Here in Michigan (Zone 5), we are seldom treated to a fall blooming iris. However, now with new hybridizing science, there are several varieties that are "reblooming" (or "remontant")!
In the north, we now have a chance to see our beloved iris plants in the springtime and again in the fall! Check for iris named, "reblooming". (i.e. Immortality, Best Bet, Blue Suede Shoes, Cantina, Cloud Ballet, Concertina, Earl of Essex, Hemstitched, Jennifer Rebecca, Pagan Dance, Pink Attraction, Rock Star, Rosalie Figge, Stellar Lights, Summer Olympics, Victoria Falls, Violet Turner to name a few). While there is no guarantee that your iris will rebloom in northern climates, it is exciting to try!
How to assist in allowing these varieties to grow in the fall again? Trim the bloom off in the springtime when the iris has completed it's bloom. At this time add an iris fertilizer (depending on your soil, of course!). Fertilizers should be low in nitrogen (the first number in the three digit fertilizer number is nitrogen). A 6-10-10 balance is good. You may also fertilize with bone meal, or superphosphates. We suggest that this be applied delicately in the soil around the rhizome. While you wouldn't necessarily water your iris regularly during the summer, if you wish reblooming iris, please water the rebloomers. A drip system is the best and do not mulch the iris during the summer (as this encourages rhizome rot). Good luck with your reblooming iris!
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| 1920 Historic iris and the reblooming variety Summer Olympics |
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