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The genus Iris is named for the Greek goddess of the rainbow.

Iris means rainbow, and this is because irises come in so many colors: blues and purples, whites and yellows, pinks and oranges, browns and reds, and even blacks. It’s an intoxicating experience to visit a bearded iris garden in flower.

Both Bearded and Beardless Iris grow well in northern temperate zones. Individual plants will flower for a week or two, with careful planning and a selection of early-, mid- and late-blooming varieties, you can stretch the bearded bloom season to about eight weeks, This perennial needs six hours of full sun daily and light, well-drained soil. If you have clay soil, lighten its texture by adding plenty of coarse sand and compost or composted manure. Gently remove from pot; do not disturb roots. They are also extremely drought tolerant, good for areas with little or no summer rains. Bearded irises are not actually bulbs, but rhizomes, a kind of thick brown root. The rhizome can remain out of the ground for a week or two without serious harm, but the sooner it is planted, the better. Hardy in zones 3-9.

After flowering cut or snap off each flower like stalk at the base, remove brown or withered leaves (new ones will form). Tn the fall rake up all dead leaves as they can harbour pests and disease.  Split and replant irises every three to four years to promote flowering; this is also the easiest way to propagate them.

Properties and benefits of Iris

Iris flowers and leaves contain vitamin C in quantities of 1 to 4%. Therefore the herb is used in the perfume and cosmetics industry. Iris can present itself under various forms. Yellow iris is used for treating affections such as dandruff, wounds, being an excellent diuretic and tonic. Iris is also used in affections such as  asthma, bronchitis, rheumatism or cough, being a good capillary tonic. For treating acne, iris flower compresses are used 2-3 times a day for 15 minutes. Fragments of rhizomes can be given to babies to chew in order to help with teething.
(Please consult a medical professional and/or do your own research prior to use)

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