Prefers moist acid soils with Ph levels at 5.0-6.5. Plant in full sun or partial shade.
Irises grow from thick, underground stems, called rhizomes, that store food produced by the leaves. Rhizomes grow slightly below the surface of the ground or at ground level. Many small roots penetrate the soil deeply. Each year, off-shoots develop from the original rhizome. These off-shoots may be divided and transplanted to grow new irises. Irises grown from rhizomes should bloom the next spring after planting. Irises may also be grown from seed.

The planting procedure is the same whether planting a new plant or division. Cultivate the soil 12-18 inches deep and mix in composted organic material. Dig a shallow hole large enough to receive the rhizome or clump of rhizomes you are planting. Form a cone of earth in the center of the hole for the planting base. Adjust the height of the cone, or planting depth, so that the rhizome is just beneath the soil's surface. Place the rhizome on the cone, parallel with the ground surface. Carefully spread the roots around the cone. Do not wad the roots together. Fill the hole with soil and press it firmly in place around the rhizome.
Water immediately, thoroughly soaking soil around the roots. To obtain a good display of iris color, use at least 3 rhizomes of the same variety in a triangle or pattern that alternates plants in rows. Plant rhizomes about 18 inches apart. Point each fan of leaves away from others in the group. If you want to produce masses of flowers quickly, plant undivided rhizome clumps or set 3 individual rhizomes 8-10 inches apart. Before replanting a full grown iris, cut leaves to 1/3 their full height.
 

Water plants often enough before blooming time to keep soil moist but not wet. Remove weeds and grass around the rhizomes. Before plants bloom, loosen the surface soil with a hoe or hand cultivator. Be careful not to injure the rhizomes or the roots. Cut flowers as soon as they fade, unless you want seeds. Plants that are growing well with good green foliage usually do not need fertilizer. If you use fertilizer, apply it immediately after the plants bloom. Work it into the soil around the base of the plants. Use about ½ cup of 5-10-5 fertilizer for 6 small plants or about 1 cup for a large iris clump. In early fall, cut leaves to 6-8 inches from the ground.