Iris
Louisiana Iris
Louisiana Irises are a horticultural classification of Iris. They cover five specific Iris species native to Louisiana and southeastern regions of the United States, which include Iris fulva, Iris hexagona, Iris brevicaulis, Iris giganticaerulea and Iris nelsonii. Many are closely related and have interbred, producing a wide range of colours not seen in other Irises, and many cultivated forms have been bred. Louisiana Irises grow from rhizomes, and are typically found in the wild in ditches, bogs, roadsides and any other moist or damp soils. They thrive near ponds or aquatic areas, and areas in the garden which retain a lot of moisture. They do not have to be particularly wet to grow but they must not be left to dry out. They do best if provided with a good amount of heat and sun in the summer (at least half the day or six hours minimum), and suit temperate to warm regions. They are hardy to -5/-10 if given good summer conditions for at least a month of hot summer weather. This helps rhizomes prepare for winter. Without this, they may not survive temperatures below freezing for long. This group of Irises is beardless. Flowers are usually on stems, raised above the foliage, from spring. Leaves are green and sword like. They also like a rich moist soil and prefer acidic conditions.
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Full sun
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Occasional watering
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Frost Hardy: 23F (-5°C)
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Moist and rich
Common name
Louisiana Iris
Latin name
Iris
type
Rhizome
family
Iridaceae
ph
5.0 - 6.5 Acid - Neutral
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Light
Full sun
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Frost
Frost Hardy: 23F (-5°C)
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Soil
Moist and rich
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Water
Occasional watering
Plant & bloom calendar
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Best time to plant
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When the plant will bloom
full grown dimensions
0.40 M
0.70 M
Iris
Louisiana Irises are a horticultural classification of Iris. They cover five specific Iris species native to Louisiana and southeastern regions of the United States, which include Iris fulva, Iris hexagona, Iris brevicaulis, Iris giganticaerulea and Iris nelsonii. Many are closely related and have interbred, producing a wide range of colours not seen in other Irises, and many cultivated forms have been bred. Louisiana Irises grow from rhizomes, and are typically found in the wild in ditches, bogs, roadsides and any other moist or damp soils. They thrive near ponds or aquatic areas, and areas in the garden which retain a lot of moisture. They do not have to be particularly wet to grow but they must not be left to dry out. They do best if provided with a good amount of heat and sun in the summer (at least half the day or six hours minimum), and suit temperate to warm regions. They are hardy to -5/-10 if given good summer conditions for at least a month of hot summer weather. This helps rhizomes prepare for winter. Without this, they may not survive temperatures below freezing for long. This group of Irises is beardless. Flowers are usually on stems, raised above the foliage, from spring. Leaves are green and sword like. They also like a rich moist soil and prefer acidic conditions.
Planting Rhizomes in Autumn
From Late Summer TO Late Autumn
Louisiana Iris rhizomes can be planted out in late summer or autumn. They should be planted shallowly, the top being just below the soil surface. In areas that are prone to drying out, plant deeper up to 20cms if necessary where the soil stays more moist. Water and do not let the newly planted rhizomes dry out. By planting at this time of year, this allows the partially dormant rhizomes to grow enough roots before the colder months arrive. Mulch over the surface to ensure moisture remains in the soil, or if dry water in well until autumn rain arrives. Plant in a position where they are to receive full sun (at least six hours a day in summer).
Flowering Season
From Early Spring TO Late Spring
Louisiana Irises typically flower in the spring, as the soil and air temperatures start to rise.
Propagation by Seed
From Mid Summer TO Early Autumn
Seed pods of Louisiana Irises mature from mid summer. These can be collected, shelled and then seed planted back in the border immediately after pods begin to yellow. Most seed will germinate early autumn, however in some cases germination may be delayed to the following year. In colder climates, seed can be sown in pots or trays and brought indoors over winter as they germinate and grow. They can be set out in rows in a bed the following spring, ensuring to keep them moist and weed free.
txgardener
emch
Cindy76
