IRIS planting?

The wild iris which grow in my garden grow by the edge of a pond, their feet practically in the water yet the bulbs I have been given for Christmas specify well drained soil in my gardening book. Which do you recommend..

IRIS planting?
There are many many different types of iris. I have two types of iris growing with their feet right in my pond, one very tall with yellow flowers - a bit of a weed really - and another much more delicate variegated plant with blue flowers. Iris siberica likes a damp situation so the pond edge is a good place for them.





Most other Iris varieties prefer dry sunny conditions. Dutch Iris like their rhizomes planted facing south so they can bake. Iris ungularis likes to be tucked in at the base of a wall.





There are so many different types this link should help you out.





http://www.britishirissociety.org.uk/ind...
Reply:It is a difficult question you have asked. Not so much about the Irises you have been given as for the wild plants you have near your pond.


As already suggested (generally speaking) the irises require dry neutral soil. Lime stone should help for both functions.


About your wild flowers it sound a bit unusual. But, you have the proof that sometimes the books don't tell you the full story.
Reply:Your best bet is to follow the directions on the package. We have wild irises that grow in the mountains of California, and generally speaking iris dougasianii grow by streambeds and moist areas. Apparently, however, the type you were given do not fall into that category. Find a spot that has well drained soil--if it is clayish-add soil amendments such as sand or mulch to change the texture. Several type of iris actually add definition and variety to a garden!
Reply:I think there are some varieties that like to grow by water but most do not.





I'd recommend planting the new ones back from the water but near to it - because Iris look beautiful by water. Add horticultural grit, available from garden centres, and bone meal when you plant.





Your garden sounds great!!
Reply:The Iris family is a very large group of plants with different requirements for different varieties.


(They do not even have the same type of root system. Some are bulbs, some great fleshy roots called rhizomes.)





Some bulbs grow in ponds, some require infrequent deep watering or they rot. If you need more information. Any of the websites of the Nurseries that specialize in Irises will have planting instructions for all the types.





Follow the recommendations in the gardening book, especially if it mentions the bulbs by name or type, (Bearded, Siberian, Dutch etc.)





If your soil is very heavy add gypsum and any good mulch to make it drain better.
Reply:Wild Iris like to be wet. Domesticated Iris do like their soil to drain. I would suggest that you try planting some in a variety of soil situations to test what they really prefer. While gardening books are a valuable source of information, they are not to be considered "God's law".... Plants are adaptable. I have planted things in locations that should have never worked, but the plants grew great. Be adventurous
Reply:iris don't like water, too much water, %26amp; love sunny places and a regular field


jane
Reply:The wild iris by your pool are flag iris, a moisture loving species.Bulbs are of three varieties,Dutch,Spanish and English which will give a flowering period from May to July.Your book advises correctly,bulbs should be planted100 to 150mm apart,50 to 75 mm deep


during Sept;-Oct.A warm sunny spot and good drainage are needed,they make good rock garden plants.
Reply:There are water iris which will grow in water or moist soil; some will even do well in average garden soil.





Do you know what kind of iris you have been given? If they are tall bearded iris, and the bulbs, called rhizomes, are long and thick, they need a sunny to light shady spot, and do need to be grown in well-drained soil. They are definitely not water iris and should not be grown in wet soil. The rhizomes need to be planted with the top half of the bulb showing above the ground, and the roots buried.





There are also bulb iris, which are different yet, but they also need well-drained soil and a sunny spot. I recommend that you go with the instructions that came with them.