Iris are an fabulously diverse group of bulb and rootstalk , encompassing over 200 species and numerous cultivars . They range widely in cultural requirements , some are drought tolerant , while others require a pool to fly high . bloom color and sizing vary dramatically as well . foliation is smoke - like or sword - like , and flowers are complex , very showy . The three inner segments(known as standards ) are petals , the out ones(known as falls ) are sepal . There are three main categories of irises : bearded , whiskerless and crested . Bearded iris are the most popular and well known , and occur in virtually every color . The iris borer is a serious pest , bump east of the Rockies in Canada , south to Washington , D.C. Rebecca West to Iowa . Small piles of “ sawdust ” near the iris rhizome , is the mark of iris borer . Where winter temperatures remain above 10F , it is absentminded or rarified . It is a larval form of a moth , the main prevention is a unspoiled tumble garden cleanup of debris where larva can winter . I.korolkowii a Regelia bewhiskered iris stands vertical with pointed falls and cream and dark maroom flower petal : small and dark brown beards . Should be kept moist late natural spring and early , the growing season and completely dry during quiescence . Avoid gamy - N fertilizer . f. violacea bloom in violet petels with darker veins than the metal money I. korolkowii .
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Characteristics
Requirements
Plant Care
Fertilizing
Light
Watering
Planting
A workweek to 10 day before planting , append 2 to 4 inches of senior manure or compost and oeuvre into the planting web site to improve birth rate and increase water retentiveness and drain . If filth composition is weak , a layer of topsoil should be considered as well . No matter if your soil is sand or clay , it can be improved by add the same affair : constituent thing . The more , the better ; form deep into the soil . set up bed to an 18 inch abstruse for perennials . This will seem like a tremendous amount of work now , but will greatly pay off later . Besides , this is not something that is easily done later , once plants have been established . How - to : Planting BulbsPlant bulbsat a depth that is three times their acme , and at least 1 - 1/2 medulla - widths apart . work out a fiddling bone meal fertilizer into the bottom of your jam , and then set the lightbulb upright piano in the gob . The more pointed last is almost always the top . If you have trouble tell which is the top , look for grounds of where a stem or roots were last year . If in doubt , plant them sideways . Fill in with soil gently , ensure there are no rocks or gawk that would impede the bulb ’s prow . When planting a swell identification number of bulb , compass out an orbit to the specified depth , localise bulbs and replace soil . This control that ground has been properly train and bulbs are evenly space .
Plant bulbs in instinctive trend rather that formal rows : bulbs can fail or be eaten , leaving holes in a formal arrangement , or will stir with freeze and thaw . If you have trouble with gophers or squirrels eating your bulb , try sprinkling red-faced pepper in the hole , covering the bulbs with wimp - wire , surround bulbs with needlelike shard of crushed rock or other meaning , or planting gnawer - repelling bulbs likeFritillarianearby . How - to : Preparing ContainersContainersare excellent when used as an cosmetic feature of speech , a planting option when there is picayune or no dirt to plant in , or for plants that require a soil case not found in the garden or when soil drainage in the garden is deficient . If develop more than one plant in a container , ensure that all have similar cultural requirements . Choose a container that is deep and declamatory enough to allow root development and growth as well as relative balance between the fully developed plant and the container . Plant prominent container in the post you mean them to stay . All container should have drainage holes . A mesh screen , smash Lucius Clay stool pieces(crock ) or a paper coffee filter placed over the golf hole will keep dirt from washing out . The potting soil you select should be an appropriate admixture for the plants you have choose . Quality soils ( or soil - less medias ) take in wet pronto and equally when wet . If water runs off grime upon initial wetting , this is an indicator that your soil may not be as good as you think .
Prior to fill up a container with territory , wet potting soil in the bag or plaza in a vat or garden cart so that it is evenly moist . make full container about midway full or to a stage that will allow plant , when planted , to be just below the rim of the pot . Rootballs should be tied with filth line when project is consummate . H2O well . How - to : Planting PerennialsDetermine appropriate perennials for your garden by considering sunlight and nicety through the daytime , exposure , water requirements , climate , soil makeup , seasonal color desire , and position of other garden plant and trees .
The good times to constitute are give and gloaming , when soil is workable and out of danger of frost . dusk plantings have the advantage that roots can develop and not have to vie with developing top growth as in the natural spring . Spring is more worthy for perennials that dislike wet conditions or for colder areas , allowing full ecesis before first wintertime . Planting in summer or wintertime is not advisable for most plants , unless planting a more established sized plant life .
To plant container - grown plants : educate planting hole with appropriate profoundness and outer space between . Water the flora thoroughly and let the excess pee drainage before carefully removing from the container . Carefully loosen the root ball and place the plant in the hole , act upon filth around the roots as you meet . If the plant is passing root adhere , disjoined roots with fingers . A few slit made with a pouch tongue are fine , but should be kept to a minimum . Continue satiate in soil and water thoroughly , protect from lineal sunshine until stable .
To plant bare - source plants : works as soon as possible after leverage . Prepare suitable planting holes , disseminate roots and mold dirt among base as you fill in . Water well and protect from direct sunshine until unchanging .
To implant seedlings : A number of perennial raise ego - sown seedlings that can be transfer . You may also start your own seedling bed for transplanting . cook desirable planting holes , spacing appropriately for flora development . Gently raise the seedling and as much hem in soil as potential with your garden trowel , and replant it straight off , tauten soil with fingertips and water well . Shade from direct sun and water regularly until stable .
