Iris for Cut Flowers
Iris are a great early summer perennial flower. We grow 3 different kinds of iris at our farm. Each kind may be used as a cut flower.
It's the perfect time to share some insights about one of my favorite early summer flowers: the iris. Our farm is home to three distinct types of iris, each offering its own unique charm and beauty. These irises aren't just a treat for your eyes; they also make good cut flowers. Let's dive into the specifics of each variety and learn some tips on how to make the most of these stunning blooms.
Bearded Iris: Queens of the Garden
Bearded irises are the stars of many floral displays and Instagram feeds this time of year. These are notable for their varying heights and bloom windows, which include early, midseason, and late-season blooming varieties. If you live in a warmer climate, you might even experience the joy of re-blooming, where these irises appear in spring and make a second appearance closer to the fall.
Planting the rhizomes in late summer or early fall is crucial, giving them time to develop a strong root system before winter sets in. With proper care, you'll enjoy an abundance of flowers in just three short years. Remember to plant these rhizomes right at the soil surface and divide them every few years to increase your stock. Bearded iris rhizomes can become a value-added product for your farm, in the same way that many growers sell dahlia tubers.
Siberian Iris: Resilient Beauties for Wet Areas
Siberian irises are a testament to nature's resilience, thriving in wet areas and enduring cold climates. While their color range is more limited than bearded irises, with shades like purples, blues, yellows, and whites, their beauty is undeniable. We plant them lower in our wet flower beds, allowing them to soak up moisture while adding a burst of color.
These irises grow from a rhizome as well, and can be divided to expand your garden or for sale to others. Each stem presents multiple buds that bloom successively, ensuring a prolonged display of nature’s artistry.
Dutch Iris: The Cut Flower Industry's Favorite
When it comes to cut flowers, Dutch irises are the most popular of the three. Grown from bulbs rather than rhizomes, these versatile flowers can be planted outdoors and even forced indoors, provided they've been chilled adequately. An essential factor in cultivating a successful crop is the bulb size; bulbs smaller than a 10 cm circumference might disappoint with fewer or no blooms, and should not be used for forcing.
When sourcing bulbs, it's vital to purchase from reputable suppliers familiar with cut flower farming, as this ensures you receive quality bulbs intended for reliable flowering.
Each type of iris serves a purpose, enhancing various garden settings with their individual strengths. There's an iris for just about every gardener's situation.
Hope you found this guide helpful, and feel free to reach out with any questions about our beloved irises. Until next time, happy gardening and may your blooms be plentiful!