Iris tenax

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 - late · Outdoors

Feed with sequestrol

If plants are acid loving and grown in soil with little acidity, or in a container, or are watered with limey tap water an annual feed with sequestrol (iron chelate) is highly beneficial. Follow guidelines on the packet. Will also 'blue-up' hydrangeas.

For hydrangeas that have good blue flowers in acid soil, this product can be used with alkaline soil to turn the flowers blue. This is most effective when the soil is neutral or just slightkly alkaline.

Spring-Autumn · Outdoors

Water during dry periods

For plants in the ground, when there has been little or no rain for a period of 7-10 days and the soil is dry, give it a deep watering and repeat weekly until there is a downpour of rain. Check plants in pots more frequently, especially in hot weather.

Spring-Summer · 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.

Winter-Spring · Planting

Tidy during dormancy

When the plant is dormant, it can be tidied by cutting off untidy or dead foliage.

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