Most Exquisite Iris - Spuria

We have been growing these for about 7 years and though I hate to sell them, I must. They are the most majestic of al the iris growing tall and stately, with a flower much like the Bird of Paradise and clear brilliant colors. They take awhile to get established but well worth it in the end. They provide spectacular display after the tall bearded iris and before daylilies start the summer parade of colors.
The white are about 4-5 feet high. Spuria are beardless iris, originating from the Mediterranean area of Europe. They are also seen in lesser numbers in England, Denmark, Russia, Afghanistan and western China. Spuria iris are one of the tallest of iris, reaching a height of 5 feet or more. Experience has shown that spuria iris perform better in areas of the country where the summer months are dry.
Spuria irises are classified under the Apogon or beardless subsection of the iris family. The twenty or more species are native to the temperate zone in a band running from Spain and North Africa to India and China . The greatest collection of the species has been found in southernSiberia , always in sunny locations.
The largest concentration of activity in growing and hybridizing spurias is in the sunnier and warmer parts of the U.S. , especially California and the Southwest, including Texas and Missouri , and in eastern Australia , but they have also been grown successfully in Montana and Minnesotaas well as in northern Europe.
When to Plant:
Spuria are dug in the fall before they start showing signs of new growth. Rhizomes must be washed well and placed damp in a plastic bag for storage in the refrigerator, NOT in the freezer. Plant as soon as possible. Where to Plant: Spuria thrive in full sun best, but will do well on half a day’s sun throughout the year. They will tolerate partial shade, especially in areas that have extremely high temperatures in the summer. Soil Preparation: Spuria prefer a neutral to slightly alkaline soil and they must have good drainage. Enrich soil by adding alfalfa and manure (see more about manure below). Heavier clay soil is much better than fine sandy soil.
Basic Planting Steps:
Some spuria are difficult to establish. Basically spuria need water, manure (see more about manure below), and mulch to become established. Begin the planting by making sure the soil will allow for good drainage and is enriched. Then make a hole about two inches below the surface. Add fertilizer (14-14-14 is suggested) to this hole. Then put lots of water into this hole. Finally add the rhizome, cover with soil and mulch. Watering this new spuria rhizome from the top of the soil is not sufficient for establishing a clump. Mulch spuria the first year of growth. Saw dust is the best mulch to use. After the clump is established, the mulch may be removed during the blooming season.
Distance Apart:
Space spuria far enough apart to grow in the same location for years as Spuria irises resent being transplanted. Spacing spuria rhizomes three feet apart is suggested.
Watering:
Water regularly from October through the bloom season until about July 1st. However do not let them sit in pools of water. During the hot summer, spuria can be allowed to go dormant by withholding water. If spuria do go dormant, be sure NOT to water as this will cause rot. Too much moisture combined with summer heat causes rot that damages the new growth.
Foliage of the summer-dormant types can be cut back to the ground for garden neatness after the foliage dies down about the first of August without harming the plant growth.

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