Are irises native to Missouri?
Leaves mostly basal, straplike, to over 2 feet long, folded along the midrib. Similar species: Of the 10 irises that grow out of cultivation in our state, this is the most common of the 4 that are native to Missouri; the rest are escapes from cultivation.
Are irises invasive?
Yellow iris is a regulated invasive species. Species are legal to buy, sell, transport and possess, but may not be introduced into a free-living state, such as released into public waters. Yellow iris grows along shorelines, in shallow water and in roadside ditches.
What is a good fertilizer for irises?
Irises should be fertilized in early spring about 6 to 8 weeks before bloom, and again after the blooms are gone. Because phosphate is important, we recommend bone meal or super-phosphate and a light balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 6-10-10 depending on the amount of nitrogen in your soil.
Can you transplant iris after they bloom?
The best time to divide irises is immediately after they bloom through fall. No need to dig them up now and store unless you are moving, best to keep them in the ground growing until you are ready to divide and replant. Decreased blooming is a definite sign your iris are ready to be divided.
Is there a difference between iris and water iris?
Although several iris types grow in wet soil, true water iris is a semi-aquatic or bog plant that grows best in shallow water deep enough to cover the crown year round. However, most water iris plants will also grow in wet soil alongside a pond or stream, or even in a well-watered garden spot.
Where can I find information about growing Pacific Coast Iris?
The Society for Pacific Coast Native Iris (SPCNI) advances the study and cultivation of Pacific Coast iris. SPCNI maintains a registry of hybrids and hosts an annual online seed sale for members. SPCNI also posts descriptions of species and information about growing PC iris. www.pacificcoastiris.org.
Where can I find information about PC iris species and hybrids?
American Iris Society (AIS) includes PC iris species and hybrids in an online iris encyclopedia; each entry includes photos and descriptions. This encyclopedia is quickly becoming the go-to place for online information on iris species and hybrids. For more information see www.irises.org.
Are PC Iris worth the effort to grow?
Enthusiastic irisarians count and collect iris varieties in their gardens by the hundreds. These plants are well worth the effort to grow. If you practice low-input gardening, pay attention to soil amendments, and live where summers are not too hotand winters aren’t too cold, give PC iris another try or two.
What kind of soil do PC iris like?
Being upland plants (not wetland plants), they require well-drained, acidic soil and prefer to have cool roots in summer and unfrozen roots in winter; amending with compost and topdressing with a woody mulch helps create these ideal conditions. In coastal gardens, PC iris grows in full sun.