Louisiana Iris

[mikhurram]

The purpose of creating a post on them and dutch irises was to create an awareness that they can flourish in our environment. In the picture the dry soil was due to the hot weather these days which quickly dries up the soil.

Louisiana Irises or bog irises as they sometimes known flourish in in moist or wet conditions (Ponds also). Our common clay soil tends to suit them as water retention is greater in such types of soil. They start flowering at the end of march. Even after flowering, their foliage tends to remain green througout the year and makes an interesting landscaping focal point. No need to dig them up as they are evergreen irises. Even in cold zones, their foliage is uneffected by snow. Cannas, Hydechiums can be planted in the same bed to ensure blooms during the summers.

Unlike bearded irises which require good drainage and high soil bed, Louisiana Irises love water and thrive in mosit conditions and their rhizomes are not effected by standing water. All they require is shade protection during hot summer months of May, June, July and August. The bloom times of these irises is atleast 7 days compared to the 2-3 day bloom period of bearded irises. Multiplication rate of Louisiana Irises is atleast much greater than Bearded Irises.

After years of experimenting with all types of irises, i personally feel that Louisiana Irises are more suitable for our zone. Three years ago, I imported at-least 12 bearded Irises from USA, Five were lost to rot despite planting them in optimal conditions, 3 have flowered and two are yet to flower, two given to some senior horticulturists also were lost to rot. Bearded irises can flower but are fussy. Even if one decides to go for bearded irises then its better to opt for rebloomers which flower once during the autumn and then later in spring. The only plus point they have is that some of them are quite fragrant.

If we weight the pros against the odds, the pros are more heavily stacked in favour of Louisiana Irises.

[aykhan]

So here is someone on the forum with "years of experimenting with all types of irises" aur ham pata nahin kahan kahan takkarein martey phir rahey hain!!! Thanks Sirjii for this precious information.

From your post it seems that full sun needs to be avoided. Will they bloom in filtered light under large trees?

Is it suitable to plant in November in Lahore if that's the only option or is it better to wait till Spring? I talked to Zydeco in the USA and they said it's best to plant in Fall. Fall there in most states can be quite cold so wondering if November is OK for us in Lahore?

[mikhurram]

They should be planted in a moist place (lower than ground level or same as ground level) where they get sun from morning till 11 or 12-am and then shade. They can be planted in spring or fall. Even in November. Rather than trying Zydeco, opt for Louisiana Iris gardens who have a better collection than Zydeco.

http://www.louisianairisgardens.com/category_s/12.htm

[mikhurram]

Furthermore the reason why growers offer their selection in fall is because they are going to divide the rhizomes in September and make more money by selling more rhizomes. The reason is more profit.

[Kaleem]

Beautiful color
Thank you so much for more growing istructions. What is the size of Louisiana Iris flower? Post upload one photo with measuring tape.

[mikhurram]

Size of the flower tends to vary from cultivar to cultivar. For instance size of Anne Chowning or Cest Si Bon is bigger when compared Black Game cock or Delta Star. Now the blooms of Louisiana Iris are almost over. Comparison of sizes can be made next spring.

[mikhurram]

Finale.

Anne Chowning always tends to bloom at the end when other varieties are done with their blooms.

[Kaleem]

Have no words
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Just......... awesome

[mikhurram]

The first to bloom in 2014. Seems to be "C'est Si Bon" cultivar.

[Kaleem]

Beautiful color combination, isn't it too early? What is size of this bloom?