| Planting and Growing Siberian
Irises When you receive Siberian
irises the roots will be wrapped in some way to keep them moist.
Remove the wrappings as soon as you can, and soak the division
in water deep enough to cover the roots. Plants may stay in the
water for up to a week.
Newly planted Siberian iris plants must never dry
out during the establishment period. Make sure the newly arrived
plants have soaked at least a few hours. Plant directly in the
new location and keep the soil wet continuously until new growth
appears.
Siberian irises will grow and bloom better if planted in a sunny
location.
Siberian irises prefer a rich soil with ample organic
matter. If the soil is clay, the addition of organic matter will
help to loosen it. If the soil is more sandy, the organic matter
will help in water and nutrient retention. Depending on what is
available, till in an ample amount of manure, hay, straw, peat
moss, compost, etc. If using hay, straw, or wood products, you
may need to add high-nitrogen fertilizer to compensate for the
nitrogen tied up in the decomposition process. In a small garden,
it works well to add some peat humus (Michigan peat). The soil
should be slightly acid (pH 5.5 to 6.5 is good). If your soil
pH is too high, it can be lowered by the addition of granular
ferrous sulfate or agricultural sulfur.
Plant these irises in a naturally moist area, or
in an area where you can water the new plants until they become
established. Planting in a small depression (1 to 3 inches below
the average soil level) will help the plant receive extra water
during rains or when watered. The roots should at no time be allowed
to dry out during transplanting. Do the planting in the cool of
the evening if possible. If the weather is very hot, it might
help to shade new transplants in some way, maybe with a webbed
lawn chair.
Plants should be fertilized only lightly when planted, if at all.
(The later you plant in the fall, the less fertilizer should be
used.)
Regular Maintenance
Follow this advice to keep your new Siberian growing
smoothly:
Siberian irises are moderate feeders. A liberal application of
a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10, in spring and just after
bloom is beneficial.
After planting, mulch at 1 to 3 inches. Oat straw, pine needles,
rotted sawdust or wood chips are recommended. The mulch helps
conserve moisture as well as reduce weeds. Do not mulch with peat
moss or grass clippings as both can pack down and become impervious
to water.
Once established and mulched, most Siberians can get along with
as little water as other beardless irises, and are able to withstand
droughts with minimal supplemental water. More water, however,
is fine too.
After bloom is complete, cut off the stalks near
the ground on a dry day. Some people find leaving the stalks in
place a while to be attractive; if you do this, be sure to remove
the pods before the seeds drop and produce seedlings that are
not quite true to the variety you planted.
After the foliage has browned in the fall, cut it off an inch
or so from the ground.
Vigorous Siberians should be divided after three years, or the
task will become more difficult. Dividing mature clumps can often
be accomplished by the two-pitchfork method. More moderately growing
varieties can remain undivided for five years or more.
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