30
from heavier, and more frequent,
applications of fertilizers than
most other types of irises.
Applying concentrated water-soluble
products with a hose-end
sprayer is a quick and easy way
to do this. Spring applications
should begin 4 to 6 weeks prior to
anticipated emergence of flower
stalks. Use balanced fertilizers in
spring, with sufficient nitrogen in
the fertilizer mix. Once bloom
stalks emerge, stop fertilizing.
(LA irises normally start
blooming about two weeks after
Tall Bearded irises.) Digging in
solid fertilizers around plants is a
laborious job and can damage
roots and rhizomes. Acid forming
fertilizers (such as for Azaleas)
are available. Fall fertilization
(lower nitrogen, and higher phos-phate)
should be based on the av-erage
first freeze date for your
area. As with planting, stop fertil-izing
3 to 4 weeks before this
date. New plantings can be lightly
fertilized once before winter sets
in (preferably low-nitrogen, low-phosphorus,
low-potash), but only
after appreciable new growth has
begun.
PACIFIC COAST IRIS CULTURE
Jay Hudson
Pacific Coast Iris,
commonly called PCNs, PCIs, or
Pacificas, are members of the Se-ries
Californicae. They contain
many species which are all native
to the western coast of the United
States from the coastal regions to
the inland mountains. Their forms
are usually small and compact
with a range of height 6 to 24
inches, although some species will
reach a height up to 36 inches.
Most varieties are evergreen and
grow in full sun along the coast, but
prefer slightly shaded areas in