Siberian Iris Strawberry Fair

Bare rooted - Siberian iris Strawberry Fair - $8
 
These irises have a delicate beauty about them but they are very hardy and easy to grow. They are a clump forming perianal that grows between 60 and 90cm with a mature plant capable of producing many flower stems. Flowering starts in spring and continues to early summer. They prefer a sunny position but can handle some shade and well drained soil that is more on the acidic side. Siberian Irises can handle some dryness but it is best to keep them well watered during hot summers and in their first year of being transplanted. Maintenance is simple, remove dead foliage in autumn and mulch. This is also a good time to fertilise with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer and again in spring (but not in the first year of transplanting). To extend your flowering period, select a mixture of early and late flowering varieties.
 
How to Harvest Iris Flowers
 
Harvest your flowers early in the day. Choose buds that are just beginning to open rather than flowers that are fully open. These buds will open within a few hours with the rest of the buds on the stem opening over the next couple of days. Place your flowers in a bucket of tepid water until you are ready to create your arrangement. When you are ready to arrange the iris flowers, re-cut the stems about 2cm above the original cut at an angle under water. Remove spent flowers immediately. Take care as some irises colours will bled and can stain. Check the water level of your vase often and top up as required. Replace water and recut stems every second or third day. Place your vase in an area that is cool and away from direct sunlight and drafts.