The Beardless Iris

~ By Betty G. ~

For my report this month, I have decided to write about the beardless iris. I imagine the first thing one may ask is what is the difference between the two. Actually there are 2 main attributes that set them apart.

First, unlike their bearded counterpart, the beardless irises all have what is known as "smooth falls". In other words, they have no hair on their sepals.

And, secondly, their rhizomes are fibrous rather than fleshly which is characteristic of its bearded cousin as well. There are four main types of beardless irises which are the Siberian, Japanese, Louisiana and the Spuria.

Siberian Irises are probably the easiest of the beardless irises to grow. They range in color from white to all sorts of shades of violet and blue, plus lavender, pink, and at times, even yellow. The assortment seems endless as there are as many as 200 different varieties to choose from.

The leaves of the Siberian iris are a bit narrower and more dense than the bearded variety and are known to bloom later in the season than their cousins as well. For the best results, plant your rhizomes at least 2 inches deep in an acidic soil and be sure they get enough water. I would recommend a layer of mulch so that the rhizomes do not dry out.

Japanese Irises are also popular among the beardless irises. These irises have the same type of foliage as the Siberians except that their blooms are larger and they have more numerous forms and patterns. Japanese irises must have acidic soil to grow period. Alkaline soil will cause them to wilt as will lack of enough moisture.

Spuria Irises are very distinctive irises. They grow rapidly in very large clumps and have very tall foliage as well. Unlike both the Siberian and Japanese varieities, they thrive in hot, sunny and dry climates, needing moisture only up until bloom time. They also prefer alkaline soils, and are heavy feeders. While more common in the southwest and western portions of the country, these can also be grown in the midwest and east.

As suggested by its name, Louisiana Irises are natives of North America, and to the Gulf Coast areas that stretch from Texas to Florida. These irises have absolutely stunning flowers and have a wide range of colors to boot. They are cold tolerant. Although they thrive in marshy areas, they are adaptable to normal garden conditions as well.

Under the best conditions, they are known to multiply very quickly. They do prefer moist, acidic, fertilized soil and benefit greatly from a good thick layer of mulch. This not only helps retain moisture but helps protect the rhizomes from getting scalded by the sun.

I am hoping this is a help to you when choosing which iris variety you may wish to try in the future. I am thinking to introduce both kinds into my front garden in the coming year

         

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