The Flowering Bulbs of the Iris

The flowering bulbs of the iris come in many shapes, forms, sizes, and colors and is named after the Greek Goddess Iris. The flowering bulbs of the iris have sword-like leaves that are most attractive even when the plant is not blooming. The Greek Goddess Iris is regarded as the messenger of love and will use the rainbow for travel. The iris flower is considered to be the same and also come in a rainbow of colors.

Irises are categorized into two main groups, the rhizome irises and bulbous irises. The rhizomes group has thickened stems that will grow horizontally underground or partially underground. After they have been planted they will produce the sword-like leaves that will overlap and form fans of green foliage. Three of the most popular irises in the rhizome group are the Beardless, Bearded, and Crested. The bulbous iris grows from bulbs that will require a dormant period after blooming. They are generally smaller than the rhizome irises and produce smaller blooms.

When selecting a site for growing iris, they will need at least 6 hours of full sun daily. Choose an area of the garden that has plenty of room for the iris to spread and grow. They will grow to about two to three feet tall and will spread over the years throughout your garden through their root system. You will want to leave about a foot around the iris to allow for growth.

Before you start planting iris bulbs you will need to improve the conditions of the soil by using a slow release fertilizer with low nitrogen. By using compost, peat moss or manure you will increase the content of the organic matter. The organic matter and fertilizer need to be worked into the top 6 inches of soil thoroughly. If at all possible prepare the soil a few weeks before you actually plant the iris so everything will spread throughout the soil.

Start planting the iris by first digging a shallow trench only deep enough to plant the rhizomes. The rhizomes are then planted long side along the ground with the bulbous stem facing upwards. If you plant the rhizomes too deep you may run the risk of rot. Once this has all been done replace the soil over the roots and tamp down firmly with your hand to be sure the rhizomes stay in place. If you plant different colors of iris, plant similar colors together or for intense interest, plant contrasting colors together. Always plant them facing the same direction with at least a foot between them. It would be a good idea to place a garden marker so you know where you planted the iris rhizomes.

The iris flowers care is not very difficult. In the early spring you will start to see iris shoots. Their famous sword-shaped leaves emerge next and the flowers appear in late spring, unfurling on a single stem. Once the flowers have finished blooming, let the foliage remain, this will help the plant continue to develop a sturdy root system and flowers for next growing season. By the third or fourth year of growing iris, your flower bed may get crowded as the iris send up brand new plants. You can divide iris in late summer.

The flowering bulbs of the iris genus have about 200 species and are native of the North Temperate regions of the world. The habitat of iris also varies quite a bit. Some grow in deserts, swamps, in the cold of the far north and several in the mild climates. Bearded iris bulbs and Siberian iris bulbs are two of the most popular types grown. Irises are wonderful garden plants. The word iris means rainbow so you will find iris in many colors such as blue, purple, pink, orange, white, yellow, brown, red, and black.