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In case anyone didn't know, late summer and early fall are times of tremendous root growth on the beardless irises. And they are still setting their flower bud production for next year deep down inside.
Depending on your area, the best time to fertilize them for the fall is late August through September. I give them all a handful of 10-10-10 or equivalent, and pile on some cow manure (well composted) around the plant, but not over the crown of the plant. Beardless, particularly Japanese and species crosses are heavy feeders.
This does not apply to newly planted this year irises, unless they are good sized clumps. Don't give them anything more than some Miracle Gro or some compost for the first year.
One of my customers asked if it would hurt them, as the fertilizer causes them to produce new top growth. The answer is no, it won't hurt them a bit. They might produce some new top growth, but that's only going to die back anyway. Perennials that die back, including irises are not hurt by new top growth in the fall. Trees or shrubs that have woody stems would be.
So if you want big increases on your beardless, and better bloom next year, feed them well this fall :) It's a good time to increase their mulch too. A good mulch is around three inches high. And keep them well watered until ground freeze.
This message was edited Aug 13, 2009 2:10 PM
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