Useful tips

How to condition Iris

The Iris is one of the most eye catching spring flowers.  It stands tall with its three elegant up right petals and three hanging ones.

The life span & vase life of the Iris has definitely been enhanced as a result of pre-treatment by  growers.

Iris come in many shades of blue, from very pale blue to a darker steel blue & lilac.   There are also yellow, white and mixed colour irises.

Conditioning your Iris

Cut 3-5 cm off the end of the stems.

Place  in clean buckets or vases with fresh clean water.

Add a preservative specially designed for bulb flowers. This food ensures that the flowers open properly and have a good vase life.

Do no allow the flowers to become damp as a result of excessive humidity or condensation. This will encourage botrytis.

Irises can be stored in the cold store at 2°C, preferably upright in order to prevent them growing crooked.  

Always remove leaves that will be under the water.

Do not place irises in a draught, in full sun or near central heating. Do not place the flowers near a fruit bowl either: fruit produces ethylene gases which cause the flowers to age rapidly.

The meaning of the Iris

Iris represent faith, hope, courage, wisdom and admiration. Specific flower colors attach further meanings to the pretty blooms. Purple iris brings a message of wisdom and compliments, while a bouquet of blue iris blossoms speak of hope and faith.