WATER

Bearded iris do not require a lot of water. A common mistake is to water too much. However, newly set plants need moisture so they can grow a new root system. Water them once a week until the roots are established. When they begin to show new growth, you can water only as needed. Iris do not like to have wet feet, so let the soil dry out between each watering. Iris go semi-dormant in the summer months. Established plants do not require much watering except in very arid parts of the country (like Oklahoma). In the intensely hot summer months of July and August it is best to water only in the evenings. Watering in the cool of the evening will avoid cooking the rhizomes in the ground and help prevent problems such as rot. Avoid overhead watering. Remember: Water deeply and less frequently.