Iris Garden

We have a hundred different varieties of Iris in our gardens.  Divisions of many of our irises can be sold at any time, but requests are naturally made most often in the flowering season (October, into November) when visitors can see them.

Bearded Irises are a tough, forgiving plant.  They will flower in full sun, with relatively little water. Their ideal soil is a slightly alkaline loam with excellent drainage.  They are unlikely to perorm well on the moist coast north of about Sydney. Divisions may be transported in a paper bag for several days.  Plant after flowering; cut the leaves down into a fan about 10-15cm; put slow-release fertiliser (e.g. Rose mixture) at bottom of hole, covering with soil; spread the roots and fill in, leaving the top of the crown (where the green leaf changes to brown rhizome) just visible at the soil surface.  Water every few days for a few weeks, then let them grow naturally. Divide the large clump after a few more years, when it is crowded and has ceased to flower.

The irises listed as Water Irises grow naturally in damp ground at the edge of water.  They include the smaller and finer "Laevigata" irises, which die back in autumn, to reshoot in spring.  Water irises can be kept in pots in ponds, provided that the water level stays below or at the soil surface.  They can also be grown in moist garden beds.  If their bed or pond dries out temporarily (as in the Louisiana swamps where many originated), they will survive.  In the winter and spring lead-up to flowering, it is easier to keep them moist to produce a show of flowers.  Water irises mostly flower in late October and early November.  

The following page shows our most popular and vigorous varieties.  For mail supply, we charge $7 for a strong division, and $7 for all but a very large package.  Please ring (02) 6842-1446, or email glasshouseart@bigpond.com