*** DUTCH IRIS BULBS - WHITE v VLIET ***

Flag, Sword lily, Bearded iris, Spanish iris, Dutch iris, Japanese iris

 

Iridaceae

 

May be a rhizome or a bulb, depending on species; mostly deciduous; summer or winter-growing; long-lasting cut flower.

 

More than 200 species from the northern hemisphere, where they inhabit a wide variety of terrain.

 

Flowers of all irises consist of six segments, having a distinct two-part symmetry. The three central petals grow upright and are called standards. The three larger outer petals hand down, are recurved and are called falls.Irises often have crests or signals of various contrasting colours on the upper, inner centre of the falls. Irises can be divided into two broad groups, those with rhizomes and those with true bulbs as storage organs.

 

Of the rhizomatous irises, the Bearded irises are the most common, and easiest to grow. They are available in tall, medium or short forms.They bloom throughout spring, and some bloom again in autumn.Bearded irises should be left undisturbed in the garden border for 4 or 5 years, after which they can be dug up, divided and replanted. This should be done immediately after flowering. The roots should not be left out of the ground for more than an hour. They need to be kept moist at root level all year, in well- drained soil.