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Posted by Harry 4 years ago In:

Harry
Harry Asked:

Iris plants

My iris plants no longer flower. They don't appear to suffer from any pest infestation, so I'm wondering if they need to be thinned out and/or fertilized. I've never done either.

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gardengurl
gardengurl Answered:

If they have been there for a long time, then you should dig them up and thin. Make sure they are getting enough sun they like it.Replant them using a good compost to improve your soil, such as Back to Earth compost.Its really good stuff. Also they may be lacking phosphorus feed them with Bone Meal. Have fun!

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elainek
elainek Answered:

Wow,Gardengurl hit it on the head.

While you're thining your Irises it is a great time to share/trade.Look around your nieghborhood to see who else has Irises or flowers you like but don't have,maybe they would like to trade. I did this 2 summers ago when I was thinning my Daylilies,I noticed the nieghbor down the street Had Day lilies,but she had only Yellow ones,I had Reds and Oranges.Now we both have very colorfull lili beds!! And it's grown,we now do a yearly flower/plant swap on my street,and I've made a great group of gardening friends.

Have fun keeping your hands in the earth!Laughing

Sing....like no one is Listening. Dance.....like no one is watching. Love.......like there is no Tomorrow. "And if it Harm None, So mote it be"
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Harry
Harry Answered:

Thanks, Elaine! Trust me, I keep my hands in the earth. So much so, that my nails are a mess and right now, my hands ache from pulling weeds all weekend in the terrible heat we're having. My vegetable garden measures 24 X 36 feet. I even planted another row of baby limas yesterday. It's looking good now. Thanks for your help with my iris question. Harry

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mogus
mogus Answered:

It surely wouldnt hurt to thin and feritilize, just make sure you dont use to harsh a fertilizer. I havnt had much personal experience with Iris plants,but I know my mom use to grow some lovely ones.

if I were you, id try a place like Gardenguides.com, the site is very helpful and has a variety of tips. Also tips for whatever kind of Iris that you may be growling! Good luck and let me know what happens!

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Harry
Harry Answered:

Thanks, Mogus! I've already learned that the plants won't bloom the first year after dividing them, so if I remember you in 2010, I'll let you know how successful the transplanting was. Ha! Ha! Thanks again.

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elainek
elainek Answered:

Hi Harry,I hope your getting all the right answers ya need.

I am not convinced that Itises are a Biannual plant. I know that I have replanted Irises and had them bloom that year.

Just a couple Springs ago I gathered some Iris bulbs from an empty lot by my place and added them to the Iris bed I already have established and most of them bloomed that summer.

Maybe you are burying the ryhzomes to deep?

Good Luck and Happy Gardening!!

Elaine 

Sing....like no one is Listening. Dance.....like no one is watching. Love.......like there is no Tomorrow. "And if it Harm None, So mote it be"
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Crisologo
Crisologo Answered:

Yes, you're right, you've to thin them out, change your soil media and replant them in a new soil rich in organic matter.

When replanting them, place them in a shady area until they are fully establsihed and transfer them to an open place with enough sunlight.

Happy gardening.

Cris

"Don't look at your age, but focus on what you can do for the world, share what you have to benefit mankind, you'll succeed if you'll see others you've helped reap success. Share more to earn more".
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