Leonine Iris - Beardless Iris Culture

Garnet Storm Dancer

Lightning Quick

Red Dazzler

Louisiana Iris (LA) are native to the American Gulf Coast. Louisiana irises bloom after Tall Bearded but before Japanese iris. They are at home in a wide variety of soil types, but prefer acidic soil. Boggy areas with at least half a day of sun are idea planting locations. Louisiana iris also grow well as pond plants. They can be grown in regular perennial beds, with additional water during the growing season. Under ideal growing conditions Louisiana irises are robust growers. The blooms usually have very wide petals and an open, flattened form, showing brightly colored style-arms and crisp signals.

Transplant Louisiana's from August to September to allow growth to be established before winter. Plants should be spaced at least 2 feet apart, with the growing tip facing in the direction you want them to grow. Plant rhizomes horizontally with about 2 inches of soil covering them and keep well watered until established. If planted in a triangle, they can be left in place 2-3 years without becoming overcrowded. Ample quantities of organic matter (peat, compost or manure) along with a balanced fertilizer help these heavy feeders. A foliar feeding every 10 days, plus ample water, is helpful in short season areas like Seattle, to get vigorous, uninterrupted growth during the entire season. Mulch heavily before cold weather sets in.