Iris unguicularis 'Mary Barnard'

Spring - early · Outdoors

Feed with slow release fertiliser

Apply a general purpose slow release fertliser around the plant in early Spring, scratching it into the ground. Keep rhizomes exposed.

Spring-Autumn · Outdoors

Water in dry periods

Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.

Winter-Autumn · Planting

Divide when congested

When rhizomes have become very congested they can be separated or cut. Dust any cut surfaces with a fungicide and replant them. Throw away any poor or diseased segments.

Outdoors

Water with rain water

This plant needs rain water or soft water (the minerals in alkaline or "hard" water are harmful). This is especially important for plants in pots.

Outdoor planting · Outdoors

Planting Iris rhizomes

Position in a hole with roots pointing down and the top half of the rhizome level with the soil surface. Fill soil around the roots, leave the top part bare of soil so it will be exposed to the summer sun (this ensures flowering).

Applies to summer flowering Iris germanica or Bearded iris. Not Iris siberica