Louisiana Iris
Louisiana irises are derived from wild iris growing in the fields of Louisiana. Popular
around the world for their vigor in warmer climates where bearded iris do not fare well,
they have, however, a place in northern gardens. Easy to naturalize along the edges of
ponds or bogs, Louisiana iris do just as well in flower beds and perennial borders. They
make excellent cut flowers as their blossoms will continue open for several days.
Louisiana irises are also known as 'walking iris' because they do tend to spread rapidly.
Some don't walk but increase more sensibly. To control a 'walker', place a 6 - B inch width boards on edge half buried around the iris to form a nice barrier.
around the world for their vigor in warmer climates where bearded iris do not fare well,
they have, however, a place in northern gardens. Easy to naturalize along the edges of
ponds or bogs, Louisiana iris do just as well in flower beds and perennial borders. They
make excellent cut flowers as their blossoms will continue open for several days.
Louisiana irises are also known as 'walking iris' because they do tend to spread rapidly.
Some don't walk but increase more sensibly. To control a 'walker', place a 6 - B inch width boards on edge half buried around the iris to form a nice barrier.
WHEN TO PLANT: In our New England climate, planting should be done in late August through mid- September. The rhizomes must not dry out before or after planting.
LOCATION: Louisiana’s like sun but should be well mulched 1-3" with bark, pine needles, leaves or grass clippings to keep in moisture in the soil and protect the rhizomes from sunscald. In our climate, they need full sun for proper bloom and their feet wet.
HOW TO PLANT: Plant rhizomes just under the surface and firm the soil tightly around it. Spread the roots out and down under the rhizome. Cover the rhizome with mulch.
SOIL: These irises prefer an acid condition much like azaleas. They love a mixture of ll3 soil, U3 peat moss, and Ll3 rotted manure. Soil should be heavy, because bloom stems will topple over when iris are planted in too loose a soil.
FEEDING: Louisiana iris are heavy feeders so fertilize them at least twice year. The first feeding should be early to mid May. Liquid acid fertilizers are recommended. After bloom, feed again before replenishing the mulch. Stop feeding by mid-September.
CARE: It is important to water Louisiana iris during their active growth and bloom periods. Keep them watered well in dry months. Remove stalks after bloom season, but do not cut leaves. Foliage will stay green through January. Remove last year's dead foliage each spring.
LOCATION: Louisiana’s like sun but should be well mulched 1-3" with bark, pine needles, leaves or grass clippings to keep in moisture in the soil and protect the rhizomes from sunscald. In our climate, they need full sun for proper bloom and their feet wet.
HOW TO PLANT: Plant rhizomes just under the surface and firm the soil tightly around it. Spread the roots out and down under the rhizome. Cover the rhizome with mulch.
SOIL: These irises prefer an acid condition much like azaleas. They love a mixture of ll3 soil, U3 peat moss, and Ll3 rotted manure. Soil should be heavy, because bloom stems will topple over when iris are planted in too loose a soil.
FEEDING: Louisiana iris are heavy feeders so fertilize them at least twice year. The first feeding should be early to mid May. Liquid acid fertilizers are recommended. After bloom, feed again before replenishing the mulch. Stop feeding by mid-September.
CARE: It is important to water Louisiana iris during their active growth and bloom periods. Keep them watered well in dry months. Remove stalks after bloom season, but do not cut leaves. Foliage will stay green through January. Remove last year's dead foliage each spring.