Overwintering Siberian Irises?

20 years ago

I received a couple starts of Siberian Irises in a trade this past summer. One is growing well, and the other, I believe have been trampled upon by my dogs, but it's finally showing a bit of new growth.

Now that winter is fast approaching, what should I do with them to help them through it? I've read that you should cut them down to 6-8 inches, (the one is only about 2-3 inches tall!) and to mulch them after spraying with a fungicide and insecticide. How important is the fungicide and insecticide? Do I 'bury' them completely with mulch?

I really love the look of them and hoping that I can keep them alive to see blooms next season, so any suggestions?

Thanks!

Cathy

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Comments (2)

hidnacrz
20 years ago
Cathy:
You do not need any fungicide or insecticide unless you have a pest or disease problem, which is not likely with siberians. One to two inches of mulch is sufficient for their first winter, after that you need not even mulch. Don't bury them, let the leaves stick out. You do not need to clip the newest foliage, only the older leaves. (The one that is 3" does not need trimmed.)

We grow about 150 siberians and have few problems with them.

John
Zone 5b SW Ohio
woodenzoo
Original Author
20 years ago
Thanks John!
I really didn't want to have to go out and buy those 'cides if I didn't really need them. And your overwintering explanation is so much easier to understand than that webpage I had been looking at.
Thanks again!
Cathy
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