Differentiating Iris Flowers Learn About Flag Irises vs. Siberian Irises

Siberian iris flowers are smaller than bearded iris and do not have a beard. They prefer relatively acidic soil and consistent moisture, but will tolerate periods of dry weather. Japanese iris flowere are as big as an outstretched hand, with an open face and broad, ruffled falls.

What is the difference between irises and flags?

All irises (named the latin for 'rainbow' because they come in so many colours) have six petals. Three stand up - the 'Standards', and three point down - the 'Falls'. Flag irises are types of non-bearded irises. Most common in gardens are the German bearded Irises (Iris germaninca).

How do you identify iris plants?

Look at the soil right at the base of the leaves. Some iris will have the rhizome sitting at soil level or even above soil level, as in the picture below. If you don't see it, remove an inch or two of soil towards the center of the plant. If you don't find a rhizome the iris is probably growing from a bulb.

What are flag flowers?

What is a Flag Iris? Flag irises are very hardy perennial plants that survive with minimal care and generally bloom in the spring and early summer. Flag irises are most often found in wet, low-lying areas and are suitable for similar conditions in the home garden.

Do Siberian irises bloom more than once?

Through division and learning when to plant Siberian iris, you can ensure continuing blooms each year. Smaller and less common than the spring blooming bearded iris, Siberian iris offers a reliable perennial bloom for many years.

How many years will irises bloom?

Plant Spacing

This gives the plants room to grow over the next two to three years. After two to four years, the irises become crowded from new growth and can stop blooming.

What do Iris symbolize?

The Victorian era language of flowers gives a host of meanings to iris flowers. They can represent faith, hope, courage, wisdom and admiration. ... When passion is the iris definition you wish to convey, send yellow blooms. For bridal bouquets, white iris flowers are ideal, because these blooms symbolize purity.

What do irises look like?

The most familiar irises are the tall (at least 28 inches) bearded irises (Iris germanica). These distinctive six-petaled flowers have three outer hanging petals (called “falls”) and three inner upright petals (called “standards”). Irises may be a “bearded” type or crested (“beardless”).

Is an iris a perennial?

Irises are one of the earliest blooming and easiest perennial flowers to grow. Most of the more than 300 species worldwide are hardy throughout the U.S. and are widely adapted to various soil and sun conditions. By combining different types of irises, you can have them in bloom from early spring right into the summer.

Do irises like water?

Although several iris types grow in wet soil, true water iris is a semi-aquatic or bog plant that grows best in shallow water deep enough to cover the crown year round. However, most water iris plants will also grow in wet soil alongside a pond or stream, or even in a well-watered garden spot.

Is Iris toxic to dogs?

The iris comes in a variety of colors and varies slightly in appearance, but all of the species are toxic to dogs if ingested.

Why are irises called flags?

This plant is also called Northern Blue Flag, Larger Blue Flag, Harlequin Blueflag, and Wild Iris. The name "flag" is from the middle English word "flagge," meaning rush or reed. Iris flowers are said to symbolize power, with the three parts representing wisdom, faith and courage.

What do you do with flag iris after flowering?

The heart of a mature iris can become woody and unproductive after a few years. After flowering lift the rhizome with a garden fork. Cut off the healthy, young rhizomes at the edge of the plant and discard the woody centre. Replant the new plants immediately and cut back the foliage to about 12cm.

Should I deadhead Siberian Iris?

If you enjoy deadheading plants and prefer a pristine garden, deadheading Siberian iris blooms will not harm the plant either. For best plant appearance when removing spent Siberian iris blooms, cut the whole flower stalk back to the plant crown immediately after the flowers fade.

Do you cut back Siberian Iris?

Cut back Siberian foliage only after it turns brown and withers in late fall. Then, cutting off all leaves an inch or two above ground level is recommended. PESTS: Siberians are more resistant to disease than other garden irises, but do suffer from scorch in those areas where this attacks other Iris varieties.

When should I divide Siberian iris?

Siberian irises don't have to be divided as often as bearded irises. It's advisable to divide Siberian irises when clumps become crowded, plant vigor declines or clumps have formed solid rings with bare centers. Siberian irises can be divided in early spring or late summer.

Are coffee grounds good for irises?

Coffee grounds can be a real helper for your garden. First of all, the grounds attract earthworms, which help aerate the soil. ... Roses, hydrangeas, zinnias, rhododendrons, azaleas, pachysandra, iris and other acid-loving plants need acid in the soil to stay healthy and colorful.

Do irises multiply?

Irises multiply readily by growing new rhizomes that mature quickly. Because they multiply so quickly, irises are easy to share. Every few years, irises should be divided just like daylilies to rejuvenate the plant.

Should I cut off dead iris flowers?

A: After your irises have bloomed, you can indeed cut down the flower stalk; this process is known as "deadheading". ... However, you should not cut down or tie up the irises' leaves at this point, even if they are a bit unsightly.

What do Iris mean spiritually?

This is a spiritually symbolic flower. Iris usually symbolizes a trinity, a divine link between the Heaven and Earth Realms, psychic abilities and intuition, divine truth, hope, and rebirth. Planting it in your garden and gazing upon it can bring heightened feelings of connection, intuition, and divine royalty.

What does Iris mean in the Bible?

Hebrew Baby Names Meaning:

In Hebrew Baby Names the meaning of the name Iris is: Flower.

How fast do irises spread?

Irises are perennials, and they'll gradually spread from the roots over many growing seasons. Every three to five years, you'll want to divide the irises in crowded flower beds and replant them to avoid competition for water and soil.