No garden complete without irises

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33513, 19 April 1974, Page 4

No garden complete without irises

Irises are not as popular as they once were but there are signs that the trend may be reversing gradually. Certainly no-one who has seen a good display of modem plants in full, bloom, resplendent in their startling new colours and combinations, can coi-ie away other than impressed. Hvbiidisers and specialists must be thanked for the work they have done and are still doing in perfecting the beauty and sometimes exquisite colouring which can rival orchids in perfection.

But it is perhaps only when a fine specimen of bloom is examined closely that one can really appreciate the beauty of the characteristics which enhance the iris. It is then that you see you can have a garden with just irises but it is not complete without them

There are 200 or so species of iris, ranging from dwarfs not much more than 15cm (6 inches) tall, to those over 135 cm, 4ft 6 in tall. There are rhizomatousrooted irises, bulbous species and others with fleshy or woody roots. BEARDED IRIS The bearded German iris, Iris germanica, is one of the best known and most easily grown. It usually produces its best display in the second and third year after planting, after which the quality and quantity diminishes. Bearded irises should be lifted, divided and replanted

every three or four year's to maintain a, high round standard of plant. This can be done now, to allow the freshly-planted rhizome time to develop its root system before winter. .

An old clump of bearded irises can become quite a solid expanse of . growth both below and above ground and a strong fork is necessary to get it out. After the soil has been completely shaken off the rhizomes a knife should be used to single them. The oldest, which will be- obvious by their colour and condition should be discarded and the best of the young ones should be kept for replanting. The feeder roots on the rhizomes should be shortened back to about 7.5 cm (3in) from their base and the leaves can also be trimmed back, to about 15cm (6in) to reduce moisture loss. Bearded • irises like a well drained and well worked soil in full sun and the addition of lime is beneficial. Plant shallowly; spread the roots out well on either side of the rhizome; cover and firm well but do not bury the rhizome, the top of which should be left protruding from the soik For those who wish to see a good representation of iris species and hybrids Mona Vale has a good display in season. The planting is the work of the Canterbury branch of the New Zealand Iris Society, which always welcomes new members.