related plantS Iris sibirica ‘Baby
Sister’ is a violet-blue dwarf form
reaching 16 in. Good standard-sized
Siberian irises include ‘Butter and
Sugar’ (yellow and white), ‘Caesar’s
Brother’ (deep violet-blue), ‘Super Ego’
(light blue), and ‘White Swirl’ (white).
Iris Louisiana hybrids (zones 4–9)
are composed of 5 iris species native to
the Gulf Coast. These hybrids come in
a rainbow of colors and are easy to
grow, provided ample water can be
supplied and the soil is on the acid
side. They prefer full sun, though
afternoon shade is a good idea in hot
climates. Louisiana irises can be
grown in up to 6 in. of standing water
as well as in ordinary garden beds that
are regularly irrigated and deeply
mulched. The plants may go dormant
in summer after blooming in late
spring or early summer, in which case
any yellowed foliage may be pruned
away. They are heavy feeders and
benefit from an application of a
balanced organic fertilizer once in the
fall and again in early spring; they
make their fastest growth in fall and
winter, weather permitting. Division
may be necessary every 3 or 4 years
and is best done in August or Septem-
ber. Deadheading will not cause
additional flowers to form, but
preventing plants from setting seed
will redirect energy into stronger
growth. They top out at 3–4 ft. in
height. Some of the more popular
selections include ‘Ann Chowning’
(red), ‘Black Gamecock’ (black-purple),
‘Brushfire Moon’ (yellow), and ‘Geisha
Eyes’ (blue-lavender). Iris borers and
slugs may be troublesome.
Iris spuria, butterfly iris (zones 4–8),
is a good one for dry-summer climates.
It goes dormant in summer and wants
no water then, though it likes regular
moisture during the rest of the year,
sweet soil, regular feeding, full sun,
and a topping of mulch. It can grow
anywhere from 3 to 5 ft. tall and
blooms in late spring or early summer.
The sturdy stems do not need staking.
Deadhead to direct energy into root
growth rather than seeds. Space newplants at least 3 ft. apart and do not
disturb clumps; division isn’t neces-
sary for 10 years or more but can be
accomplished in August or September
if desired. Watch for borers and slugs.Kirengeshoma palmata
yellow wax bells
hydrangeaceae
Pale yellow, bell-shaped flowers; sycamore-
like, light to medium green leaves that turn
gold in fall
3–4 ft. high; 2–3 ft. wide
Part shade–full shade
Blooms August–September
Zones 5–8pruning No pruning is needed
during the growing season. In fact,
you might want to leave your pruners
in the shed until spring for this plant,
because the curious 3-horned seed
capsules contribute winter interest to
the garden.
other maintenance
Kirengeshoma palmata is a bushy,
shade-loving Japanese and KoreanKirengeshoma palmata