I live in southern Iowa. And I was wondering if planting Japanese iris in September is going to give them enough time to get settled in before frost. And our wacky winters. Kim

Early Sept, but not later. In MA we can put rocks on top of the rhizomes to prevent heaving. Do you have access to bricks?

Bare root or potted?

I am guessing barefoot. They are coming from MA.

I've not done it in September here where we have lots of freeze thaw but I always mulch with shredded leaves or something. This year I'll try using a few inches of composted manure. Polly would know though. The thread "Show us your Japanese iris pics!" in Irises forum

Early September will be fine. Mulch them well though. About 4" of mulch around them is good.

PollyK

Are you saying you can plant iris seeds now, I'm in 9a zone and that you have to leave them through the winter? I've never planted Iris seeds and so miss the two I had up north....

please explain more about iris seed planting if you wouldn't mind sharing.

Hi Jan,

No, I was speaking of plants. I'm not up on seeds, either

But in ZA you won't have much luck with them, anyway. Best for you is Louisianas, and they have some stunning ones of those.