How To Plant Japanese Roof Iris

Iris tectorum alba with carex evergold the days are becoming warmer and the white japanese roof iris are beginning to bloom.

How to plant japanese roof iris.

They are often planted on stream banks their natural habitat where the soil remains constantly moist. They like moist well drained soil that is more on the acidic side. In warmer climates shade in the afternoon is preferred to keep them from drying out. In a shady area combines well with foam flower tiarella fringed bleeding heart and brunnera.

This species is a welcome addition to a shade garden. A charming iris it spreads slowly in part sun and the fresh green iris fans are lovely as a counterpoint to other plant forms in the garden. Japanese iris require a minimum of 6 hours of full sun each day. The name japanese roof iris comes from the tradition of this iris being grown on the damp thatched roofs of japanese cottages to help hold the thatch together.

Japanese roof iris a plant with a history. Plant in drifts at the front of the border or in rock gardens with similar plants. Iris seed can germinate in two weeks when sown immediately after harvesting but can take up to two years if the seed is older and very dry as a natural germination inhibitor kicks in soon after the seed dries. Like all irises it should be planted with the rhizomes just at the surface of the soil.

Water should be acidic. In fact growing japanese iris plants flourish in boggy areas near ponds and water features or even potted and placed in these bodies of water. The second method which i use for imported seed is to plant each seed in its own peat jiffy pot once again in shallow trays to hold water. The japanese roof iris is unique amongst irises because it grows about as well in the shade as in the sun.

They grow well in range of conditions however are not really suited to hot humid climates.