Irises-(Dr. Pauline Thompson variety) – Part 1 of 4

Dr. Pauline Thompson Irises are my favorite type of Iris. Part 1 of this series will cover the front flower bed where I first started my Irises. Originally they were planted at my former home of thirteen years and then transplanted in 2004 to my current residence. The Parent plant is 16 years old. It still blooms vibrantly.

CA Darko-Gosnell @2008

Irises in Early May 2008 (Originally transplanted July 2004)

The Irises are just beginning to shoot up. Fresh cedar mulch has been added to the flower bed to retain moisture. Only place mulch around the outside of the plant, not directly on the top of the bulb. This area needs to be exposed in order for the Iris to bloom. If it is covered the Iris will not bloom.

CA Darko-Gosnell @2008

Late May 2008

In this photo you can see how crowded the flower bed has gotten. The Daffodils (yellow flower), Tulips (pink flower) and Irises (green shoots) are all intermingled.

CA Darko-Gosnell @2008

Early June 2008

The Irises are in full bloom. They need to be thinned out. Now that fall is here it is the perfect time to do this. Last year one parent plant produced 19 bulbs. You do not have to wait until fall to thin and transplant bulbs, but it is best to wait about 4-6 weeks after they have flowered and the leaves are beginning to turn brown. The reasoning is this allows the parent plant to produce bulbs. To have the plant produce the most bulbs allow all the leaves to turn brown.

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