I live at about 7,000 feet in the mountains, and have a "natural" pond. (Dug out to create pond but fed by underground springs.) I planted 4 water irises about 4 or 5 years ago, at the margins of my pond. it gets partial sun in the morning. They come up every year but never bloom.
Water irises never bloom.
- Thread starter gvler
- Start date
They may be too deep in the water. Mine only bloom where they crown is well above the water.
As far as I know, mine is the only one in town. But I asked at a nursery in Big Bear, and they said they grow here.
I have 4 irises, two in the water right at the edge, maybe covered with 2 inches of water. The others are in the mud just outside the water.
If none of them bloom then I would suspect too little sunlight.
You could try adding bonemeal - I've read that phosphorus helps them bloom.
You could try adding bonemeal - I've read that phosphorus helps them bloom.
How much sunlight do they need? I lost some willows last winter due to snows, so I knew they'd have more sun, still no blooms. I'll try the bone meal though, thanks.
Most need full sun - which is 6 hours per day of direct sunlight - but there are a few varieties that can thrive in a bit more shade. I don't think any are pond lovers though.
I have the same issue - my iris' haven't bloomed this year but all my other ones planted out of the pond in dirt have great blooms. I am wondering if the cold temperatures / rollercoaster temperatures (i live in PA) this year somehow stunted the blooming process. Will see how the rest of the summer goes. My pond does get full sun so that is certainly not my issue.
Try dividing the plants. Iris seem to appreciate being divided to bloom