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We all have the same issue – space in the garden is a premium. The room we have to add new plants grows smaller and smaller each passing year. So why should you give up some of that space to iris?
The Plant Grown Around the World
Iris is one of those plants that people have enjoyed for years, back into the earliest recorded history. They come from Asia, Africa, Europe, the Americans, and the Middle East. They can be found in gardens anywhere you can find a major city the world over. This is one of those plants that will fill almost any cubby hole, space, or soil condition you can throw at it. It is pleasing to know that the flower you are looking at could be seen by others the world over.
The Perfect Plant for Any Place
Like I said before, this plant can fill any space you can throw at it. There are no problem areas for the iris family. From tropical iris to those needing lots of cold, you can trust there is an iris that will meet the need of the soil, climate, and moisture you can throw at it. What other plant can you say that about? What other plant shares such a rich and varied history with family members able to grow in so many different places? This really is a miracle plant for the home gardener.
Thrive on Neglect
This is one of those plants that may not perform at its best but it will keep going on neglect. Often they can be seen marking the long lost graves, holding down the edges of long lost buildings, and sitting in the middle of a field with nothing around to show you why. They march on. They might not bloom the way they used to, but they bloom. Some have stood there for one hundred years and more holding their silent watch and they are still there. These will mark your garden after all the rest is long gone.
Tenacity
This is one of the plants that will make it. If given half a chance it will grow and, not only grow, it will spread. If given time it will take over its area and if left to its own will bully out other plants around it. Just a wonderful plant that you cannot stop, I have seen roots just thrown on top of the soil and they make it. They might not be the stars they could be but they are there – growing and waiting for its chance to shine.
I want to thank Pajaritomt, Jackieshar, Avmoran, Irisloverdee, Happygarden, and Doss for answering my many research questions for this article. Thank you to Badseed for the photos in this article.
About M Fitzgerald
I am a pentecostal preacher, gardener,husband, and a father. I love natives, daylilies, iris, and roses. I love teaching others, be they children or adults, about the garden and plants.
Posted by mary0520 (from Olive Branch, MS) on February 25, 2008 at 10:47 PM:
this is all so true. i had some iris pieces that were rescued, i laid them down and forgot about them ( i have 3 acres) well lo and behold, i looked the other day and saw them sprouting up. then remembered what had happened. they will honestly grow without any extra care. i love them as much as daylillies and butter cups.
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Subject: Good article
Posted by doccat5 (from Fredericksburg, VA) on February 20, 2008 at 4:13 AM:
Good article, Mitch. And besides Iris are so pretty. Thanks for sharing.
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Posted by angele (from Elephant Butte, NM) on February 20, 2008 at 4:25 AM:
Nicely written. I am always amazed at their beauty and at how complex they really are; look down the center, look down one of their throats.. what a world in there!
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Posted by MitchF (from Oklahoma City, OK) on February 20, 2008 at 8:25 AM:
Thank you- can you tell I love this plant?
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Posted by MistyPetals (from North Augusta, SC) on February 23, 2008 at 12:51 AM:
I recently purchased three Iris so this article was timely as this is the first I've tried them. Thanks, MitchF, I'm feeling encouraged already. A beautiful plant that doesn't require loads of attention. I like that in a plant.
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Posted by Aunt_A (from Tulsa, OK) on February 23, 2008 at 1:04 AM:
Another nice article, Mitch! I really enjoy reading your articles. I've always loved their easy care attitude.
Hug an Iris...just don't eat one! :-)
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Posted by pepper23 (from KC Metro area, MO) on February 25, 2008 at 9:21 PM:
Great article Mitch!!
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Posted by MistyPetals (from North Augusta, SC) on March 2, 2008 at 10:25 PM:
Thanks Mitch, the Iris are doing very well here in zone 8. .
Thrive on Neglect
