The Early-Blooming Iris Variety That Thrives In Water

Are you one of the unlucky homeowners that has a forever damp part of the yard no matter what you do? It could be due to faulty drainage, natural water levels being close to the ground, or maybe it is re-routing from impermeable areas. So then, you may wonder how do you cover it to at least make that part of your garden presentable? The answer is plants. There are several flowering plants that can thrive in soggy soil, but if you are looking for something bright and beautiful, consider a Louisiana iris.

Louisiana irises are a group that includes five species that are hardy in USDA Hardiness Zones 5 to 9: Abbeville red iris (Iris nelsonii), copper iris (Iris fulva), Lamance iris (Iris brevicaulis), Dixie iris (Iris hexagona), and the giant blue iris (Iris giganticaerulea). While many plants prefer well-drained soil, the Louisiana iris prefers damp soil, ditches, pond edges, and garden beds that are actually moist. Also, unlike many flowers that bloom in summer, Louisiana irises grow throughout winter and bloom from late March to early May (staying dormant during summers).

With heights generally reaching 2 to 3 feet (with the exception of the 6 foot giant blue iris, and colors ranging from bright blue to fiery red, Louisiana irises transform those sullen unused spots into the highlight of your garden. All you need to do is place the root ball in soil — even if the soil is under 6 inches of water. The beautiful vertical leaves and vibrant blooms make this plant a desirable addition in the garden.

Louisiana irises have evolved along the Gulf Coast in wet and acidic soils, so they perform best in areas that are damp all year round. Yes, damp soil is necessary, but moisture management is equally integral for successful growth. Louisiana irises bloom best when the soil does not dry out and fertilizers are added at the right time. The best time to fertilize these irises is early fall and again in early spring, especially when they are planted in the ground outside. In the same setting, a third time when they are done blooming could be in order. 

Louisiana irises are rhizomatous perennials and are native to marshes, swamps, and riversides. And in these conditions, their growth is also vigorous. To avoid overcrowding, divide them every three years. Lift the clump and trim away any soft, dead, or diseased parts. Each section that is replanted should have healthy roots. 

Make sure you replant the irises at the same depth they were in before and cover with an inch of soil. To give each plant plenty of wiggle room, plant them so that the tips point away from the rest of the group and leave about a foot and a half between them. This will give your Louisiana irises plenty of space and help them bloom year after year. Even after doing all the right things,  if your iris plants still won't flower, you're likely making some of these mistakes.