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The Blue Iris Plant: A Complete Guide and Care Tips
Introduction
The blue iris plant is a popular choice among gardeners due to its striking color and unique shape.
Also known as the Iris Germanica, this perennial plant is low maintenance and can be easily grown in gardens or pots.
In this article, we will provide you with a complete guide on how to care for your blue iris plants.
Planting Blue Iris Plant
If you want to grow blue iris plants in your garden, it’s important to choose a location that gets plenty of sunlight.
This plant thrives in well-drained soil with a pH level between 6.8-7.0.
- Before planting the blue iris plant, make sure the soil is moist.
- Bury the rhizomes about 4 inches deep into the soil and space them about 18-24 inches apart from each other.
- Cover up with loose soil covering around an inch of rhizome top.
- Gently pat down on top of it so that it doesn’t come out while watering.
You can also grow these plants in pots if you don’t have enough outdoor space or if you want to bring some inside during cold winters.
- Select pots that are at least 12 inches wide for planting one rhizome depending upon its size
- Bury half of each rhizome beneath the surface gently before filling up till rim level by loosened potting mix.
- You should water your newly planted iris thoroughly but not overwatered else would cause rotting below ground which results in no growth even after few weeks.
(if bigger pot then multiple Rhizomes could be planted).
Watering
The blue iris plant requires regular watering to keep its soil moist.
During the growing season, you should water the plant at least twice a week.
Make sure that water is penetrating deep into the soil and not just wetting the surface.
- Water around 1 inch of potting mix in case it is grown in pots and 1-2 inches of ground level for outdoor plants every week.
- Avoid overhead watering as it can lead to fungal infections .
- Water early morning or late evening when temperatures are cooler so that moisture will not evaporate quickly under hot sun.
Fertilizing Blue Iris Plant
Fertilizing your blue iris plants regularly can promote growth and help them produce more vibrant blooms.
You can use a balanced fertilizer with equal amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium during springtime before blooming starts up until Fall end when foliage dies out which helps next season’s growth.
- You could use slow-release granulated fertilizers specially made for irises at planting time or after two months from planting time which releases nutrients slowly providing sustained feeding until next application at fall end
Maintaining Your Blue Iris Plant
To keep your blue iris plants healthy, make sure to remove any dead leaves or flowers.
This will help prevent disease from spreading throughout your garden.
Also consider these points:
- Avoid cutting down foliage while they are still green as this might reduce chances of flower production next year.
- If fungal diseases do appear like rust on leaves due to moisture content then immediately cut affected parts cautiously disposing them away from other non-affected parts (do not compost) .
- Consider dividing rhizomes every 3-5 years as they tend to multiply proliferate and grow abundantly in clusters.
Conclusion
The blue iris plant is a beautiful addition to any garden, with their striking color and unique shape.
With proper care and maintenance, these plants can thrive in both indoor and outdoor settings.
By following the tips outlined in this article, you’ll be able to enjoy the beauty of your blue iris plants for years to come.
