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Arctic Iris


Arctic iris or the dwarf Iris setosa var arctica is one of those delightful dwarf iris that belong in almost every rock garden or tough spot to grow something in.



How To Grow

Put it in the ground. This is one of the toughest of a tough family.

If you plant it at the same depth as it was in the small nursery pot, it will be fine.

If you got a division from a friend, then simply plant it so the roots are in the ground but the part where it starts to swell is out of the ground.

You'll likely be able to see a line on the plant where it was originally growing in the soil. Plant to this line.

Note that deep planting will retard blooming or kill the plant by rotting.

Full sun is best although very light shade won't stop it from blooming first thing in the spring.

Hardiness and Propagation

I've combined this because this is indeed a USDA zone 2 plant. You won't kill it with the cold unless you never give it any summer at all and keep it in a freezer.

Propagation of Arctic Iris is like any other iris. Divide 4-6 weeks after blooming or just about any time after that.

If the plant gets too crowded and stops blooming heavily, divide it that year.

Immediately replant the small divisions at the same depth as they were originally growing. Give some to your friends because they're all going to want this plant.


Miscellaneous


Grow in containers as well as in areas where its dwarf height (8 inches tall in bloom) will not be overshadowed by other bigger plants.

I grew mine is a small pot all by itself.

Arctic Iris gets all the problems of it's bigger cousins if you grow it in a mixed perennial garden and you will have to watch out for iris borer. 




arctic iris







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arctic iris
Arctic Iris