Spuria Iris Iris 'Lucky Devil' (Spuria)

Water

Spuria Irises like 'Lucky Devil' prefer consistent moisture during the growing season, especially when they are establishing roots in a new location. Generally, watering once a week with about one to two inches of water will suffice, depending on the soil conditions and climate. It's important to ensure that the soil drains well to prevent standing water, which can lead to root rot. During the hot summer months, you may need to increase the frequency to ensure the soil doesn't completely dry out, especially in dryer regions. In terms of volume, aim to provide at least 1 gallon of water per plant every week during active growth periods.

Light

Spuria Iris 'Lucky Devil' thrives best in full sunlight, which means it should receive at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. The best spot for this plant would be in an open area of the garden that is not shaded by trees or buildings during the day. They can tolerate partial shade, but flowering will be more prolific with ample sunlight.

Temperature

Spuria Iris 'Lucky Devil' can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, but they perform best in a temperature range between 55 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive minimum temperatures as low as 10 degrees Fahrenheit, while the maximum temperature is around 90 degrees Fahrenheit. It is important to protect them from prolonged temperatures outside this range to prevent stress or damage.

Pruning

Spuria Iris 'Lucky Devil' should be pruned to remove spent blooms and maintain a tidy appearance. Deadheading, or removing the spent flowers, encourages more blooms and prevents the plant from using energy to produce seed. The best time to prune is after the flowering period, usually in late spring or early summer. Cut back the flower stalks to the base, but leave the foliage intact to allow the plant to gather energy for the next growing season.

Cleaning

Not needed

Soil

Spuria Iris, commonly known as 'Lucky Devil', thrives best in a well-draining soil mix that can hold some moisture without becoming waterlogged. A blend of garden soil, coarse sand, and compost or well-rotted manure suits it well. The ideal pH for Spuria Irises ranges from slightly acidic to neutral, around pH 6.0 to 7.0.

Repotting

Spuria Irises, or 'Lucky Devils', generally do not require frequent repotting. They should be repotted or divided every 3 to 5 years to prevent overcrowding and to rejuvenate their growth. It's best to do this after the flowering period when the plants are dormant.

Humidity & Misting

Spuria Irises, known as 'Lucky Devils', prefer outdoor humidity conditions and do not have specific humidity requirements. They are adaptable and can tolerate the varying humidity levels typically found in the outdoor garden environment.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide full sun and well-draining soil for indoor Spuria Iris.

• Outdoor

  Spuria Iris need full sun, well-drained soil, and moderate water.

• Hardiness zone

  4-9 USDA

Life cycle

The 'Lucky Devil' Iris, a type of Spuria Iris, starts its life cycle when planted as a rhizome in well-draining soil, usually in late summer or early fall. After planting, roots and foliage begin to develop, and the plant enters a vegetative growth phase where leaves expand and photosynthesis allows it to gather energy. The iris typically undergoes a period of dormancy during the winter months, when above-ground foliage dies back. Come spring, new growth appears as temperatures rise, and the 'Lucky Devil' Iris prepares to enter its reproductive stage. The plant blooms in late spring to early summer, producing showy flowers on tall stalks that can attract pollinators and lead to the formation of seed pods if pollination is successful. After flowering, the plant slowly transitions back into the vegetative state and, if conditions allow, may bloom again in subsequent years, continuing its perennial cycle.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• The Iris 'Lucky Devil', known as the Spuria Iris, is typically propagated through division, which is best done in late summer after the plants have flowered and begun to go dormant. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the clump of irises, ensuring you keep as many roots intact as possible. Gently separate the rhizomes by pulling them apart by hand or cutting them with a sharp knife, making sure that each division has at least one set of leaves and a portion of the root system. Trim the leaves to about one-third of their original length to reduce water loss and replant the divisions at the same depth they were growing previously. It is essential to space the rhizomes about 1 to 2 feet apart to allow for growth and adequate air circulation. Water the newly planted divisions thoroughly to help establish them. This method allows gardeners to increase their stock of irises effectively and helps to rejuvenate older clumps that may have become overcrowded and less vigorous.