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Name: Ratchet Southeastern AZ (Zone 8b)  ratchet Aug 24, 2020 12:56 PM CST |
| I bought 15 mixed bearded Iris. The rhizomes with leaves cut back arrived in good condition. I planted August 1. I have watered regularly. The soil is constantly moist but not saturated. The leaves have browned a bit on all the Iris. On some Iris the 2 outer leaves are brown and papery but on All of the Iris the middle leaf is still mostly green. My Question is: How long before new growth appears? If all the leaves turn brown, is the rhizome dead? If the leaves turn completely brown should I continue watering? Would the hot dry conditions retard the development of new growth? These Iris came from a wet state and I am in the driest part of a dry state. Iris do grow here but I am unsure about transplanting times (master gardener site states August/September) Thanks in advance. Any answers appreciated. |
Name: Kent Pfeiffer Southeast Nebraska (Zone 5b)             |
| Depending on the weather, it can take a month or more for new growth to show. When it's really hot, they just sort of sit there and look forlorn. If the rhizomes are hard, they are still alive. You can also try gently tugging on the leaves. They start growing new roots quite a bit sooner than they start producing new leaves. You'll be able to feel the resistance if the new roots have begun to develop. |
Name: Ratchet Southeastern AZ (Zone 8b) ratchet Aug 24, 2020 3:38 PM CST |
| Thank You! One puzzlement is, I thought Iris leaves turned brown and disappeared after blooming. Why would transplants grow new leaves now? Will those leaves die back later in the fall? Perhaps I am wrong about the timing. When do Iris go dormant (turn brown)? |
Name: Kent Pfeiffer Southeast Nebraska (Zone 5b) |
| The leaves of bulbous irises, like Dutch Irises or Reticulated Irises, wither away after blooming and don't return until the following spring. With a few exceptions (some Spurias, Arils and some Arilbreds, Louisianas under certain conditions, etc.), rhizomatous irises typically maintain their leaves throughout the growing season. Bearded irises don't really experience true dormancy at all. Hot and dry weather will slow their growth dramatically and subfreezing temperatures will stop their growth for a time. But, given the right conditions, they are capable of growing indefinitely. |
Name: Ratchet Southeastern AZ (Zone 8b) ratchet Aug 24, 2020 5:47 PM CST |
| I just moved here and there is everything I love, lilacs, apricots and I planted pomegranates which are busy making poms. The only thing missing is Iris. I am glad to be reassured that the rhizomes are just sulking in the heat. The rhizomes are still firm (the backs are exposed above soil and are firm to the touch, looking perfectly plump) I will keep watering. If even One makes it I will be happy, yes indeed as I can always plant more. So far only three look particularly woe-be-gone, with very little green left in the leaves. Thank you so much for the answers. I am greatly reassured that these will make it. I should have lovely blooms next year! I also like rhubarb but this is a No Zone as rhubarb definitely does not grow here (can't have everything :) |
Name: Derylin Louisville ,Kentucky (Zone 6b)             KyDeltaD Aug 25, 2020 9:44 AM CST |
| Ratchet, I am pretty sure yours are sulking with the hot temperatures.When your temperatures start to cool off a bit soon,you will probably see some new growth I started planting my 60 new iris in mid July up until a few days ago.Almost all of mine are showing new growth now except the last ones planted a few days ago.Most days have been in the higher 80's to low 90's here in Louisville. If your iris are still showing green ,they should be good to go as long as the rhizomes are not mushy.It is not unusual to have brown fans on the outer edges. I even received a rhizome fan from a vendor that was completely brown and mushy(only the fan part).He told me to cut off all the mushy brown fan and it would eventually put out new growth which it has just started to do after about 5 weeks. As Kent said,they really never go dormant even through winter. You may even have some that look like you lost them,and then start showing new growth coming up out of the ground in Spring. After this time since you have planted them and they have some green for the most part, I think you will have some blooms come Spring, though all may not bloom. Just keep watering ,and don't let the ground get too too dry. |
Name: Ratchet Southeastern AZ (Zone 8b) ratchet Aug 25, 2020 3:18 PM CST |
| Are there varieties that are more drought resistant? I have seen Iris in Yarnell AZ seeming to grow wild. I saw them blooming in the driveway of a house that had been vacant for several years, no watering yet the Iris were blooming. Average summer temp 100 degrees and 11 inches of rainfall per year. Those were the old fashioned blue/purple abt the same shade as the African Violet photographed on my post. Thanks for all the information. I appreciate it. |
Name: Ratchet Southeastern AZ (Zone 8b) ratchet Sep 2, 2020 11:29 AM CST |
| NEW LEAVES! Even the most sad little brown plant, I tugged on what I thought was the last of the burnt brown foliage and here is a NEW Green leaf poking through the soil! IRIS! Can't wait for spring to see what is in my Mixed Bag! |
Name: Lucy Hamilton, MA (Zone 6b) irises       irisarian Sep 2, 2020 8:30 PM CST |
| yea! |
Name: Laurie southeast Nebraska (Zone 5b)     lauriemorningglory Sep 4, 2020 8:56 PM CST |
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Name: aka Annie WA-rural 8a to (Zone 7b) Sandsock Oct 12, 2020 6:24 PM CST |
| 3 years ago I ordered bearded iris on ebay from a seller in Las Vegas...they arrived well, but took 2 years to bloom, I think it was because of the dramatic climate change from super dry & hot to cool and wet. So, I know there was at least 1 person growing iris in Vegas...you might try Offer-up as well, see who has what. If you could get rhubarb seeds (BakerCreek and others) you might get it to grow on the northside of your house...One of the ladies I worked with grew cherries in Vegas....just never know! |
Name: Ratchet Southeastern AZ (Zone 8b) ratchet Oct 14, 2020 3:25 PM CST |
| Thank You for the information. This climate is too hot for rhubarb. We can grow it over the winter but it will not tolerate the heat. I suppose if I can't get frozen rhubarb for pies, I might have to grow it as a seasonal crop for canning freezing. It is hard to find in the stores in any form. I can find strawberry mixed with rhubarb but I like my rhubarb straight up. I will buy Iris from Las Vegas as adapted plants may work well. The ones I have, the mixed bag are from Tennessee. All are doing very well. All the rhizomes are leafed and there are clumps forming beyond the original leaf cluster. Spreading Fast but I don't know about blooms. A family member has become fascinated by the Iris and as that family member hasn't had much interest in gardening, it is a double bonus. My mother grew Iris along the chicken coop fence. Now there is another generation of gardeners out watching the Iris grow. |
Name: Laurie southeast Nebraska (Zone 5b) lauriemorningglory Oct 14, 2020 9:17 PM CST |
| Another generation interested in iris! |
Name: Ratchet Southeastern AZ (Zone 8b) ratchet Oct 16, 2020 12:30 PM CST |
| lauriemorningglory Iris is a beautiful plant, the fleur de lis. I have wondered what Iris is portrayed in Van Gogh paintings. Is it the common blue/purple Germanica which I have always assumed was the Fleur de Lis of France? It is a perfect plant for the younger generation because of the art, perfume, and the botany of other types of tubers, bulbs. I suppose, because I was watching the Iris so carefully, and was so intensely interested in the success of Iris in this zone, the family member was looking over my shoulder and anticipating the results. Now that family member has taken over the watering, weeding, gopher control and watching. Learning the art and science of gardens. |
Name: Laurie southeast Nebraska (Zone 5b) lauriemorningglory Oct 17, 2020 3:08 PM CST |
| I hadn't realized the symbol fleur de lis looks like an iris bloom---just always thought it was a strange shaped lily. Nor did I know "fleur de lis" also refers to irises. Even though "lis" means "lily." That's great you have some enthusiastic garden help! |
Name: Ratchet Southeastern AZ (Zone 8b) ratchet Oct 18, 2020 12:53 PM CST |
| The National Flower of France is Iris Pallida (Fleur de Lis) It was designated by Louis VII of France and used in his coronation. It was then Fleur de Louis. (according to historical information I can find.) Fleur de Louis was supposedly corrupted to Fleur de LIs. The Iris has commercial value to the French as Oris Root is used in perfume. The symbolized emblem resembles a weapon, a stabbing center blade and two cutting blades on both sides but it is an Iris, which was the symbol of the French Royal family for centuries. So which Iris is on Van Gogh's paintings? I would suppose Pallida. I have read that some varieties of Germanica's roots are used in perfume and maybe have been widely cultivated. |
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