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Spring-Flowering Bulbs: Irises

Irises, or flowers of the Iris genus, are named after the Greek messenger of the same name, who arrived on earth via a rainbow. Like their namesake, Irises come in a rainbow of colors: white, gold, orange, yellow, pink, and all shades of blue through to the deepest purple. All iris flowers have three upright petals called "standards", and three petal-like sepals called "falls"; in some irises, the standards and sepals have different colors, in others, they have the same color.

Irises grow from bulbs or rhizomes -- the two terms can be used more or less interchangeably, although the correct term is rhizome. Two popular and easily grown irises are the netted iris (Iris reticulata), which gets its name from the coarse net-like covering on the bulbs, and the Danford iris (Iris danfordiae). The netted iris bulb comes in several cultivars, with a color range of blue, violet, purple, maroon, and bi-colored varieties. The Danford iris has a bright yellow flower.

Planting Iris Bulbs or Rhizomes

Like most spring-flowering bulbs, irises prefer well-drained soil, and full sun or partial shade. Before planting, you'll want to cultivate the soil to about 12 to 18 inches deep, mixing in fertilizer or compost, so the soil is loose and rich enough for the irises to take root. Plant the bulbs 2 to 4 inches deep and spaced about 4 to 6 inches apart. Iris bulbs should be planted in groups of at least six; like tulips, irises look good planted in masses of the same or similar color.

Once planted, water the irises thoroughly. Give them an occasional watering thereafter, enough to keep the soil moist but not wet, until the irises are in bloom. Healthy, flourishing iris plants do not need fertilizing, but if you want to use a fertilizer the time to apply it is immediately after the iris blooms.

Cut irises once they have flowered and begun to fade, but leave the foliage so that the bulbs have a chance to recover the energy put into the blooming. Cut the leaves and foliage back in the early fall, leaving 4 to 8 inches above the ground. This should ensure healthy iris flowers and bulb propagation for years to come!