Iris Champagne Frost

The Champagne Frost iris should be planted shallowly, with the rhizome exposed at ground level. Add sand if the soil is too heavy or wet, and place the rhizomes on small mounds. Ensure good drainage to prevent the iris from rotting. During summer, this iris should be watered 1 to 2 times a month. After flowering, cut the flower stalks to 10 cm (4in) from the ground. Damaged leaves should only be removed in autumn. Do not apply too much nitrogen as it weakens the plant and increases the number of leaves at the expense of flowers. Taller flower stems can become brittle. Iris can be susceptible to heterosporiosis, a disease identifiable by oval brown spots. To prevent it, treat the iris with Bordeaux mixture at the beginning of the growing season. Divide the clumps every 4 years in summer after flowering by pulling up the entire plant. Take the most beautiful young plants from the rhizome, usually those on the outer edge, and transplant them to an area which has had no Irises for at least a year.