Who doesn’t like the way a colorful garden looks? We have good news! Did you know that choosing the right plants and giving them proper care can help you achieve the yard of your dreams on your property?
But besides knowing which plants do well in your USDA hardiness zone, you should also have a clear idea of when to plant them.
If you like flowering plants, you will probably love iris! These tall and gorgeous flowers come in several different varieties, colors, and shapes. But don’t be scared by their delicate looks! They are relatively easy to grow (if you know what to give them!).
You have landed in the right place to learn when to plant iris bulbs in Oregon. Here, we collected all the information you must know to grow iris flowers from bulbs in your garden if you live in this region.
When Should You Plan Iris Bulbs in Oregon
The appropriate time of the year for planting iris bulbs depends on your region, the local climate, and the average weather conditions. In general, you should plant irises in late summer to early fall.
The best months to plant your bulbs in Oregon are July, August, and September. Adding your plants to your yard during this period will allow the rhizomes to establish themselves in the ground before winter arrives.
Ideally, we recommend you plant your bulbs outdoors when the nighttime temperatures do not fall below 40F.
Don’t forget to check your local weather before adding your bulbs outside. We always advise against basing your decisions on predictions because we know that the climate is unpredictable most of the time.
Temperatures might suddenly change from one year to the next. So, before planting your bulbs, ensure the outdoor temperatures are between 50 and 40F at night.
You can expect your bulbs to produce flowers between February and May. But you have to provide them all they need to thrive!
But what more should you know about growing iris in Oregon? Jump to the following sections to find out!
How to Grow Iris Bulbs in Oregon
Choosing the proper location for your iris to grow is essential to ensure they thrive in your garden. Pick a spot that receives plenty of sunlight during the day: your bulbs need as much lighting as possible to focus their energies to grow.
While they can also grow under partial shade, inadequate lighting might halt blooming.
Also, ensure the substrate you use is fertile, better if slightly acidic. Consider carrying out a soil test before making any amendments to the soil. After knowing the conditions, you can make the necessary changes.
Drainage is another crucial aspect of growing healthy iris bulbs. Consider adding mulch around your plants and only water them when they feel dry. These plants are susceptible to root rot and won’t tolerate wet soil, especially during the winter.
Consider loosening the soil up using a tiller or a garden fork. It will improve drainage. Increase the nutrient content in the ground by adding a layer of compost or manure around your plants. Even if iris are not particularly heavy feeders, they love fertile environments.
What Varieties of Iris Should You Plant in Oregon?
You may or may not know this, but there are more than 300 species of iris. Of those, 15 are native to the west coast, and seven are from Oregon. We always support adding native plants to your garden.
It will make growing your plants less challenging. But it is also a way to aid your local ecosystem, which is never a bad idea. So which iris plants varieties should you grow in Oregon?
For starters, we recommend you look at the Iris Bracteata. This variety also does well in partial shade and doesn’t mind dryer conditions. So, if you can’t offer your plant full sun or live in a hot part of the state, this might be your ideal option.
Another variety that does well in Oregon is the Yellow Leaf Iris. This delicate flower grows best under the full sun (it needs at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day for best results) and with moderate watering.
The Golden Iris grows at higher elevations in Southwest Oregon. As the name suggests, its flowers are vividly colored.
When to Plant Iris Bulbs in Oregon: Final thoughts
Finally, the Western Blue Flag is an iris that produces gorgeous sky blue flowers. Under ideal conditions, it grows up to 18 inches tall.
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