Japanese Iris - fertilization question

Dee · Post by **Dee** » Jul 04, 2007 1:46 pm

Are Jap. iris heavy feeders? My foliage is kind of puny looking and has been all season. It's been rather odd weather here anyway, but I'm wondering if they need something special? The foliage is kind of yellow-green instead of a nice dark green and I didn't get much bloom at all. They are scattered throughout different gardens, so it isn't just one particular bed.

What's my best plan of action for taking care of these pretty plants?

akita · Post by **akita** » Jul 05, 2007 10:46 am

Yes, Japanese iris are heavy feeders. They prefer a slightly acidic soil, too. For a quick boost you can feed them Miracle Gro for acid loving plants. I have lots of organic matter mixed into my soil including composted manure. I give them lots and lots and lots of water, too!

Hope that helps.

Post by **Chris_W** » Jul 05, 2007 11:10 am

Hi Dee,

The yellow/green condition is usually from the soil being too alkaline, so like Akita mentioned, a shot of fertilizer for acid loving plants should really help.

Japanese iris like soil that is very acidic, something we just don't have here in Cement City, so we really can't grow these at all any more. All of them are short and yellow with no blooms whatsoever

Dee · Post by **Dee** » Jul 05, 2007 7:03 pm

Thanks folks! Why are the prettiest plants always the most difficult ones to grow? I hate having to baby things!

Garden_of_Mu · Post by **Garden_of_Mu** » Jul 06, 2007 12:27 am

And if you overcome that, keep in mind they have to be moved every 4-5 years (unless they are planted in a spot with lots of water flowing thru the soil). They will poison their own soil and die out. I find it odd people even bother, but then you see them bloom... and wow. No other iris like it.

akita · Post by **akita** » Jul 06, 2007 10:20 am

I am still new at Japanese irises, but so far they don't seem to be that difficult. Yes, you have to move them after 4-5 years, but when I divide any perennial I often move it. If your soil isn't acidic (pH 5.0 - 6.5) there are ammendments that will lower the pH. Here's a link for basic cultural requirements for JIs:

http://www.ensata.com/HTML/GeneralPages/culture.htm