Irises are not hard to grow if you keep a few basics in mind. They're relatively drought-tolerant and very low maintenance. The plant has beautiful large flowers in the spring. It can also surprise the gardener by occasionally blooming again in the fall if conditions are right.
Step 1
Understand rhizomes. Irises grow from fan-shaped clumps that grow from thick, tuberous roots called rhizomes. The rhizomes store food for the plant and are the reason for the plant's hardiness and ease of growth.
Step 2
Prepare the soil. The plants grow in any soil as long as it is not too soggy. They can stand drought that would kill about any other common garden plant. Survive, however, doesn't mean prosper or look good. The real glory of the iris is when it is well-tended.
- Loosen the soil in the area you wish to plant.
- If the soil is sandy or clay, add organic matter such as compost.
Step 3
Select iris rhizomes. Look for a color or colors that you like.
For something different, try native species of irises. The foliage may be smaller, but the flowers are often just as spectacular. - Get fewer than you will ultimately need to fill the bed. They multiply rapidly.
- Look for varieties known as "rebloomers" that are considered more likely to rebloom, but none can be guaranteed.
- Irises come in many colors, nearly any color except pure red.
- Different varieties grow from 1 to 3 feet.
Step 4
Buy the rhizomes during the growing season and plant them immediately just below the surface of the soil.
Step 5
As the clump spreads, the center may not bloom as vigorously. Clumps are usually divided about every three years to keep them vigorous. Divide clumps after the blooming and growing season have ended, in late summer or early fall.
Step 6
Cut back leaves damaged by harsh winter weather in the spring. New ones will soon grow.
Step 7
Few diseases bother the plant but Iris borers can eat up the roots. Cut away any rhizome that looks diseased or rotten, let it dry out of the ground for a day or two then replant the healthy root and fan.
