It depends on the iris variety. But I have some plain blue-purple ones that only get AM sun and they bloom beautifully. I also have some mini yellow ones that are in mostly shade, and they do pretty well, too. I say try it. Bearded irises are tough, and if they don't do well, just move them. You'd want to give them a couple years to get settled in, before deciding that they're not happy. Sometimes they need an extra year to recover from being planted.

I would think about every 5 years is more normal and some go longer. But they do profit by being dug, devided and planted in amended soil when they get too congested - as do all perennials. You can extend the period between divisions by putting the fans further apart and fertilizing each spring. I use a slow release type. A few of my iris have been in for ten years with no need for change - but they are the less vigorous types. Last year I tackled two patches of iris that had shown some decline (out of maybe 25 or so iris plantings). Those were dug and replanted in compost amended soil. This year both patches are a mass of bloom. But it doesn't matter whether it is phlox, echinacea, asters or whatever - there are very few perennials (peonies being one) that don't need some attention on a regular basis.

Each plant should send up a bloom stalk, then die and produce two or more new rhizomes that will bloom the following year. Some of the new varieties may have been hybridized in areas with different climates than yours and the irises may not do well as a result. Irises that do great in Minnesota rarely do well for me in California, for instance. They need six hours of full sun minimum and should not be overcrowded. Most people divide every three years. The rhizomes can be slightly below the soil surface, but no weeds should be allowed to grow over the tops and block the light. I get baby tears and oregano that grow too fast and cause me problems sometimes. Finally, if you are not satisfied with the amount of bloom, toss them! Who needs a variety that won't bloom well? If I don't get great bloom by the third year I get rid of the iris. By the way, there is no way to force an iris bloom, so the two new fans you see in the nursery can are just the new plants set out by the blooming rhizome. That should mean two stalks the next year. Good luck! Renee

Hi Athrael, I suppose distance is relative. :) When I look at a map Melbourne looks closer to Pearcedale than Adelaide and all are virtually inaccessible to me. The latest search for a flight for me would be around $1,5000 US and that's the cheapest I've ever seen. $3,000 has more often been the price for airfare alone. Tempo Two does offer a free catalog to anyone that asks and they gladly ship all over the world. I'm certain that the other growers offer quality plants too. In fact, it seems like I had heard that some of the Blyth children have gone on to create their own nurseries. Yarrabee is new to me, but I do recognize Impressive Irises. Colleen Modra has posted many gorgeous photos to the iris photos group. You'll find many Blyth introductions among their offerings as well (I've already noticed several with just a glance at their sites). I won't force that issue anymore. :) Back to your concerns, the trick is just getting through the transplant. If you place them in the shade and make sure they don't dry out while they take root they should be just fine baking in the hot sun once they're established. Most of the fertilizers here are high in nitrogen too. I bought a large quantity of 6-10-10 when I finally found it. To be honest I don't really know about the superphosphate. That's outside the realms of my narrow understanding of soil makeup. The fact that you mention keeping a hydrangea alive makes me wonder about the pH of your soil, because they tend to like more acidity than bearded irises. The lime that I was saying Barry often recommends is intended to reduce the acidity of the soil and you may still want to look into that. All that said, you're new acquisitions look great to me. The soil may be a little on the rich side, but I think they'll be alright. Once they start sending up new central leaves, I would put them out to bake. I don't know what a noob is :), but judging by the context I suspect it's not a good thing and I don't think it would describe your planting job. You even pointed them in the proper direction so that the increases will fill the pots in time. Watch that they don't dry out, but don't let them get soggy either and I think you'll have some gorgeous iris blooms soon enough. I still recommend contacting Tempo Two if you have questions. Barry alone has over 50 years of experience in your climate and deserves his worldwide fame in the iris industry. He's always been very helpful and kind in our correspondence. Considering our seasons are completely opposite, I hope I haven't lead you astray, but if they weren't tough I wouldn't be so crazy about irises. Now I'm off to drool over the photos on Yarrabee's site. Brock P.S. When I look at the length of this post, I feel a need to apologize for my lack of concision!