Re: Re: companion plants>

Use caution in companion plantings.  Bearded irises need free air 
circulation around their foliage and resent crowding and competition. 
Companion plants should be widely spaced (as should the iris clumps) 
to avoid higher levels of leaf spot and rhizome rot.

In general I find that most tall bearded irises are not good border 
plants because of this inability to thrive when crowded, especially 
in climates with warm and humid summers.  If you plan to use irises 
in a border or in a situation where other plants encroach on their 
personal space, it is best to select older varieties which have been 
tried and tested under such conditions.  'Helen Collingwood' is an 
excellent choice, which also can grow and bloom with considerable 
shade.  Varieties from the 40s and 50s that are still around would 
probably also bee useful.

In contrast, other kinds of irises seem to do well in borders. 
Siberians, especially in the northeast and northern midwest, can 
actually overwhelm other plants nearby if planted in a 
border--particularly if they have lax foliage. Louisiana irises can 
thrive in a damp, well-mulched mixed garden that includes other 
plants that like the same conditions.  Again, the rampant spread of 
their rhizomes may mean you would actually have to restrain them! 
Spurias are very good border plants because of their permanent nature 
and strong, upright growth which makes them good competitors. 
Japanese irises can also be fine, if their requirements for moisture 
and rather frequent division can be met; Japanese irises are 
wonderful planted with early daylilies and Asiatic hybrid lilies. 
All bloom together and provide a full color spectrum.
-- 

Bill Shear
Department of Biology
Hampden-Sydney College
Hampden-Sydney VA 23943
(804)223-6172
FAX (804)223-6374
email<wshear@email.hsc.edu>
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