::Get your iris bulbs into the soil::
For best results, plant your iris bulbs within a few days of delivery.
The sooner your plants are in the ground, the sooner they will begin to grow
and establish themselves in your garden, it will help them to get strong and healthy.
Where to Plant your iris bulbs:
Irises look best when planted in groups within a garden bed or shrub borders. They don't like to be crowded, so choose a location where they have some room to spread. Your Irises will perform best when planted in an area with well-drained soil and where they will receive at least six hours of sunlight per day.
Soil Preparation
Irises can remain in the same location for several years, so it's worth taking a little extra time to prepare your soil to ensure years of beautiful, productive plants. To prepare the soil for planting, dig a hole, about 12 inches deep and 12 inches wide, and loosen the soil in the hole. Add about four inches of compost (or other organic matter) and a handful of granular, slow-release fertilizer. Thoroughly mix the fertilizer into the planting hole. The addition of organic matter and fertilizer will improve fertility, drainage and overall soil health. Once the soil is prepared, rake it level and dig a hole to accommodate each iris bulb.
Planting
To plant, dig a shallow hole that is about 10 inches wide and 2 inches deep, allowing one square foot of space for each bulb. Next, make a ridge of soil in the middle of the planting hole. Set the rhizome on the top of the ridge, spreading the roots to both sides. Cover the roots with soil, but leave the top of the fleshy rhizome exposed. Firm the soil around the roots with your hands. As the irises becomes established, some of the soil will be washed away, and the rhizome will become more exposed. This is normal. As you're planting your iris bulbs, it's a good idea to align the rhizomes in the same direction, with the fans of foliage parallel to one another. This will create a better overall appearance in your garden.
Watering
As your irises are establishing themselves in your garden, it's important to water them regularly. Twice-weekly watering, for the first few weeks, is a good idea. Be sure to avoid over watering, irises can rot if they are sitting in water. After they are established in your garden, simply be sure to water them during periods of drought.
Irises are one of the earliest blooming and easiest perennial flowers to grow.
The blooming show begins begins with dwarf iris, which are among the first bulbs to bloom in spring, They are followed by the late-spring/early-summer varieties, which bloom in this general order:
Bearded irises
Siberian irises
Louisiana irises
Japanese irises
Dutch irises
Iris Borer
The most serious bearded iris pest is the iris borer, which is usually a problem confined to gardens east of the Rockies. The eggs overwinter on iris leaves and hatch in spring, tunneling into the leaves and eventually burrowing to the rhizome. The leaves of infected plants have yellow streaks and detach easily from the rhizome. The rhizome may be mushy or have small holes from burrowing larvae.
To control iris borer, foliage and debris around the plants should be removed in the fall. Discard any infected rhizomes when dividing. Remove and destroy any infected foliage that appears during the growing season.
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