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Problem irises

Diggerpat211Diggerpat211 Posts: 3
in Problem solving

I'm a new member and a fairly new gardener and look forward to learning... and hopefully....getting some advice.

I planted several broad leaded irises about three years ago. I tried to plant them carefully with the roots just showing above the soil. Every season the leaves look very well but I have never had any flowers. Is there a solution? Please help.

Thanks 

Posts

  • Ladybird4Ladybird4 Posts: 37,905

    Welcome Diggerpat. Are you confusing roots with rhizomes by any chance? Roots should not show above the soil but rhizomes - the fat swollen stems that the roots grow from should be just showing above the soil so that they can get baked in the sun which helps flowering, as shown in the picture:

    image

    Are your irises Bearded irises?

    Cacoethes: An irresistible urge to do something inadvisable
  • Diggerpat211Diggerpat211 Posts: 3

    Hi Ladybird,

    Thanks for your reply. Yes I did mean rhymes.....I did think I was planting them high enough. I could see them showing above the soil but perhaps not enough. Do you think I could dig them up and replant them a bit higher?  If so, when would be the best time to do that?

  • Ladybird4Ladybird4 Posts: 37,905

    I would do that now - its a good time to divide or move irises at this time of year. Cut all the leaves in half either before or after you have replanted them. This may look brutal but it does help the irises to concentrate on putting roots down and conserving moisture.

    image

    Cacoethes: An irresistible urge to do something inadvisable
  • Pete.8Pete.8 Posts: 11,340

    I've just divided my bearded iris a couple of weeks back.
    Only thing I would add is that the rhizomes need to bake in the sun as much as possible, so ideally plant with the rhizome pointing south and the leaves at the north end. If that's not feasible just point the rhizomes in the best position for as much sun as possible and not shaded by the leaves.
    You'll have a lovely show next year

    Last edited: 13 August 2016 17:20:53


    Billericay - Essex

    Knowledge is knowing that a tomato is a fruit.
    Wisdom is not putting it in a fruit salad.
  • Diggerpat211Diggerpat211 Posts: 3

    Thanks so much, Pete and Ladybird. Just heading out to deal with my irises. Look forward to great results next season.

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