How To Plant Japanese Roof Iris

Japanese roof iris a plant with a history.

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. 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. With purple white pink and blue flowering roof iris cultivars for sale online.

Japanese iris require a minimum of 6 hours of full sun each day. They like moist well drained soil that is more on the acidic side. Water should be acidic. In warmer climates shade in the afternoon is preferred to keep them from drying out.

They are often planted on stream banks their natural habitat where the soil remains constantly moist. 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. How to grow japanese iris. If you re unsure of the ph of your water add 2 to 3 teaspoons of vinegar to a gallon of water to obtain the level needed for successful care of japanese iris.

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. 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. They grow well in range of conditions however are not really suited to hot humid climates. The japanese roof iris is unique amongst irises because it grows about as well in the shade as in the sun.

Plant in drifts at the front of the border or in rock gardens with similar plants.