David E. Ross wrote:
Dave_s wrote:


I have about 14 IRIS in my full sun center garden in San Fernando
Valley near Los Angeles Calif. I divided and replanted these in
November of 2005 and have been watering and feeding all winter. Only 4
plants produced flowers.


When you plant them, the rhizome should be horizontal (which might mean
the fan of leaves is tilted). They should be planted very shallow; the
top of the rhizome might even be exposed.

To promote flowering, you should dig bone meal or superphosphate into
the planting hole. To prevent burning the already injured roots, you
should then add plain soil (no fertilizer) before setting the rhizomes
in order to keep the fertilizer from direct contact.

Be careful to avoid over feeding. Iris are not heavy feeders. Too much
nitrogen can cause the plant to rot.

I'm about 5-15 miles west of you, depending on where in the Valley you
are. My iris are blooming right now.
Many thanks to everyone who replied. The MANY comments and info were
very helpful!!

I live in Panorama City, zip 91402, next to Van Nuys in the San
Fernando Valley. We had a pretty cold winter. So I suspect some IRIS
were planted too deep and possibly overfed.

Ok, will not expect any more plants to bloom this spring.

When should I cut off the spikes with dead flowers or leaves those
stems intact?

What month of year is best to dig up those IRIS that might be planted a
little too deep? I shall feed less and add bonemeal when replanting and
will not cut back leaves to fan shape. Will never divide and replant all
14 at same time again.
Good info from all of you folks! Regards, Dave_s