My iris plant has changed it's looks. What has happened? - Ask Extension
I have had several pretty normal-sized (knee height) iris plants in an area along our sea-wall, along Bostwick Lake, in Kent County. This year the g...
Knowledgebase
My iris plant has changed it's looks. What has happened? #809659
Asked September 06, 2022, 12:57 PM EDT
I have had several pretty normal-sized (knee height) iris plants in an area along our sea-wall, along Bostwick Lake, in Kent County. This year the green leaves of the plant are easily twice as tall as usual and the pods are also not like any that I have seen with these plants. I was gone when the iris would have flowered this year, so I don't know how the flowers looked. The seed pods are also really big and tall. I don't know how to explain it. Maybe you do? Thank you, Betsy
Kent County Michigan
Expert Response
Hello Betsy,
There are many varieties of iris; can you tell me a little about yours? What kind do you have? Bearded, crested, Japanese? How old are they? It appears that they're in full sun most of the day. Is that correct? Do you normally cut the stems when the blooms fade? Do you fertilize them? If so, how often? Since they are planted close to the lawn, keep in mind that if you fertilize your lawn, you also may be fertilizing the irises.
My first thought is that plants react to environmental and weather conditions. This spring may have been favorable to irises in Kent County and encouraged good growth. Depending on the species, some irises (such as bearded iris) can grow to 3-4 feet when mature.
If you wish further information, please reply to the questions above so that I can be more specific about your plants.
There are many varieties of iris; can you tell me a little about yours? What kind do you have? Bearded, crested, Japanese? How old are they? It appears that they're in full sun most of the day. Is that correct? Do you normally cut the stems when the blooms fade? Do you fertilize them? If so, how often? Since they are planted close to the lawn, keep in mind that if you fertilize your lawn, you also may be fertilizing the irises.
My first thought is that plants react to environmental and weather conditions. This spring may have been favorable to irises in Kent County and encouraged good growth. Depending on the species, some irises (such as bearded iris) can grow to 3-4 feet when mature.
If you wish further information, please reply to the questions above so that I can be more specific about your plants.
