Iris Tulip Festival

How to take care of Iris Tulip Festival

Plant bearded iris and Iris Sibirica in a location that receives at least 6 hrs sunlight. Plants thrive in well drained soil. Before planting, amend soil with compost. Pay attention to drainage in heavy clay soils, it maybe better to plant in raised beds. Dig a hole 10 " (26cm) in diameter and 4' (10cm) deep. In clay soil, the top of the rhizome should be exposed. In sandy soil, rhizomes can be buried with a thin layer of soil. If planting in container, set the plant so the rhizome is at the soil surface. Keep them watered for the first three weeks. Apply fertiliser and a thin layer of compost around the base of plants each spring and again after the blooms are gone. To encourage a second bloom, cut the flower stalks close to the ground after the leaves have turned yellow. Attention: Flowering may take one extra season as they need to get settled. Divide rhizomes (with a sharp knife or spade) every 3-5 years in late summer. Replant immediately. WARNING wash hands carefully after planting as the rhizomes are poisonous and may cause skin irritation. Bearded Iris rhizomes hate to be wet! keep them relatively dry.

Fertiliser: High content of Nitrogen promotes rot problems.Phosphorous promotes root development and since the rhizome is all root, it needs lots of phosphorous. Potassium improves the overall health of the plant, defends against diseases and helps plants withstand very hot or cold weather.Soak the rhizomes in water for about an hour first. If you can’t plant them for a few days, plunge them into a tray of moist compost.