Japanese iris (I. ensata) are an easy iris to grow in almost any climate, so long as sufficient water is available for their needs. Light shade is preferable for good flowering as the bloom season is in summer, and on hot days the petals will scorch. Pots of iris in bloom can be brought into the house for display. |
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Evansias or Crested iris require a rich, humousy soil, light shade, and moist well drained conditions, although I. tectorum (japanese roof iris) will do well in a more open position, with a little lime. Iris japonica will grow very well in an open sunny position, but tends to look ragged as the hot sun burns the leaf tips. In a woodland garden, or positioned in the front of a fernery, these plants are at home. The larger species will even tolerate a fairly dry summer, but will perform better if watered once a week. |
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Louisiana irises will grow in most climates in Australia, in full sun or partial shade, so long as their water requirements can be met. Blooming from early Spring to early summer, they produce many large and colourful blooms. They require a rich acidic soil or potting mix, and appreciate having their rhizomes heavily mulched. |
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Pacific Coast Irises do not like excess heat or humidity, and do best in a cool temperate environment, with plenty of sunshine. Plant in a spot that faces south or east, or is sufficiently shaded from afternoon sun. Preferring an acid soil, these low growing plants make a good front of the garden companion for azaleas and camellias. |
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From the old common Iris ochroleucra with it's tall stalks and yellow and white blooms, often seen blooming in very old gardens, to the modern spurias with there array of bright colours, these are wonderful irises to grow if they suit your conditions. They are the best iris for the vase, lasting for a long time, and having buds open from just a tip of colour.
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Siberian irises enjoy a rich, moist, well drained soil which can range in pH from slightly acidic to slightly alkaline. Dig in well rotted compost, and some coir peat for water retention. Leaf mould is also most acceptable. A sunny position in the front of the border is ideal. Plant can be divided, and new rhizomes planted in late Autumn. Either lift the whole clump or take a small wedge from an existing clump. Break up the clump into sections containing 6 or more of the little rhizomes, and cut the leaves back to about 10cm. |
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Where to plant: Bearded irises require a well drained sunny position in the garden. The rhizome should not be overshadowed by other plants or weeds. A cold winter is essential for good bloom, and dwarf and intermediate bearded irises require a number of frosts. Aril bred irises will need a sharper drainage, and should be protected from excessive moisture in summer. |
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All members of this group grow in wet conditions in the wild, and can cross pollenate with one another. Iris Virginica, Iris versicolor Native to the eastern and southern states of the are these two similar, water loving irises, commonly known as American blue flag irises. I. versicolour is very hardy and bears slim petalled flowers ranging in colour from lavender to rich wine purple, with yellow veining on the falls. Leaves are broad, grey green, with purple at the base. |
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There are 2 species of iris in this winter flowering group: |
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The flowers that we grow in our gardens today can be roughly divided into 3 groups. Wild flowers (species), selected forms of species, and hybrids. Tall bearded irises fall into the latter category, and hybrid ancestors of todays TB’s were around over 400 years ago. Their origins are for the most part unknown, as the iris lent itself well to travel in the dormant state and the so called “german” irises were not native to Germany.
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