral diseases will occasionally attack irises. They usually show up as brown spots on the foliage. Control with a garden fungicide.
Irises are propagated by division. If you have a large clump, dig it up in the cooler months, when it is not in active growth. You can use your hands to prise the clumps apart, but you may need secateurs to cut some of the rhizomes. Trim off dead or damaged roots and trim the foliage by about half before planting the separate portions as soon as possible.
Clivia: evergreen bulb with showy orange flowers that tolerates even deep shade.
Daffodils: sunny yellow flowers are the hallmark of this favourite spring-flowering bulb.
Alstroemeria: long-lasting flowers for the garden or a vase.
Check out our huge range of plants now and get your garden growing!
Asbestos, lead-based paints and copper chromium arsenic (CCA) treated timber are health hazards you need to look out for when renovating older homes. These substances can easily be disturbed when renovating and exposure to them can cause a range of life-threatening diseases and conditions including cancer. For information on the dangers of asbestos, lead-based paint and CCA treated timber and tips for dealing with these materials contact your local council's Environmental Health Officer or visit our Health & Safety page.
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