[Summit] Tuesday curb alert: Siberian Iris

[Karen Klingon]

Hello All,

My friend Susan Werner, who lives on the East Side, has asked me to  
post the following for her.

Karen
Chace Drive

SIBERIAN IRIS CURB ALERT--TUESDAY AT 7:30 AM

I have Siberian iris to give away.  They are in large chunks in  
plastic bags, and I will put them on the
curb in front of 67 Upton Ave on Tuesday 13 April AM about 7:30 AM.   
First come,
first served.
They are of unknown species, but similar to "Caesar's Brother",  
although not as tall, and with wider foliage.  They stand about 18 to  
24" tall, and are dark purple, blooming late May or early June.  They  
will do well in full sun or part sun, and once established are drought  
tolerant, and need no special care.
If you are not familiar with Siberian iris, here are my suggestions:
Separate the chunks into small pieces to plant -- a sharp trowel may  
work, but I use an small hand saw which I have dedicated to the  
garden. Make sure each piece has some root system with it. Plant the  
chunks 10 to 15 inches apart.  Mulch between the iris for week  
control, although once your iris bed is established, no weeds will  
grow in it -- the foliage is that dense.  Water as necessary the first  
year; after that, it is unlikely the iris will need it.  After bloom,  
I usually deadhead, but if I don't get to it, it doesn't seem to  
matter much. This iris produces foliage which stays nice all summer;  
once it starts to turn yellow and flop over, you can cut it back to  
the ground.  I try to remember to put mulch or compost down on the  
iris bed every few years, but I'm not systematic, and I have lovely  
blooms every year.  Separate the plants when the center of each clump  
begins to open up, or when you get around to it.  However, the only  
time you can do it
is when the soil is soft in the spring!  (Unless you have Herculean  
strength.)
I originally got these beautiful plants from my cousin on the East  
Side, so unless someone can identify them, my vote is to call them  
"East Side Caesar".
Enjoy!

Susan Werner & Tom Mills