Iris Iris 'Goddess of Green' (IB)

Water

Intermediate Bearded Irises like 'Goddess of Green' need to be watered deeply and infrequently to encourage root growth. During the growing season, water them every week with about an inch of water, particularly if the weather is dry. Use a soaker hose or drip irrigation to deliver water directly to the roots and minimize moisture on the foliage, which can lead to disease. They require less water once established and can be more drought-tolerant. It's crucial to avoid overwatering, as this can cause the rhizomes to rot, so allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. During the winter or in cooler climates, you can reduce watering as the plant goes dormant.

Light

Intermediate Bearded Irises, including 'Goddess of Green' prefer full sun with at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. The ideal spot is in an area that receives morning sun and has some afternoon shade in hotter climates. They can tolerate partial shade but may not flower as prolifically, and excess shade can make them more prone to disease.

Temperature

Intermediate Bearded Irises thrive in temperatures between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit but can handle extremes from just above freezing (32 degrees Fahrenheit) to about 90 degrees Fahrenheit. They prefer cooler nights and warm days to form good flower buds. Avoid placing them in areas where winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing without adequate snow cover or mulch for protection.

Pruning

Intermediate Bearded Irises, such as 'Goddess of Green,' require pruning to remove spent flowers and encourage repeat blooming. Prune or deadhead the flower stalks down to the base after bloom but leave the foliage in place to allow the plant to gather energy for next year. Clean up any dead or diseased foliage in the fall to prevent overwintering pests and diseases. Divide and prune every 3-5 years to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for an Intermediate Bearded Iris like 'Goddess of Green' should be well-draining, moderately fertile, and slightly acidic to neutral, with a pH of 6.5 to 7.0. A mixture containing loam, compost, and coarse sand or perlite can provide the ideal growing conditions for this iris.

Repotting

Intermediate Bearded Irises, including 'Goddess of Green', do not typically require frequent repotting. They should be divided and replanted every 3 to 5 years to maintain vigor and prevent overcrowding.

Humidity & Misting

Intermediate Bearded Irises like 'Goddess of Green' are tolerant of a wide range of humidity levels but prefer drier conditions. They do not require high humidity and will thrive in the average outdoor environment.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright light, cool temps, and minimal water.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, well-drained soil, space rhizomes apart.

• Hardiness zone

  3-9 USDA

Life cycle

The life of Iris 'Goddess of Green', also known as intermediate bearded iris, typically begins with seed germination, which is a less common method of propagation due to variability in offspring. More commonly, the life cycle starts when gardeners plant rhizomes in late summer to early fall, allowing roots and foliage to establish. In the spring, the plant enters a rapid growth phase, which includes the development of sword-like leaves and flowering stalks that bloom with distinctive green petals, usually in late spring or early summer. After flowering, the plant goes into a period of vegetative growth and resource storage in the rhizome to prepare for the next blooming season. In late summer, foliage may die back, and the plant enters dormancy as temperatures drop, particularly in regions with cold winters. The cycle repeats the following spring with new growth emerging from the rhizomes, which may be divided every 3-4 years to maintain vigor and increase the number of plants.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Iris 'Goddess of Green', a type of Intermediate Bearded Iris, is most commonly propagated through division, which is best done in late summer after the plant has bloomed and is entering dormancy. To propagate this iris by division, dig up the entire clump of rhizomes with care to minimize damage. Shake off excess dirt and inspect the rhizomes for signs of disease or borer damage, discarding any that are not healthy. Using a clean, sharp knife, cut the rhizomes into sections, making sure each section has at least one fan of leaves and a portion of the root system. Trim the leaves to about 6 inches (15 centimeters) to reduce water loss and replant the divisions at the same depth they were growing before but spaced 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 centimeters) apart, with the top of the rhizome exposed to the sun. Water the newly planted rhizomes well to help establish them. This method of propagation helps rejuvenate overgrown clumps and stimulate blooming for the following seasons.