Let’s Talk Iris Care!
Let’s Talk Iris Care!
Frequently Asked Questions about Bloomer-Rang
BLOOMER-RANG IRIS FARM
Frequently Asked Questions
When you receive your order, unpack the iris immediately. Ideally the irises should be planted within a day or so after receiving them. If not planted immediately, store in a COOL, DRY, WELL VENTILATED area for up to a week. The sooner the irises are planted, the more likely they will perform well the following spring.
You purchase the rhizomes. The rhizomes will vary in size greatly based on genetics and culture. Some Tall Bearded rhizomes can be large while others will be somewhat smaller. Regardless of size, these rhizomes are extremely hardy and will continue to grow and multiply over the years.
A rhizome (also known as rootstock) is a type of plant stem situated either at the soil surface or underground that contains nodes from which roots and shoots originate. Rhizomes are unique in that they grow perpendicular, permitting new shoots to grow up out of the ground. When separated, each piece of a rhizome is capable of producing a new plant.
The primary function of the rhizome is the storage of nutrients, including carbohydrates and proteins, until the plant requires them for the growth of new shoots or to survive the winter.
From biologydictionary.net
For best results, irises should be planted in July, August or September, in a spot where they will receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun; with EXCELLENT drainage. It’s imperative that the roots of newly planted irises be well-established before the growing season ends. In areas with hot summers and mild winters, September or October planting may be preferred (you can plant indoors in a pot until the outdoor temperature is cooler)
Irises will thrive in most well-drained garden soils. Planting on a slope or in raised beds helps ensure good drainage. If your soil is heavy, coarse sand or humus may be added to improve drainage. Good drainage is critical: Irises prefer “wet feet, but dry knees”.
Irises should be planted so the tops of the rhizomes are exposed and the roots are spread out facing downward in the soil. In very light soils or in extremely hot climates, covering the rhizome with 1 inch of soil may be desirable.
Newly set plants need moisture to help their root systems become established. Specific watering information depends on your climate and your soil, but keep in mind that deep watering at long intervals is better than more frequent shallow waterings.
Keep your iris beds clean and free of weeds and debris. Keep the rhizome exposed. Remove any diseased or brown leaves. After bloom season, cut flower stems down to their base to discourage rhizome rot, but do NOT trim the iris’s leaves. The plant’s foliage carries on with photosynthesis and generates energy for next year’s growth and flowers.
Fertilize in early spring with an all-purpose fertilizer, placing fertilizer around the rhizomes, not directly on them. Do not use a high-nitrogen fertilizer, as this will force rapid growth and lead to soft rot. At Bloomer-Rang Iris Farm, we personally use Milorganite.
Milorganite is an all-purpose slow-release fertilizer that safely feeds flowers for 8-10 weeks after application. It is environmentally friendly, contains NO mined resources or synthetics and has been around for almost 100 years.
Milorganite is composed of heat-dried microbes that have digested the organic material in wastewater. It’s manufactured by the Milwaukee Metropolitan Sewerage District, which captures waste water from the metropolitan Milwaukee area and uses naturally occurring microbes to digest the nutrients. After the organic matter has been consumed, the cleaned water is returned to Lake Michigan and the resulting material is dried and marketed as Milorganite. (from www.milorganite.com)
At Bloomer-Rang Iris Farm, we fertilize twice a year. The first time is early in spring just as the iris is starting to grow. The second time is at the very end of the season, or after we have finished planting the beds for the year and before they go dormant for the winter.
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