Iris

Plant family

Schwertliliengewächse (Iridaceae) (Iridaceae)

Season Overview

Details

Light requirement

Sunny

Water requirement

Wet

Soil

Medium (loamy)

Nutrient requirement

Medium

Seeding distance

25 cm

Row spacing

25 cm

Seeding depth

4 cm

Instructions

Description

The irises (Iris) are a genus of plants that belong to the iris family (Iridaceae). The botanical name iris comes from the variety of colors in which irises can be found. Botanically, however, they are only distantly related to the lilies (Lilium). They are grown as ornamental plants and grow to just over 1 meter tall. There are over 300 species. The rhizome of the iris, also called violet root(el), has been used as a remedy.

Growing tips

Usually hardy. Water requirements are species dependent. The rhizome is placed 2/3 deep into the soil for planting. Good neighbors: stonecrop, peony, delphinium, daylily. Planting in March is also possible. Cut back wilted inflorescences at the leaf base. Propagate every few years by rhizome division.