Since the pointed leaves of the iris are rather inconspicuous, garden owners usually focus on the magnificent, colorful flowers when growing irises. However, if the plant, also known as the iris, does not produce any flowers, this can have various reasons.
Why is my iris not blooming and what can I do about it?
If the iris does not bloom, this may be due to a location that is too shady, the rhizomes need to be transplanted, or unsuitable soil conditions. Creating optimal growth conditions and transplanting the plants if necessary promotes flower formation.
The sunbather in the garden
The iris basically comes in various subspecies that have very different care needs in terms of moisture at the location. However, all iris species need a location that is as sunny as possible in order to thrive. If you plant the iris in a place that is too shady in your garden, it can certainly multiply. However, if there is not enough sunlight, it will rarely produce a satisfactory number of flowers.
The Transplanting Thing
Smaller types of iris with delicate flowers often still produce numerous flowers even after many years in the same location. However, if you cannot see any flowers on the irises in your garden during the flowering period, then it may be time to transplant the rhizomes. To do this, dig up the tuberous rhizomes in the fall to divide them. Use especially the younger side shoots and plant them in a loosened substrate.
The right care and the optimal surface
When planting the irises, make sure that the soil is as loose as possible and does not tend to become waterlogged. Do not plant the rhizomes too deep, but rather so that they protrude a few centimeters from the ground. Since the iris usually thrives on poor soils, fertilization is rarely necessary for the flowers to form. As care you can:
- cut off the spent inflorescences a hand's breadth above the ground
- loose up the soil around the plants using a suitable tool
- Use seasoned compost for gentle fertilization and work it into the soil when hoeing
Tips & Tricks
Immediately after division, irises can take a break from blooming. However, freshly transplanted specimens usually bloom even more magnificently in their second or third year.
