There are 300-odd species of iries scattered over the northern temperate zones, occurring in bullous-and rhizomatous-rooted forms. Those with very fine stolonlike rhizomes are sometimes called fibrous rooted. Iris, the type genus for the family Iridaceae, is named for the Greek goddess of the rainbow. Extremely popular, irises have been cultivated since the time of the Egyptian pharaoh Thutmosis I, around 1500 B.C. The leaves, often arranged in fans, are sword-shaped and sometimes variegated. The flowers come in all colors and have 6 petals, usually in the typical fleur-de-lis pattern of 3 upright standards and 3 downward-curving falls. Tennessee claims Iris germanica as its floral emblem.
CULTIVATION
There are 4 categories: bog irises need a sunny position near pond margins or in damp soil; woodland irises thrive in dappled sunlight in moist well-drained soil; bearded irises should be dried off after flowering; and rockery irises require moist, well-drained, gritty soil. Propagation is usually by division when dormant, less commonly from seed.
Top Tip
With their impressive flowers held high on slender stems, irises will perform best in a location with plenty of sun, but with protection from buffeting winds.
CULTIVATION
There are 4 categories: bog irises need a sunny position near pond margins or in damp soil; woodland irises thrive in dappled sunlight in moist well-drained soil; bearded irises should be dried off after flowering; and rockery irises require moist, well-drained, gritty soil. Propagation is usually by division when dormant, less commonly from seed.
Top Tip
With their impressive flowers held high on slender stems, irises will perform best in a location with plenty of sun, but with protection from buffeting winds.
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