The iris is an aristocratic flower that may have been cultivated as long ago as 7,000 B.C. Egyptians used them to adorn the statues of the sphinx and scepters of their kings. To them, the trinity of parts represented faith, wisdom and valor. A 3,500-year-old hieroglyph of an Egyptian king contained a carving of the iris. Louis VII adopted the flag iris as a royal emblem. This emblem took his name, “Fleur de Louis,” later corrupted to “fleur-de-lis” and attributed to the lily. Famous painters in Holland and Italy used the iris in their floral compositions. Embroideries in Persia, China and Japan, and carvings at the Taj Mahal bear this flower. Used as a dye, perfume and in herbal remedies, the accolades are numerous.

Today, the iris is one of the most popular and beautiful garden flowers. With more than 200 species and thousands of varieties, there is one for any taste and location. Plant sizes range from 6 inches to 36 inches and flowers from 1-2 inches across to 10 inches across. Blooms come in all colors, many multicolored. Late summer is the best time to plant or divide irises. They need to have developed some root structure to survive the winter. Generally maintenance-free, there are some things to do now that will benefit their spring shows.

Carole Mitchell is an iris aficionado and Extension Master Gardener volunteer in Douglas County. She gave me some guidelines on winter care of both the common “bearded” variety and the lesser-known “beardless” varieties. The beardless varieties include Siberians, Louisianas, Spurias and Japanese iris.

Bearded iris

Make sure all dead leaves and other material are cleaned up around them. This helps prevent iris borers from wintering over in the debris. Clean up all weeds and grass around them as well. Cut the tops down to about 3 inches. In large beds, a lawn mower or weed eater can be used for this. Do not mulch established beds. Rhizomes that have been planted this summer should be mulched after the ground freezes to prevent heaving during freezes and thaws. Remove the mulch when new growth starts in the spring, or they will rot. They need not be watered during the winter.

Beardless iris

These irises can be mulched anytime, and mulch need not be removed. A shovel full of compost as mulch placed over each clump in the wintertime is excellent. Do not cut the leaves of beardless iris back until new growth appears in the spring. The leaves and seed pods, especially of the Siberians, provide winter interest in the garden. Do make sure the Siberians especially do not dry out in the winter. And make sure water does not freeze over the Louisianas, or they will die. Spurias do not need extra water.

Late fall fertilization is not recommended. This should be done in the spring and then again after blooming, especially if you plan to move or divide the plants in the summer. Use a balanced fertilizer or one that is slightly higher in phosphorus and potassium.