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Annuals/iris's

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Expert: - 6/19/2007


Question
i planted 2 iris's last yr.  they both bloomed.  this year they got bigger, lots of leaves, but no buds/flowers at all.  what happened? they are in a morning/late afternoon sunny spot.  thanks, lisa

Answer
Your Irises are Bearded or Beard-less?

Beard-less Irises thrive in soil rich in Nitrogen; Bearded Irises on the other hand will languish, sending up foliage with no flowers until you fix it.

There is still the matter of Sun.  It's likely your Irises need more of it.  Morning Sun plus late afternoon Sun is not a full day of Sun exposure.  They are missing the most intense rays of the day.  These are plants that are always happiest under the brightest footcandles.  If you can adjust their location and get them more Sun, you might find blooms on them next year.

Finally, a dose of Bone Meal in the soil will slow-release Phosphorous to build strong, large, bright Iris flowers.  If you are using chemical fertilizer, make sure it is not a high Nitrogen type -- the first number on the side of the box, N-P-K, unless you have Beard-less Irises growing.

Thanks for writing.  Keep me posted on this.  

Annuals

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Long Island Gardener

Expertise

Decisions, decisions... If you can't make up your mind which Annuals to grow, you're not alone. Problem with your new flowering Annuals flats? I`ve been there, done that. Petunias, Sweet Alyssum, Larkspur, Marine Blue Lobelia -- they all grow here at my house on Garden Street on Long Island, N.Y.. Cutting and Cottage Gardens, Sun and Shade Gardens, White Gardens and Night Gardens, I`ve done them all. Annuals are the perfect summer flower, bursting with color June through fall's first frost. I can`t speak on Cactus or tender Tropical Plants -- they don`t grow outside in my Zone 7. I`m no Farmer, so I cannot guide you on Fruits and Vegetables. But whether it`s an Annual you want to start from seed, mail-order or pick up at your local garden center, I can help you grow amazing blooms this Summer. Yes, together, we can turn your neighbors green with envy.

Experience

I have a lifetime of gardening behind me here on the North Shore of Long Island. While I have degrees in related fields, there's nothing like hands-on work to build real knowledge. I stay on top of current science -- there's a boom in research, and Kingdom Plantae is filled with surprises. By the way, I really do live on Garden Street.

Publications
Gannett newspapers, The New York Times, and hundreds of others - but not on Annuals.

Education/Credentials
B.A., botany; graduate credits in European Intellectual History and Political Science; minor coursework in related fields, docent training at our local botanical gardens (required for volunteers). I'm currently working on an advanced biochemistry degree.

Awards and Honors
I could tell you, but then you'd know who I am.

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