Iris ruthenica

Spring · Outdoors

Apply acidic mulch

Where soil is only just acidic, apply mulch with a high acidic content such as leaf mould, or mulch for ericaceous plants. Alternatively the plant can benefit from a feed of iron supplement (iron chelate) such as sequestrol.

Spring-Autumn · Outdoors

Water to keep the soil moist

For best results, this plant needs soil that is always moist. Water deeply and regularly as soon as soil appears dry. Even for established plants in the ground, a dry week can cause problems with some soils. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather. Or install an automatic irrigation system which will do the hard work for you, even when you are away on holiday.

Without regular watering some plants never fully regain their beauty.

Spring · 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.

Outdoors

Feed with low nitrogen feed several times

Apply a feed with low nitrogen content several times while the plant is in active growth.

Where food elements are listed as three numeric values on the label representing in order Nitrogen(N)-Phosphorus(P)-Potassium(K), choose one where nitrogen has a low value.

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