How to Pick Iris

How to Pick Iris
Hi, this is Yolanda Vanveen on behalf of Expert Village. Irises have been used in art, decorations and gardens for over a thousand years. They come in many different colors and varieties and they are all stunning in your garden. Irises are found all over the world. Many varieties come from the Middle East. Some are native to South Africa, America, South America and other parts of the world. There are 1,500 families of Irises. The first of the Irises to bloom are the Iris Reticulata. I always say you're very articulate if you can say Iris Reticulata. They are early bloomers and usually bloom in February to March. You can plant them in containers and bring them to bloom inside or in the garden. The bulbs are tiny, resembling a Hershey's Kiss candy with a pointed tip that comes up. They come back each year and multiply quickly. One of my favorite Iris are the Dutch Irises. They are the traditional Iris used in floral bouquets. When you think of Irises, generally it is the Dutch Iris that you are thinking about. The Fleur-de-Lis, various artworks and symbols are represented by the Dutch Iris. Besides blue and yellow, they come in many colors, and they are all gorgeous. They are a simple, true bulb. You plant them 3 inches deep with the tip up, in groups of 3 bulbs or more. The bulbs are social and have to be planted in groups. Once planted you have them for years to come. This is not a true bulb, but a Rhizome or Bearded Iris. Except for their frilly flowers, and bloom time of April to May, they are like the other Irises. You will see that they are shaped like a tube, so they're called tubers. There are usually eyes or points on the tube. Plant the tuber with one of the eyes or points straight up. Plant 2 to 3 inches deep. They do not need to be planted deeply as the bearded bottom will run under the ground. By next spring I'll have a big pot of Irises to enjoy. Next we'll conclude our discussion of spring blooming bulbs.