siberian iris

i need some help here. i bought the ones from poppysue. they are planted and some are doing better than others. i also have some older ones in my garden, in various places around my house and none have ever bloomed. the brown nodule is above the ground, as i was told to do. the roots obviously planted. now here is were i get confused. i have read to lavish them with water and then i've read to abuse them and they are great for a xerscaping garden were you don't give them a lot of water. i'm confused, as you might well understand. i'd like them to thrive. they have gorgeous leaves that are tall and bend with the breeze. so pretty. the new ones appear to be doing well, some better than others and they in one case are planted right next to each other. help!!!!!!!

debi z

sorry

This message was edited Sunday, Sep 8th 12:09 PM

Honnibee's info is geared more toward Bearded irises. Siberians iris culture is a little different and it helps to know the difference. Bearded irises have the big thick rhizome that is susceptible to rotting when conditions are too wet. they like to be planted so the rhizome is at ground level with the tops exposed. Good drainage is essential and standing water is a big No No.

Siberian irises have a smaller rhizome that needs to be planted a little deeper. One inch below the surface of the soil is recommended. They like alot of moisture during the growing season and some will even tolerate shallow water. When grown in water it's important not to let water freeze over the crown of the plant. Once plants are estblished they're quite frogiving and will even handle periods of drought. It sounds to me like your big clumps might need to be divided and planted a little deeper. Fall is a good time to do that but try to give them 6 weeks or so to settle in before freezing temps hit your area.

I kept my siberians from the co-op in containers all sitting in a big kiddie pool with a few inches of water. They all seem to be doing well that way and I'll move them into the ground this fall. I'm hoping next year they'll put out a few blooms but I won't expect a good show until the year after.

http://w3.one.net/~wilsonjh/sibcult.html

thank yu ladies. you have helpmed me immensely. there is still hope. :) but you'll find me doing some transplanting this week. :)
debi z