Iris

Plant rhizomes in July or August so they establish before winter. Set the rhizome on the soil surface with roots spread below — the top must be exposed to the sun to bake. This is essential; buried rhizomes flower poorly and are prone to rot. Space 30-45 cm apart. Choose the hottest, most sheltered spot in the garden. Avoid mulching over the rhizome. Feed with a low-nitrogen, high-potash fertiliser in spring and again after flowering. Water only during prolonged dry spells. After flowering, cut the stem to the base but leave the fan of foliage intact. Trim leaves to a 15 cm fan shape in late summer to reduce wind rock and keep borders tidy. Divide congested clumps every three to four years immediately after flowering.

Cut spent flower stems to the base. Trim leaf fans to 15 cm in late summer. Remove any dead or damaged leaves throughout the growing season. Do not cut back foliage completely.