While trying to choose just one Iris as Plant of the Month, I found it to be impossible. Though there are many species of Iris, we are going to talk about 3 that bloom in April.
The first, which is the smallest, is the Dwarf Crested Iris, Iris cristata. It grows best in part shade in moist but well drained soil. If grown in sun, it must be watered consistently. This native plant looks delightful as a ground cover growing down a slope in the garden as it spreads by rhizomes.
Iris number two is the Siberian Iris ‘Caesar’s Brother’. This old, award-winning Iris has narrow, linear blue-green leaves and produces deep purple flowers on rigid 3 foot tall stems. This is a disease free, sun loving Iris that mixes well with other perennials.
The third Iris is the Bearded Iris. This elegant, fragrant Iris comes in every color of the rainbow. They are easy to grow but should be planted with the rhizomes above the soil. Do not mulch. Use a fertilizer low in nitrogen so you do not grow more leaves than flowers. They do require dividing ever 2-3 years which should be done in late summer.
All Irises are deer resistant, attract pollinators and multiply quickly for sharing with friends♦
