Iris Paradise

It's a welcome sign of spring when the bearded iris begin to bloom. If you have iris in your garden and notice that the plants are leafed but no buds or flowers appear, check your plant for crowded rhizomes. Iris are great at self populating, the rhizomes will spread and what once was one beautiful flower will often turn to many. However, once they get crowded the plants may only produce a couple of blossoms, if any. I believe the standard rule of thumb is to divide your iris every 3-5 years, however, it really depends on the growth rate of your iris (some may need a more frequent division, some less).

Also if you decide to divide, it is recommended that you wait until after the irises have gone by. However, I have been known to divide in spring before the bloom; the iris will be fine but just won't bloom that first year.  The same can be true for newly purchased iris, they may not bloom the first year but should be fine the following year as long as planted in an appropriate location (iris like sunshine and their feet to be warm, don't plant too deep or the rhizome on the bearded iris will rot over time).

Iris are generally pest and disease free and reliable bloomers. Plus, the colors are a welcome distraction from a long Maine winter. While I prefer plants that bloom in solid colors (for impact in my small yard) I acquired some white and purple iris and yellow and purple iris from my dad when he subdivided and I would never turn away a homeless plant.