Black Gamecock Iris

Planting & Care for Iris

Preparation

• Best grown in wet, boggy, areas.
• Also does surprisingly well in average garden soils that are kept consistently moist, however best performance in the border will generally occur with sandy-humusy, water-retentive soils that are never allowed to dry out.
• The species is often found in the wild growing in standing water, and this cultivar may be grown in shallow water (up to 6 ").
• Tolerates light shade, particularly in the southern part of its growing range.
• Clumps will slowly spread by creeping rhizomes to form colonies in optimum growing conditions.
• Divide plants when overcrowding occurs.
• Commonly this plant is used in the landscape near water gardens, along streams or ponds or in low-lying areas that are subject to periodic flooding. May be grown in borders as long as soils are kept uniformly moist.

Opening Plant Material

• Containers - Completely saturate all container plants by putting in a larger container of water until stops bubbling, then remove. You’re now ready to plant.
• Scroll down to an orange rectangular box and click on “Handling & Plant Guidelines” for illustration on planting each of these types.

Planting containers

• Plant in March, May – November.
• Slide plant from pot by tapping on the bottom of the pot.
• With shovel or knife trim bottom 2" off of the root ball for plants in plastic containers.
• Rotate the plant to the proper position. Never lift or move plants by the tops.
• Place the root ball in the hole.
• Notice where the base of the trunk flairs out from the tree. This is called the root flair. This root flair should show when the tree is planted. If necessary, add soil under the ball so the root flair is exposed.
• Place fertilizer packets into the bottom of the hole (if purchased). *Use Our Recommended Fertilizer.
• Backfill the hole with soil, making sure the top of the root ball is visible and slightly higher than the soil around it.
• Firm the soil around the plant. Water well to settle soil around the root ball.

Pruning - After Planting

• Containers - Although it is not essential for containers to be pruned after planting, a light pruning for shape, to remove any broken branches from shipping, or to thin out a heavily branched plant will help in the transplanting process and in the appearance of your new planting.

Pruning - Through-out the Season

• You can prune the foliage, but only after your Virginia iris starts yellow and fade. Otherwise, leave the plants be so they can convert sunlight into energy, which is stored in their rhizomes.

Watering - After Planting

• Plants typically take approximately 6 weeks to establish new roots in your soil. During this period, water plants as often as every 2-4 days at the start and at least a minimum of once per week.
• Beyond the 6 week establishment period, water once per week, unless rains occur.
• Stick your finger into the soil around 3” to check soil moisture.

Watering - Through-out the Season

• After the first season, plants should only be watered during extended periods without rain.
• How do you know if your plants need water? The easiest way to tell is to touch the soil around the roots. If it is moist, there is no need to water. If it is dry, give it a good soaking with the hose end (no nozzle) watering the soil only, not the leaves.
• Stick your finger into the soil around 3” to check soil moisture.

Go to our "Plant Features & Video Tab" for more information & tips on caring and maintaining this plant.