Iris flower: Facts, growth and maintenance tips in 2023

Iris is a genus of roughly 300 plant species in the Iridaceae family, which includes some of the most well-known and diverse garden flowers in the entire world. Irises, which were given their name after the Greek rainbow goddess, add colour to the garden throughout the spring and summer.

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There is an iris for almost every garden because there are so many distinct varieties and colours to choose from. Although some of the genus’ most attractive species are endemic to the Mediterranean and central Asian regions, the north temperate zone is where the variety of the genus is concentrated.

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Iris flower: Key facts

Species Name	Iris
Family Name	Iridaceae
Synonyms	Belamcanda, Juno, Junopsis
Height	6 inch to 4 feet tall
Distribution Range	Asia, Europe and North America
Flower Colours	Different shades of purple, blue, white and yellow
Environmental Impact	Positive
Maintenance	Low
Blooming time	Late spring and summer

What is Iris plant?

Iris is a common name for all iris species, a flowering plant belonging to the 310 accepted species with showy flowers. Irises are perennial plants that grow from creeping rhizomes or in drier climates, from bulbs. They are characterized by long, erect flowering stems that may be simple or balanced, solid or hollow and flattened or with a circular cross-section.

The word iris comes from a Greek word, also the name Greek goddess of the rainbow, Iris. It is the largest genus of the Iridaceae family comprising up to 300 species, with several natural hybrids.

Iris: Habitat

Almost all the species of Iris are found in temperate northern hemisphere regions, from Europe to Asia, and across north America. The plant is majorly found in dry, semi-desert or colder rocky terrain.

Iris flower: Physical description

Irises can either have a bulb or a rhizome (with thick creeping underground stems).
The stem of species with a rhizome is typically horizontal, strong, and surrounded by foliage scars. Though deeply anchored in the ground, it frequently grows in parts that are exposed.
Iris species that are endemic to the western part of Europe typically produce bulbs.
One within the other, several leaf bases emerge from this kind of short, conical stem.
Commonly, the blooms have three sepals, three petals, and three large stigma branches that serve as the cover for the anthers, which produce the pollen.

Iris: Cultural significance

The word iris comes from a Greek word, also the name Greek goddess of the rainbow, Iris.

The flower meaning is eloquence, which is associated with the message of the Greek goddess. Further, the association of irises and the afterlife is emphasised in Greek culture, as the goddess escorts the deceased from earth to heaven, guiding them to their final destination. Hence, irises were planted on the graves of loved ones.

Further, in Japanese culture, the flower is considered sacred owing to its purifying properties. It is a common symbol found in kimono fabrics, paintings and haiku, the Japanese poetry style.

In Chinese art, the iris a depiction of the dancing spirit of early summer. The petals of the Iris flower easily move in the wind, appearing like the fluttering of butterfly wings.

Iris flower: How to grow?

Irises need a spot with direct sunlight and soil that drains well.
Rhizome division is the most effective method for growing the iris.
Although the germination rate for species plants from seed can be as low as 50% and flower emergence can take two to three years, this method is also an alternative.
Rhizomes can be sown anytime after flowering, between mid-summer and early autumn.
Compost should be incorporated into the top six inches of the soil after it has been loosened with a garden fork to a depth of 12 to 16 inches. Add coarse sand or perlite to the mixture to enhance drainage.
Divide roots in the middle to late summer, six to eight weeks after flowering, to produce new plants.
Rhizomes can be cut with a clean, sharp knife or pulled apart by hand. Pick only sound pieces; throw away those that are soft, decaying, or exhibit signs of root borers.
Iris rhizomes should be planted in a sunny area with rich, well-draining soil for the best flowering.
Do not completely bury the rhizome; instead, leave space between the rhizomes for growth.
To prevent root rot, make sure the roots are covered but leave some of the rhizomes exposed.
Leave the upper portion of the rhizome exposed since the rhizomes enjoy sitting on top of the dirt and tanning there.
An iris only requires mulch during its first winter to aid in the establishment of its roots.
Irises may be grown practically anywhere, but they require a cold winter to go dormant. They can store enough energy during this time for the following year’s bloom.
Iris gardeners generally prefer stems with at least seven flowers, but some types can have as many as 13 or 15. Additionally, certain irises rebloom, allowing you to see their beauty later in the season.

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Iris flower: Maintenance

Irises essentially only require division every three to four years for maintenance.

A month or so after bloom is the ideal time to divide plants.

Give plants a sunny location in soil that drains properly.
When planting tall, bearded varieties, leave plenty of space between them because they require good air circulation.
Make sure rhizome tops are exposed to the sun and apply mulch lightly.
Trim the foliage in the fall to ward against bugs that overwinter.
If you reside in a hot climate, carefully consider the placement as iris love 5–6 hours of full sun but can also thrive in locations with little shade. Place them where they can get plenty of sunlight, like on your south-facing windowsill or balconies. Irises thrive in any west-facing location.
When the top two inches of the soil feel completely dry to the touch, water thoroughly until the water runs out of the drainage hole at the bottom, and always drain the bottom plate to prevent overwatering.
The iris will need to be watered more frequently as it is exposed to more light and heat.
Water in batches when rehydrating soil that is so parched that there are obvious fissures and soil that is eroding from the walls of planters. When water is applied all at once, the soil is not able to absorb the water.
When watering a plant, always empty the underplate after fully moistening the plant until you see some water draining from the drainage hole.
In the early spring and again after flowering, use low nitrogen or balanced fertiliser.
Always add compost while potting plants, then top the topsoil with a small amount of compost once every 30 days.
To keep beds from getting overrun with seedlings, deadhead plant seed pods. After flowering, prune the flower stalks and remove any brown tips as necessary, but keep the leaves intact.
Soft, stinky rhizomes and rotting at the base of leaves are indicators of soft rot, which is a problem when springs are warm and rainy.

Iris flower: Are they toxic?

Iris toxicity is often moderate in humans, but in animals (especially dogs and cats) and cattle, it can result in serious sickness, frequently leading to gastrointestinal problems when consumed and even death.

What is the best fertiliser for irises?

Iris needs three main nutrients for its healthy growth and blooming.

Nitrogen (N) that enables root and steam growth and provides a firm base for the plan
Phosphorus (P) to allow roots to absorb nutrients better
Potassium (K) that protects the plant against diseases and helps with iris color.

Choose a fetiliser that has micronutrients and a perfect mix of nitrogen for promoting its growth, extra phosphorus to promote flowering, and potassium for healthy plant stock.

Make sure the fertilizer is also people and pet safe.

How to choose fertiliser for irises?

The choice of fertiliser for irises will depend on the results you need.

Bloom boosting fertiliser is ideal for blooming iris that die after a short amount of time
Strengthening fertiliser is recommended if iris flower not budding. It will enable the plant to absorb water
Organic fertiliser will not only help iris plant to grow well but the soil around it.

How to fertilise Iris?

When applying fertiliser to the plant, there are a few points to consider:

Use a pH tester to ensure the soil pH is within the range of 6 to 6.5
Use fertiliser as per the instructions given
Opt for only water-soluble or liquid fertiliser and use it more frequently

Iris flower: Uses

Although more widespread in ancient times than they are now, the rhizomes of the German iris and sweet iris are traded as orris root and utilised in perfume and medicine.
Iris essential oil (absolute) from flowers is still used today as a sedative in aromatherapy.
To ease teething in infants, the dried rhizomes are also administered whole.
For flavour and colour, orris root and occasionally iris flowers are used in gin brands like Bombay Sapphire and Magellan.
Iris rhizomes are extracted, dried, and aged for up to five years to produce orris roots.
During this period, the lipids and oils inside the roots are dissolved and oxidised, creating a variety of fragrant chemicals useful in perfumery.
The aroma is believed to smell like violets. The mature rhizomes are steam-distilled to create “iris butter,” also known as orris oil, which is a thick, oily substance used in perfumery.

FAQs

What is so unique about an iris flower?

The appearance of an iris flower is its most unique feature. They look very unusual and actually come in all colours of the spectrum.

What does an iris flower symbolise?

An iris flower is said to symbolise faith, hope and trust. Its different colour varieties symbolise different meanings.

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