Irises are a beautiful addition to any garden, and they are relatively easy to grow in Minnesota. However, they do require some specific conditions in order to thrive. In particular, they need well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. The most common variety of iris is the bearded iris, which grows 18 to 36 inches tall.
These flowers need at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight a day in order to bloom properly. While they can tolerate as little as half a day of sun, this is not ideal and will result in fewer blooms. It is also important to ensure that other plants do not shade the irises, as they do best when planted in their own special bed. When planting irises, it is important to make sure that the soil is well-drained.
Poorly drained soil can cause a number of problems for the plants, including bacterial infections and fungal infections of rhizomes and leaf spots. To avoid these issues, it is best to provide good drainage and avoid getting the irises wet with their feet. When planting irises in Minnesota, it is also important to consider the timing. Irises have a short flowering period, so it is best to plant them in the middle of a perennial garden where plants that bloom later can hide the iris foliage.
This will help ensure that the flowers get the most sunlight possible and will also help them look their best for longer.