Variegated Iris

Planting & Care for Variegated Iris

Preparation

• The flowers are fragrant, lavender light blue and born on short stems just above the foliage.
• Mature size is around 30" high and wide.
• This Iris prefers full sun in very well-drained soils.
• Be sure not to plant it too deep.
• This is a very attractive and problem free plant that is looks best in the landscape in borders, open woodland gardens, and shade gardens.
• Hardiness zone 4.

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

• 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

• Cut back the flower stems after every flower bud has opened and finished blooming, removing the stem near the base of the plant. Trim out any dead or badly damaged leaves. Prune back the entire iris plant to within 6 inches of the ground after the foliage begins to yellow in fall.

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.