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The Second Year for Siberian Iris: Now What?

harryshoe zone6 eastern Pennsylvania

15 years ago

I planted my first iris last spring. They were three Siberian Iris called Caesar's Brother (I think). Purchased potted from a local nursery. Nice foliage, no blooms.

They are planted in a mixed bed with roses and perennials. Soil is fairly rich and acid enough for azaleas to thrive. The beds are mulched with shredded hardwood.

All three have emerged this spring and the clumps look significantly larger. What do they need to be healthy? What should I do to make them bloom?

Thanks for any assistance to iris newbie.

Harry

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Comments (7)

phantomfyre
15 years ago
Rich, acidic, mulched soil - those Siberians should be very happy! Good job! Keeping them well watered would be the only thing they should need. And, like most perennials, adding some compost every year is appreciated. If they don't bloom this year, don't be discouraged - Siberian irises do the true 3-year perennial thing: 1st year they sleep, 2nd they creep, 3rd they leap!

Diana
newyorkrita
15 years ago
I can't give you any advice because I am just getting into Siberian Iris myself just having sent off a big order for spring shipment. I choose Siberian Iris because they do like to be mulched and all my gardens are heavily mulched. Not planting them with my roses but going to put some between the daylilies in the daylily garden and some other spots around the garden.
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nzirishunter
15 years ago
Siberian Irises make the decision on flowering the previous season. I see no reason why you should not have some blooms this season especially now they are not growing in pots which is not one of their favorite places to grow .For culture notes go to The Society for Siberian Iris Web Site and click on Culture tab which has good information for the North American Grower.
It only costs $10.00 per year to join the society which is better than reasonable

Here is a link that might be useful: The Society for Siberian Irises
harryshoe zone6 eastern Pennsylvania
Original Author
15 years ago
I think I will give them some fertilizer this week. Most likely Rose Tone or Holly Tone. They got a little alfalfa last week when I did the roses. It would be great to see a bloom this spring.

Dianna, I am blessed with good soil. And patience.

Thanks for the link Nzirishunter.

Rita, is there anything you don't grow?
miriam_2009
15 years ago
I don't think you need to worry or fuss over Siberian irises, especially Caesar's Brother. He was a thug in my garden. I planted one about 15 years ago in a bed of Austin roses and dug out the monster in the second year. Parts of him live all over my yard, but not among the roses. He's even been left in a wheel barrow and allowed to dry out---no problem.
newyorkrita
15 years ago
Ha, Harry, so many things in my garden its a wonder but I still always find room for whatever else I want to buy. Its not that my property is so big either (its not) but I have very little grass left and things are intensly planted. Roses and Daylilies looking very good so far this spring.
PollyNY
15 years ago
Yes, don't worry about the sibs. They are very hardy, and should bloom fine for you this year.

If you're not against fertilizer, give them a handful of 10-10-10 or equivilent sprinkled around the base when they are up about 4-5 inches, or a shot of Miracle Gro. Keep them well watered for best growth.

Caesar's Brother is notoriously mixed up in commerce, and it's doubtful the actual Caesar's Brother is being sold. So what you get may be a more or less vigorous lookalike of Caesar's Brother.

Polly @ Siberian Iris Gardens

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