Re: I'm new and have a question.
- To: i*@Rt66.com
- Subject: Re: I'm new and have a question.
- From: t*@Lanl.GOV (Tom Tadfor Little)
- Date: Tue, 23 Apr 1996 15:22:37 -0600
Hi Tim!
:My question after reading a couple of books on Iris is this: How much
:of the rhizome is in the dirt and how much is exposed above ground.
:I read that if its buried to deep that all you get is leaves and no
:flower.
The usual recommendation is to plant bearded irises with the soil
*just barely* covering the top of the rhizome (or *just barely* not!)
It depends somewhat on your climate. If humidity and rot are a problem,
having the rhizome more exposed to the air helps. If severe winter cold
(or severe summer heat) are the norm, then a little covering of soil
offers some protection. In sandy soils, a little extra soil on top
can reduce erosion, and yet the rhizomes still get plenty of warmth.
In clay soils, having the rhizome partly exposed can compensate for
the slow drainage.
If they're much more than an inch below the surface, though, they may
not bloom.
Many beardless irises like a somewhat deeper planting.
Happy irising, Tom.
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Tom Tadfor Little tlittle@lanl.gov -or- telp@Rt66.com
technical writer/editor Los Alamos National Laboratory
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Telperion Productions http://www.rt66.com/~telp/
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