The bearded iris which is the most common variety actually has rhizomes instead of bulbs. Some varieties such as the Dutch iris have bulbs. Division is simple and can be done at almost any time. Fall or very early spring is the best time. The first step is to carefully dig the bulbs. Some of them will break, but this doesn’t really matter.
Next the bulbs(rhizomes) need to be cut into pieces about 2 inches long. Use a knife dipped in bleach or wiped with a bleach soaked sponge to make the cuts. There are very few pests that affect iris, but good garden sanitation will prevent spreading disease. Discard any pieces that have rot or insect damage. Put them in the trash or burn them. They are not suitable for compost. Each piece of rhizome should have some root-hairs attached.
The bulbs or rhizomes should be planted very shallowly. A “W” shaped trench is good to let the bulb sit on the center and let the roots go into the depressions. The bulbs should barely be covered with soil. It is better not to mulch irises as this just buries them deeper.
David Segrest is an International REALTOR in Charlotte, NC. His email is david@segrestrealty.com , His webpage is http://davidsegrest.com , and his international real estate blog is http://dointernationalrealestate.blogspot.com/
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
No comments:
Post a Comment