Iris Compainion Planting

[mrtoad]

I am planning to create an iris bed - probably 26 X 4 feet - what other plants (if any) could be used as companion planting - any suggestion would be helpful
thanks - mr toad

[kHT]

I have a majority of our irises planted around rose of sharon that are trimmed upward on the back fence.
I also have a couple lillies that I missed and will have to move them.

[John]

Definitely some other perennials to extend the bloom season. In the Iris family though, I'd add some Pardancanda norrisii, the "candy lily", which blooms in July and August here.

I like daylilies with my iris, although others will tell you the daylilies require more water than the iris will tolerate; this is a matter of drainage, and daylilies are tolerant of a range of conditions once established.

One idea I've not tried yet was recommended in an old book about continuous bloom, where the iris are used somewhere in the middle of a mixed perennial border in a strip about one foot wide, thus not leaving too much "green" space when not in bloom, but providing some nice spiky foliage accent.

[Garden_of_Mu]

I have mine mixed with columbines, lilies, daylilies and scattered annuals. Anything you can tuck between them that doesn't keep moisture against the base or require alot of water is fine. I edge the beds with succulent sedums and semps. I save larger spaces in the beds for dahlias so there's color all summer and fall.