Brent Wilson · Gardenality Administrator · Zone 8A · 10° to 15° F · Comment About Planting
Louisiana irises are perfect for planting in the areas of the landscape in which the soil stays consistently wet or moist. They can also be planted in the edges of ponds and lakes and even in containers that are submerged in the garden pond. They prefer growing in a humus-rich, acid soil with a pH of 6.5 or below.

When planting a Louisiana iris in the ground, place the rhizome or top edge of root ball about 1 inch below ground level. Mix in some organic matter such as composted cow manure, mushroom compost, rotted leaves, or pine needles with the soil removed from the planting hole at a 50/50 ratio.

After planting and during the summer I suggest maintaining a 2 to 3 inch layer of pine straw or shredded wood mulch around Louisiana irises planted in garden soil. Mulching will keep the moisture in the ground and keep weeds from profusely growing. Much will also protect the rhizomes during the summer months when they prefer some protection from direct sun.

When planting in the edge of a lake, plant the root ball in the soil at the bottom allowing at least 4 inches of the foliage to remain above water.

When planting in the garden pond, line a container with several layers of newspaper to plug holes at bottom. Place root ball in container and fill container with native soil. Cover the top of the soil with medium size gravel or pea pebbles so fish will not disturb soil. Place pot in margin of garden pond allowing at least 4 inches of foliage to remain above water level.

Brent Wilson · Gardenality Administrator · Zone 8A · 10° to 15° F · Comment About Pruning
Flower stems can be removed when they have turned brown. Dead foliage can be removed when the plant has gone dormant. Plants can be divided every three or four years depending on how closely they were planted together. Given plenty of room to grow division is usually not necessary.

Brent Wilson · Gardenality Administrator · Zone 8A · 10° to 15° F · Comment About Feeding
Lousiana irises are heavy feeders. I fertilize ones growing in the garden with a well-balanced plant food when new growth begins to emerge in spring. I always use a natural or organic fertilizer. For ones growing in the garden pond, fertilize in the fall with a soluble fertilizer tablet and again in early spring.

Brent Wilson · Gardenality Administrator · Zone 8A · 10° to 15° F · Comment About Problems
I've seen no serious insect or disease problems on Louisiana iris.