Non-blooming Irises

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cbwinters Hudson, OH Jun 16, 2007

I planted an assortment of irises 2 years ago. I get a lot of leaves but only one plant flowered and that was quickly eaten by a passing rabbit (I assume). What should I do to improve the likelihood of getting some flowers next year or (dare I hope) yet this summer?

cbwinters

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June_Ontario Rosemont, ON(Zone 4a) Jun 16, 2007

What kind of irises are they? Where are they planted, and in what kind of soil? Bearded Iris need lots of sunshine and well-drained soil, and the rhizomes like to be near the surface and not covered by mulch or leaves, so they can get baked in summer. Siberian Iris do better in moist soil, and will take some shade.

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momo125 Windsor, ON(Zone 6a) Jun 17, 2007

I planted some Iris that were from my childhood home 2yrs ago (my daddy-memoriam) and they didn't do anything until this year. I had a beautiful show this year, so be patient and next yr. you will hopefully be rewarded. I also planted a varigated one 3yrs ago and only got one or two flws. each year until this year. here are some pics. These are the ones from my dad's garden. He passed away in 1989 and we (my sibs) have been passing some flws. to each other since.

This message was edited Jun 16, 2007 10:46 PM

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momo125 Windsor, ON(Zone 6a) Jun 17, 2007

Here are the varigated ones. (Ignore the beautiful 2ft high canada thistle growing beside it. Been fighting them since we moved into the house.)

This message was edited Jun 16, 2007 10:49 PM

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melody Benton, KY(Zone 7a) Jun 17, 2007

As stated above, iris like to be almost on top of the ground. If you planted them like you would most other roots or tubers, they're too deep.

I'd check the depth and make changes there...they should have flowered after two years. It will take them a year to settle in...I divided some yellow ones last fall and didn't get any blooms this year. They should be great next spring.

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June_Ontario Rosemont, ON(Zone 4a) Jun 17, 2007

The best time to replant and divide Bearded Iris is midsummer, after they have finished flowering and are going into their natural "rest" time. Cut off the remains of any flower stalks, cut back the leaves by one third, stick a fork under the plant and lift. You can take all the soil off the roots, thus removing any weeds. The rhizomes should be firm. If there are spongy, rotten bits, cut them off and discard them in the garbage (not the compost bin). Replant with the top surface of the rhizome just showing above the soil.

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