What can I use to write names on iris leaves as a temporary label while I'm digging and dividing? Nothing I've tried so far is working. Thanks.

For a short while you can use a Sharpie, but the leaves have to be dry. Ink pen works too on dry leaves. Nothing works if they're wet. Or you can print and staple a piece of paper to them.

An oil-based paint pen works, if the leaf is clean and dry. It will last as long as the leaf lasts.

I use Uni-ball Vision Elite pens. And as others said, make sure leaf is clean and dry.
https://uniballco.com/products...

Another tip: Write the name on a center leaf--these are younger than the outer leaves of the fan. The center leaf will remain green longer, so you can see the name longer.

Sharpee Extreme Fade Resistant. Available through Amazon.

DaisyDo said: Sharpee Extreme Fade Resistant. Available through Amazon.

Just thought I'd drop you a note and let you know I really like these.
Gloria

I ordered some to give them a try.

Thanks for the acorn, Marilyn!

My pleasure. My current go-to markers are something I have to get from a greenhouse supply place, and lately they just seem to be drying up quickly. If Sharpie/Sharpee really HAS come up with something that is UV and water resistant, that'll be great!

I really haven't had them long enough to vouch for them, but anything has to be better than the regular "permanent" Sharpees. It was about the time I found these that I switched to putting the new fade-proof Brother Labelemaker tapes on sturdy Startostar garden markers. Aso the only use I'm now getting from these new Extreme Fade Resistant Sharpees is to put the names and colors of cultivars directly on their leaves in preparation for mailing or taking rhizomes to donate for the local society.

Well, for veggie seedlings and temporary ornamental labels, I still use 4-5" plastic labels that I need to write on. If the ornamental (or iris/daylily seedling) survives and looks promising, THEN I'll do a Bros. label on stainless steel.

Before I started using the Brothers label maker, I used a paint marker. They lasted about 6 years before they started to fade.

I tried paint markers, ONCE. What a mess, and hard to read labels. Never again.

I love the Brother Label maker and metal markers. It is the only thing I'd recommend.

LynNY said: I love the Brother Label maker and metal markers. It is the only thing I'd recommend.

Oh yeah, I love mine too. I use different metal markers than the rest of you, but same principle...it's a long lasting, legible solution for the garden.

Thanks for all the great suggestions. I just got a Brother Label Maker and would also like to know what are the favorite metal markers people recommend.

I like the Startostar garden markers, because.
1. They are sturdier than other ones I have tried, and
2. They can accommodate the one-inch (.94") wide tape of the particular Brother labelmaker that I have. It's model PT-D610BT. I chose this model because it can print two lines of print without the print being too tiny for me to read.
3. These markers can be ordered in black. I find the black to be less obtrusive in the garden landscape. But if you order label tape that can give white print on black, ihe markers are still nicely unobtusive, while still being easily readable.

Although the label portion is powder-coated galvanized steel, the legs appear to be stainless steel, and they are supposed to be rust-proof.

It has taken many years for me to hit upon this combo, and I really like it.

Frankly I get the cheapest. Stainless steel legs are best. I get the 10 inch because they don't get knocked over so easily by wandering wildlife.

Some types come in 2 pieces - I had those once and found them a nuisance and not worth the bother to me even though they look more professional - just too lazy to deal with it

gnafziger said: Thanks for all the great suggestions. I just got a Brother Label Maker and would also like to know what are the favorite metal markers people recommend.