Van Bourgondien

Garden Guide Perennials

Varieties

Iris germanica

(Bearded or German Iris) Plant in late summer or fall, in free-draining soil, in full sun or partial shade. Plant horizontal rhizomes so that the top 1a3-1a2 is above the soil level. In hot areas, plant the rhizomes just below the surface and grow in light shade. Space 12-24" apart. Water deeply during periods of drought. After the flowers have faded, cut back the flowering stem and trim the foliage into a fan shape about 12" tall. Grows 30-36" tall. Blooms May. Hardy in zones 4-10.

Irish Moss
See Sagina
Iris oncocyclus

Plant the rhizomes in late summer or fall in full sun in well-drained fertile soil. Place the rhizomes horizontally so the top 1a2 is above the soil line, similar to bearded Iris. Space 12-24" apart. After the flowers have faded, cut back the flower stem and trim the foliage into a fan shape about 12" tall. Grows 24" tall. Blooms April-May. Hardy in zones 3-9.

Iris pallida

Plant in well-drained soil in full sun or partial shade. Space 24" apart. Grown as much for their striking variegated foliage as their fragrant blooms. To divide, follow instructions (above) for bearded Iris. Grows 18-24" tall. Blooms June. Hardy in zones 4-9.

Iris pseudacorus

(Yellow Water Iris) Plant in moist, rich soil in partial shade. Space 18" apart. Grows to 48" tall. Blooms May. Hardy in zones 4-9.

Iris pumila

(Dwarf Iris) Plant in well-drained, limy soil in full sun or partial shade. Space 12" apart. Avoid high nitrogen fertilizer. To divide, follow instructions (above) for bearded Iris. Grows 8-16" tall. Blooms April-May. Hardy in zones 4-9.

Iris siberica

(Siberian Iris) Plant in neutral to slightly acid soil enriched with moisture-retentive humus in full sun to lightly dappled shade. Space 36" apart. Water deeply in periods of drought. Divide in late summer or fall when clumps become crowded. Grows 36-42" tall. Blooms June-July. Hardy in zones 3-9.

Iris spuria

Choose a sheltered, warm location with well-drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil in full sun to partial shade. Plant the rhizomes horizontally, about 2" deep. Fall planting is preferable, and spring planting is all right. Do not disturb the rhizomes once planted. Dividing the rhizomes is rarely needed, and it takes several years for the plants to recover from any disturbance. Fertilize by mulching with well-rotted manure or compost. Grows 18-20" tall. Blooms June- July. Hardy in zones 5-9.

Ivy
See Hedera helix
Jacob's Ladder
See Polemonium caerulum