FAQ 3

Frequently Asked Questions About Irises Question: Where can I find official AIS iris registration data and photographs? Answer: The American Iris Society is the official international registry for all non-bulbous iris cultivars. They are responsible for processing and maintaining registration data on all bearded, beardless, and crested iris cultivars. The AIS publishes and sells annual Registrations and Introductions booklets…

Frequently Asked Questions About Irises Question: I don’t know the name of my iris. How can I identify an unknown iris? Answer: Each morning as I check my email to see if anyone else has provided potential identities for my unknown irises, I am reminded of how much I enjoy these particular plants and the special place…

Frequently Asked Questions About Irises Question: How should I dig, divide, and transplant my bearded irises? Answer: Bearded irises may be divided and transplanted throughout most of the growing season, but many irisarians believe the optimal time to divide them is six to eight weeks after bloom. Avoid transplanting irises in very hot weather (90+ F degrees), but do…

Frequently Asked Questions About Irises Question: I don’t know the name of my iris. How can I identify an unknown iris? Answer: People frequently request assistance identifying unknown irises, but it’s important to realize just how extremely difficult this is. With almost 54,000 different iris cultivars currently registered with the AIS, and more being added every day,…

Frequently Asked Questions About Irises Question: Should I cut back iris leaves after bloom? Answer: Many irisarians recommend leaving healthy green leaves intact throughout the growing season to allow plants to absorb as much light and food as possible for the next bloom season. Exceptions include dead, dying, or diseased foliage which should be removed. Many gardeners…

Frequently Asked Questions About Irises Question: What can you tell me about reblooming bearded irises? Answer: Many bearded irises have been developed that can bloom more than once per growing season, but most of these will rebloom only in warmer parts of the country with extended growing seasons. There are, however, a few that have been reported…