Iris is One of the Easiest Flowers to Grow

Colorful bearded iris, the most commonly grown type of iris, is a favorite of many gardeners and certainly one of the easiest of all garden flowers. Iris plants grow from thick, tuberous roots called rhizomes. The sword shaped leaves form a fan shape. The rhizomes, which grow just below ground level, store food for the plant and are the reason for the plant's hardiness and ease of growth. Bearded Iris grows in US Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 3 to 10, which is nearly everywhere in the continental US and southern Canada.

Iris is not fussy about soil.

The plants grow in any soil as long as it is not too soggy. It can stand drought that would kill about any other common garden plant. But the real glory of the iris is when it is well tended and grows in rich soil. Iris will grow in full sun or partial shade.

The plant has large beautiful flowers in April or May. It can also surprise the gardener by occasionally blooming again in the fall if conditions are right.

Many bight colors of iris are available.

Plant breeders have developed varieties known as "re-bloomers" that are considered more likely to re-bloom, but none can be guaranteed. More good news is that iris comes in many colors. Purple, white, blue, yellow, and multi-colored, nearly any color except pure red. The many varieties grow from one to three feet in height.

Gardeners buy the rhizomes during the growing season and plant them immediately just below the surface. They are planted the same depth they were growing, usually with the rhizome about three inches below the surface and nearly parallel to it.

As the clump spreads, the center may not bloom as vigorously. Clumps are usually divided about every three years to keep them producing many flowers. Carefully dig them up and replant the largest rhizomes 14 inches apart. Plant the other rhizomes elsewhere or give them to friends.

Harsh winter weather can cause some damage to the leaves, which are evergreen. Cut damaged fans back in the spring, new ones will soon grow. Cut out the flower stems once they are finished blooming.

Iris grows with few problems.

Few diseases bother the plant but Iris borers can eat the roots. Cut away any rhizome that looks diseased or rotten. Let it dry out of the ground for a day or two then replant the healthy root and fan. Iris is seldom eaten by rabbits or deer.

The are hundreds of varieties of iris available though mail-order or nursery websites. Garden centers sell the rhizomes of some popular varieties in the spring.