In order for irises (also known as irises) to thrive in the garden, they need the right location. We show when and how to properly plant the rhizomes and bulbs of the iris.
If you want to plant the decorative irises or irises, you should first choose the right time and location. We will show you what is important and why the outlasting organs of the iris play an important role for the location.
Planting irises: The perfect time
The ideal time to plant irises is between July and October. However, late planting in November or spring planting in March are also possible.
The right location for planting iris
Iris plants love the sun and should be planted in a full sun, warm spot. There are two types of iris based on their outlasting organs:
- Onion Iris: It is known by that name, although in reality it does not form bulbs at all but bulbs. Onion iris species require a lot of moisture.
- Rhizome iris: It has rootstocks as outlasting organs. Rhizome irises prefer rather dry to normally moist soil and are sensitive to too much moisture.
Therefore, when buying irises, pay attention to which outlasting organs are present. Both the onion iris and the rhizome iris thrive in loose, well-drained, humus-rich and nutrient-rich garden soil. But irises are also good for rock gardens.
The marsh iris (Iris pseudacorus) and the Japanese flag iris (Iris ensata) have somewhat different location requirements, as their names already suggest. They need moist, spring-wet soil to thrive well. They feel comfortable both at the edge of a pond and on loamy soil.
How to plant iris rhizomes and bulbs
Once the right location has been found, the soil must first be loosened up a bit. You can also work some sand into the substrate to increase the permeability of the soil or fill a layer of sand about 2 centimeters high in the planting hole, on which the iris will later be placed will. Cut back the roots of the irises to about 6 centimeters in length and shorten the foliage to about 10 centimeters. Now the rhizomes or the iris bulbs are planted. The planting distance should be 25 to 40 centimeters. Put the rhizomes or Tubers shallow in the ground leaving about a third visible. The irises need light to grow well. Fill the planting hole with soil and press it down well. Then water the iris well with water.
Smaller iris species in particular are also very suitable for planting in pots on the balcony or terrace. A peat-free potting soil, such as ours, is suitable as a substrate Plantura organic potting soil, optimal. Choose a suitable pot with a drainage hole so that excess water can drain away when watering and there is no waterlogging. In addition, you can put shards of pottery on the bottom of the planter or work some sand into the soil.
Once the irises are planted, the young plants need to be watered regularly until they are well established and established in their location. You can find out what additional care measures are necessary for magnificent iris flowers in our article about the iris read.
