Management
Most irises tolerate poor soil and a degree of drought, but if you want the best blooms possible, add organic material regularly and water generously on a weekly basis during dry spells. When adding soil or compost, the rhizomes should remain partially exposed or only lightly covered. Bulbs can be set more deeply. If your garden consists of heavy clay, a raised bed may help improve drainage. Most irises do best in slightly acidic soil (pH of 6.0 to 7.2). If you add lime to elevate pH, do so well in advance of planting. Apply organic and/or synthetic fertilizer in early spring and again when blossoms are spent. If using synthetic, emphasize phosphorus, the middle number of the NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) trio. Prompt deadheading directs plant energy into roots and blades, and regular removal of damaged, dead or diseased parts enhances plant health and vitality.

	A spectacular example of a bearded iris

Bearded Ladies
Bearded irises or pogons, sometimes referred to as German irises (Iris germanica), are all rhizomatous, including the more difficult arils. Their beards, located on the falls, not only look beautiful but are also great pollen catchers and provide excellent traction for insects. A seed stalk, surrounded by pointed, strappy leaves in fan-like sets, supports one or more flowers at a time. Bearded irises are grouped according to height: miniature dwarf, standard dwarf, intermediate, miniature tall and tall. The tall grow over 70cm (28"), while the mini dwarfs grow only up to 20cm (8"). The shorter they are, the earlier they bloom.

Beardless Ladies or Apogons
Hardy Siberian irises (I. sibirica) bloom later than bearded irises and are less exuberantly colored, although they are impressive when properly used. They grow in clumps, with each plant reaching up to 90cm in height. Their smaller blooms, which come in wine-red, purple, lavender, blue and pink and white, have their own special beauty. I. laevigata requires more moisture and looks lovely beside a pond or in a semi-shaded moist location. Japanese irises (I. japonica) are flatter in form and have been highly hybridized. These beauties are quite hardy and do well as long as they are kept moist and well fed. Lousiana hybrids are said to be quite hardy, although they usually don't thrive in cooler regions. They require long, hot, humid summers. Beardless iris needs are similar to those of their bearded cousins. They can be planted in early fall and covered with mulch for winter.