HOW TO CARE FOR YOUR IRIS CULTURE NOTES Bearded Iris are recognised by their rhizome which stores nutrients and moisture and resembles somewhat chunky fingers. They are also recognised by the beards which is found on the lower petals or falls and resembles a furry caterpiller. These are often brightly coloured and very distinctive. Bearded Iris need to be planted in an open spot that receives at least half a days sun. They like a rich composted neutral to alkaline soil that must be free draining Plant so that the top of the rhizome is exposed to bake in the sun. Tuck the roots firmly into the soil. Water in. A common mistake is to plant the rhizome too deeply. Iris appreciate a light application of fertiliser in early spring and again a month after bloom. Never use animal manure as it is too high in nitrogen. I use a mix of 3 parts superphosphate, 2 parts blood and bone and 1 part potash. If this is too hard then a rose fertiliser would do. Remove old leaves regularly and snap off the old stem down at the rhizome when flowering is finished. Apply lime sulphur spray during the winter and a rose spray against leafspot and aphids during the summer. After about three to four years the clumps will need dividing up. Dig up the whole clump, discard the old growth and replant the new rhizomes which will be on the outside of the clump. January through to March is a good time to do this. The plant will produce new roots and needs to do this before winter. Have fun with your iris!