Laurel outlook., 1950-06-28
Observation-Disclosures Observation-Disclosures
Yard and Garden
By Leonard wager
Assistant Horticulturist
Montana Extension Service
Iris Are COlOrful

Iris Are COlOrful
Irises bring color and gaiety to
the early summer flower border.
Their wide range of color lends
them to many beautiful effects in
the landscape. Although they do
not last long, they are useful in
the flower arrangement where
there is call for a spike-like flower.
The most commonly grown type is
the bearded or German iris.
The iris is one of the popular
flowers for which a society has
been formed in it's honor. Iris spe-
cialists are found from coast to
coast. Iris do well on many types
of soils and that is n of the
reasons for it's wide popularity.
The beared iris are generally
grouped into three classes accord
ing to height: dwarf bearded iris,
under ~ inches tall; intermediate,
II to % inches tall; and tall, %
to 60 inches tall. The dwarf types
lend themselves well to rock gar
den planting or edging. The taller
types are effective in mass plant
ings in the flower border. They
look excellent in mass paintings
alone, or with other flowers or
they may be used in foundation
paintings.
Actually, iris can be planted
at any time when the soil is not
frozen. However, late July or early
August is their rest period, and
that is an excellent time to trans
plant or plant new iris.
New iris paintings may be made
by dividing old clumps. Growing
iris from seed is not advised or
they will not come true to variety
and there is a several years wait
necessary before they reach bloom
ing size. Growing iris from seed,
making controlled crosses, is the
method by which new varieties are
developed.
The iris should be planted out
in fall sun and in a soil with good
drainage. Standing water in the
iris beds can cause rot.
The soil in which the iris is to
be planted should be well prepared
in advance of planting. Poor soils
may be improved by adding a COM
mercial fertilizer like 10-20-0 at
the rate of 5 pounds per 1000
So. fit.
An alternative practice is to use
we'll rotted barnyard n plus
superphosphate fertilizer and add
it when preparing the soil. Avoid
getting the fertilizer and manure
in direct contact with thhe iris
roots as this may cause burning.
The fertilizer and anu should
be incorporated in the first few
inches of topsoil. Manure is help
full in tightening heavy soils, and
adding to the organic matter con-
tent of the soil. Overuse of manure
encourages excessive foliage,
growth at the expense of flower
formation.
Planting iris in groups or
clumps of four to six single roots,
spacing them 8 inches apart in the
clump is suggested. Each clump
should be spaced 3 feet from
others.
In planting the roots, the hole
should be dug deep enough to &C
commodate the whole root so that
it can be entirely covered with
soil. The fibrous roots should be
spread out as much as possible
and not cramped in a small plant
ing hole. The iris root or rhizome
should be about one-half inch be-
low the surface of the ground.
Cut back the tops to above six
inches just after planting.
Iris are hardy in practically all
parts of Montana. Mulching with
clean straw in the late fall is a
practice that deserves pop
ularity. Such mulch protects the
plants better over winter and re-
duces losses due to winter heav-
ing.
The ten leading iris for 1949 for
this western region are: Sable,
Elmohr. Great Lakes, Ola KOla,
Grand Canyon, Mulberry Rose,
Blue Simmer, Prairie Sunset,
house and Wabash.