Rhizomatous Iris

INFORMATION ABOUT RHIZOMATOUS IRIS…

Rhizomatous iris make up half of the iris family. The other half is made up of bulbous iris and information about bulbous iris can be found here.

Rhizomatous iris are the better know half of the iris family due to the fact that it contains the spectacular group, the bearded iris. Rhizomatous irises are split up into three groups:

Bearded Iris – Bearded Iris contains the groups Aril iris, Oncocyclus iris, Regelia iris, Regeliocyclus iris and Aribred iris. This group is marked by the ?beard? on the flower. This is a set of hair like protrusions that lay on each petal to form a kind of beard on the plant. Most bearded irises have several blossoms per stem and come in a wide variety of colors.

Beardless Iris – Beardless irises contain the groups, pacific coast iris, Siberian iris, Spuria iris and Laevigatae iris. They are commonly identified by the fact that they have smooth petals.

Crested or Evansia Iris – This group is identified by the crest or ridge that is found on its petals (as opposed to the beard). The flowers are frequently held up on bamboo like stems.

For information on how to plant bearded iris, visit our page on How to Grow Bearded Iris. Beardless and crested iris have their rhizomes planted below the ground. All species of rhizomatous iris do not benefit from mulching. As a matter of fact, mulching may cause harm to the iris.

To propagate rhizomatous iris, simply divide the rhizome clump and replant. Division is best done in midsummer to early autumn.

Grow rhizomatous iris in well-drained, neutral to slightly acidic soil. Rhizomatous irises prefer full sun to partial shade.

If you don’t already have a few rhizomatous irises in your garden, you might want to buy a few varieties for your viewing pleasure. Whether you buy the bearded, beardless or crested, you a sure to have a wonderful show from them this summer.