How to plant iris bulbs?

need to know how deep to plant iris bulbs also in full sun or partly sun and shade I am in Missouri Southwestern part. My yard is mostly shade and partly sun and shade.

How to plant iris bulbs?
When to Plant


For best results, Iris should be planted in July, August or September. It's imperative that the roots of newly planted Iris be well-established before the growing season ends. In areas with hot summers and mild winters, September or October planting may be preferred.





Where to Plant


Iris need at least a half day of sun. In extremely hot climates, some shade is beneficial, but in most climates Iris do best in full sun. Be sure to provide your Iris good drainage, planting either on a slope or in raised beds.





Soil Preparation


Iris will thrive in most well-drained garden soils. Planting on a slope or in raised beds helps ensure good drainage. If your soil is heavy, coarse sand or humus may be added to improve drainage. Gypsum is an excellent soil conditioner that can improve most clay soils. The ideal pH is 6.8 (slightly acidic), but Iris are tolerant in this regard. To adjust the pH of your soil, lime may be added to acidic soils or sulfur to alkaline soils. It is always best to have your soil analyzed before taking corrective measures.





Depth to Plant


Iris should be planted so the tops of the rhizomes are exposed and the roots are spread out facing downward in the soil. In very light soils or in extremely hot climates, covering the rhizome with 1 inch of soil may be desirable. Firm the soil around each rhizome and then water to help settle the soil. A common mistake is to plant Iris too deeply.





Distance Apart


Iris are generally planted 12 to 24 inches apart. Close planting gives an immediate effect, but closely planted Iris will need to be thinned often. Plants spaced further apart will need less frequent thinning.





Watering


Newly set plants need moisture to help their root systems become established. Specific watering information depends on your climate and your soil, but keep in mind that deep watering at long intervals is better than more frequent shallow waterings. Once established, Iris normally don't need to be watered except in arid areas. Overwatering is a common error.





Fertilization


Specific fertilizer recommendations depend on your soil type, but bone meal, superphosphate and 6-10-10 are all effective. A light application in the early spring and a second light application about a month after bloom will reward you with good growth and bloom. Avoid using anything high in nitrogen, as nitrogen encourages rot problems.





Thinning Old Clumps


Iris need to be thinned or divided before they become overcrowded, generally every 3-4 years. If Iris are allowed to become too crowded the bloom will suffer, some varieties may crowd others out and disease problems may be aggravated. Old clumps may be thinned by removing the old divisions at the centers of the clumps and leaving new growth in the ground. Or, you may dig up the entire clump and remove and replant the large new rhizomes.





General Garden Care


Keep your Iris beds clean and free of weeds and debris, allowing the tops of the rhizomes to bask in the sun. Bloom stems should be cut off close to the ground after blooming. Healthy green leaves should be left undisturbed, but diseased or brown leaves should be removed.





Growing Iris In Pots


Iris can be successfully grown in pots. First, select a roomy pot. A 6" to 8" pot will work for Dwarf Iris; a 12" pot will work for Tall Bearded Iris. Make sure your pot has good drainage. For soil, we recommend 45% fir bark, 20% pumice, and 35% peat moss. Leave at least one inch below the pot's rim, and leave the top of the rhizome exposed. Water only when the top two inches of soil are dry. Overwatering will cause rot. Keep the pot outdoors during the winter. When bloom buds begin to appear in the fans, bring the pot inside and place in a bright sunny window. After bloom, be sure to divide your Iris and replant outside or into more pots
Reply:I live in the same area and the most important thing to know about iris is they bloom best when the rhizomes, (large root like appendages) are just at ground level. They can also tolerate very wet, almost boggy kind of conditions. If they stop blooming but still have foliage, dig them up in the early fall, wash off the tubers, and split them up. Then replant about 2 inches below soil surface...should rebloom beautifully in the late spring the following year.....also, add lots of nitrogen rich fertilizer in early spring....good luck
Reply:The rule of thumb is: Plant in groups of three rhisomes. Position the rhisomes in a triangle with the leaves to the outside of the triangle; the skinniest part of the rhisome toward the center of the triangle--'toes touching.' This will give the mature plants a large, full display when in bloom.





The risomes themselves need the heat and light from the sun on them. Therefore you have to plant them very shallowly, with the top of the rhisome near the surface. Over time water will wash the soil away from the rhisome and it will be exposed to the light. That's perfect.





Now to get these top heavy plants to stand up when you plant them you must cut back the leaves. Here's how: using a pair of shears cut an arc smoothly across the entire width of the fan of leaves. Cut about 6 or 8 inches up from the rhisome. This lightens the load enough for new plants to stand up and become established in the soil.
Reply:HI in your area you can plant them 3 inches below the ground in part sun. They may not have the full brilliant color but they will be very nice. They will need at least 4 hours of direct sunlight to grow properly. You will have to water them every other day until you see them sprouting up, then one a week. If oit very hot where you are then every other day may be best.