Is it important the year before flowering for irises to have the rhizomes baked in the sun?

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EB

Is it important the year before flowering for irises to have the rhizomes baked in the sun?

by

Elspeth Briscoe

8 years ago

3

I've heard this is true, but just wondering how important it is - ie will they not flower if this hasn't happened.

Andy McIndoe · Answer 1 · 4th August 2016, 17:07:44

Bearded irises with rhizomes that lie on the soil surface to benefit from plenty of direct sunlight. They hate being crowded by other plants and their performance really drops off when the rhizomes become overcrowded. However varieties do vary. I have several that are partially shaded by trees and they still seem to manage to produce flowers!

Rosalind Rosewarne · Answer 2 · 23rd August 2016, 09:15:42

It is certainly best practice advice for Beaded Irises, but full sun is 6+ hours a day with afternoon sun being 'better' than morning sun so if they're getting a good dose of afternoon sun but a spot of shade in the morning then no doubt all will be well. As Andy says some can tolerate a bit of shade. Try planting them with rhizomes (usually triangular shape) facing the sunniest aspect of the border they're in and feed them with a high potash feed (e.g. tomato food) after flowering which boosts the rhizome and also hardens it off, helping to protect them.

Elspeth Briscoe · Answer 3 · 23rd August 2016, 10:18:54

Hi Rosalind - thanks for this - please can you share any great pics you have for us?

Is it important the year before flowering for irises to have the rhizomes baked in the sun?

Is it important the year before flowering for irises to have the rhizomes baked in the sun?

Elspeth Briscoe

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