Are you looking for the best way to water your iris flowers in Minnesota? If so, you've come to the right place. Loosening the soil to a depth of 12 to 15 inches and mixing it with compost or aged manure is the first step. Irises thrive in full sunlight, but can also do well in partial shade, with about six hours of sunlight per day. In areas of extreme heat and low water, a little shade is beneficial.When first planting irises, the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged.
You'll know when the roots have taken hold when the new central leaves come out, usually within two to four weeks. Once established, reduce watering until the winter or fall rains begin. During periods of drought (longer than three or four weeks), water them deeply every three or four weeks, depending on the temperature.In early spring, Mother Nature will usually provide enough rain or snow to keep your irises hydrated. However, if there is no rain or snow or high temperatures in the spring season, supplement irrigation every two weeks.
For irises that bloom again, they will need more water to develop stems and flowers in the summer and fall seasons.Irises are considered marginal aquatic plants, meaning they grow around the edges of water rather than in deep water. They can tolerate standing in up to four inches of water and can survive completely submerged for a short period, such as during a flood. They can also tolerate periods of drought, although they would prefer to stay consistently humid. Place a shallow layer of mulch around the plant to retain moisture if needed and water it thoroughly if the soil dries out.When planting irises, it's important to provide good drainage to prevent them from getting wet with their feet.
The Nordic Blue Flag (Iris versicolor) is a member of the iris family and is seen more frequently in the wild and grows in wetlands and coasts than in family gardens. When planting rhizomes of irises, wait at least three months before assuming they are dead.