Expert: Long Island Gardener - 4/18/2007

Question
I transplanted some iris two summers ago.About 24 rhizomes. Last summer there were no blooms. I noticed yesterday that in one section I have two buds forming, yet in the other section, nothing. Is it normal for them to take several seasons to bloom? The first section is rather tall already, while the other is under a foot tall.
Thank you,
Julie

Answer
Sounds like the slow section is distracted by other challenges, Julie -- same sun?  same soil?  same treatment?

Must be something.  They are behaving as a group.  Not as individual odd-Iris-out.

Transplants do take a season or two or sometimes three to re-establish.  Tree roots lurking underneath may be partly responsible for some of the less than perfect performance of the Slow Group Iris.  A boost of SLOW RELEASE balanced fertilizer could be what they need, assuming there is the same quantity of light and moisture provided as the Fast Group Iris enjoys.  Start now and as soon as spring descends -- somehow I have this feeling we are going to move smack into summer -- Iris growth spurts will have those N-P-K doses available to them right when and where they need it.

Don't go overboard with the fertilizer.  A good, organic, balanced, slow release fertilizer is all you need.  You do not want to hit them over the head with Vitamins and Minerals.  Slip it in gently, like a cup of warm milk; let them stretch and yawn.

Any possibility that Slow Group suffered a moment of stress at some point?  A few weeks of searing heat with no water reserves to draw on, resulting in damage and setback?  Extra winter cold with less than perfect protection?  Extended accidental drought?  If so, let me know.  It had to be something.

Regardless, I think a nudge with a great Organic fertilizer will help them along.  Make sure they don't dry out when the weather heats up -- at least, not severely.  You don't want a bunch of rotting bulbs, either.  Just make sure they get what they need.  If I was there and watching you, what would I see you doing differently?  Let me know when you think of the answer to that question.  Like I said, it has to be something.