Iris Iris 'Vinho Verde' (IB)

Water

Bearded Irises, such as the 'Vinho Verde', prefer not to sit in waterlogged soil, so it's important to water them appropriately. They should be watered deeply but infrequently to encourage deep root growth. During the growing season, especially in the absence of rainfall, provide them with about an inch of water per week. After they have finished blooming, you can reduce the frequency of watering. Always avoid overhead watering to prevent issues with rot, and instead, water at soil level. During the hotter, drier weeks, you may need to water twice a week, but don't exceed more than a couple of gallons per week unless the weather is extremely dry.

Light

Bearded Iris plants like 'Vinho Verde' thrive best in full sun. They require at least six hours of direct sunlight per day to perform well. Place them in a spot in the garden that is exposed to the full sun to encourage robust growth and optimal blooming. They can tolerate partial shade, especially in hotter climates, but fewer hours of sunlight may lead to reduced flowering. Avoid heavy shade as it can significantly hamper the health and blooming of the Iris.

Temperature

Bearded Iris plants such as 'Vinho Verde' are quite hardy and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures. They can survive in temperatures as low as 5°F during dormancy in the winter. During the growing season, they prefer temperatures between 55°F and 75°F. It's important to ensure that the Irises are not exposed to prolonged periods above 90°F without adequate moisture, as extreme heat can affect their growth and flowering.

Pruning

Bearded Irises such as 'Vinho Verde' should be pruned to maintain plant health and encourage future blooms. Cutting back the flower stems to their base after blooming helps to direct energy back into the rhizome for next year's growth. Remove any brown or damaged leaves throughout the season to prevent disease spread. The best time for more extensive pruning is in late summer when you can cut back the foliage to about six inches in height. This is also a good time for dividing the rhizomes if the clumps have become too crowded.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

The best soil mix for the Iris 'Vinho Verde' is well-draining, humus-rich, and slightly acidic to neutral with a pH of 6.5 to 7.0. A mix of loamy garden soil, peat, and sharp sand or perlite is recommended to ensure proper drainage and aeration for the iris rhizomes.

Repotting

Bearded Iris 'Vinho Verde' typically does not need frequent repotting and can be left undisturbed for several years. Repot or divide the irises every 3 to 5 years in late summer after blooming to maintain vigor and to prevent overcrowding.

Humidity & Misting

The Bearded Iris 'Vinho Verde' prefers average outdoor humidity levels and does not require any special humidity considerations. Avoiding excessive humidity is important to prevent rhizome rot.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Provide bright light and good air circulation for indoor growing.

• Outdoor

  Plant in sunny spot, ensure well-draining soil, and water moderately.

• Hardiness zone

  3-9 USDA

Life cycle

Iris 'Vinho Verde' begins as a rhizome which, when planted in early to mid-spring, will sprout linear, green leaves. As the rhizome establishes in well-drained soil with moderate sunlight, the leaves will grow and the plant will enter into a vegetative state, storing energy for bloom. Typically, by late spring to early summer, the plant will produce tall flower stalks, culminating in distinctive blooms that vary in color with a wine-greenish tint, hence the name 'Vinho Verde'. After flowering, the plant will go into a post-blooming phase where seeds may develop in pods if the flowers were pollinated, though propagation is usually through division of rhizomes. Once the flowering is complete, the foliage remains but may begin to die back as the plant enters dormancy, especially in colder climates, conserving energy within the rhizome. The cycle repeats with renewed growth from the rhizome the following spring, with the potential to divide and spread if the growing conditions are favorable.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Propogation: The most popular method of propagating Iris 'Vinho Verde', commonly referred to as Bearded Iris, is by division. This method typically takes place in late summer, after the blooming period has ended and ideally in July, August, or September when the plant is dormant. To propagate by division, one should carefully dig up the rhizomes with a garden fork or shovel, shaking off excess dirt. The rhizomes should be inspected, and any that are old or soft should be discarded. Healthy rhizomes are then cut into pieces using a sharp knife, ensuring that each piece has at least one fan of leaves and a portion of the roots. The leaves should be trimmed to about one third of their original height, or about 4 to 6 inches (10 to 15 centimeters), to prevent water loss while the rhizome reestablishes. Finally, the divisions should be replanted in well-drained soil, spacing them about 12 to 24 inches (30 to 60 centimeters) apart to allow for adequate growth and airflow.