Lack of bloom can be caused by a number of factors and usually a combination of more than one. They are a bit like people -- give them a bit of room and satisfactory conditions and they will perform well. Here is a list of some of the more common culprits:. Here is a list of some of the more common culprits: Planting in too much shade. They need at least 6 hours of full sun per day. Rhizomes too deep. These Iris grow out of thick structures called rhizomes, and you should be able to see the top of those tan rhizomes on the surface of the soil.
Thanks, Deirdre! Most perennials do best when given a deep soaking one inch of water as measured in a rain gauge, not a carton or jar once a week. These are German Iris, aka bearded Iris. These want the top of their rhizomes to be seen on the surface of the soil.
These are Siberian Iris. Be sure to water these deeply once a week. I love Lupine and plant them each spring in time to flower. However, very few reappear the next spring. I usually dig up and split the rhizomes every few years to increase the space the iris has to grow. This will increase bloom production. You may want to move your iris if the area your iris is growing in is dense with other fast-growing plants. The final issue you may run into is poor soil nutrition.
You can get a soil tester from any hardware store. Check the nitrogen and pH of your soil. The PH should be 6.
Make sure your soil is set up properly to feed your plants. Fertilize irises in early summer if your soil needs extra nutrients. Your iris should not need constant fertilization unless your soil is low in nutrients. There is a chance that a late freeze in your area caused your bulbs to freeze or become dormant. If the freeze happens before the bulb is established then the iris may go dormant for the year. Allow your iris time to establish itself before giving up on it. The best fertilizer for your irises is a low nitrogen fertilizer at a split.
In late winter, as the irises begin to grow for Las Cruces probably in January , increase watering to twice per month.
Irises are well adapted to dry conditions during the summer, and watering twice per month should be sufficient. Some gardeners water more often, but this is a time of relatively little growth, so don't overwater. When the clump becomes dense after two to three years , you will need to divide them again. In the meantime, enjoy them as very well adapted xeriscape plants. Marisa Y. Marisa Thompson at desertblooms nmsu. Please copy your County Extension Agent and indicate your county of residence when you submit your question!
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