‘Blue Suede Shoes’ iris captivates gardeners with its striking appearance and reblooming capabilities, making it a popular choice for adding vibrant color to garden spaces. Its distinctive visual appeal stands out in borders and beds.
Understanding Blue Suede Shoes Iris
The ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ iris is a Tall Bearded Iris (Iris germanica). It showcases large, ruffled blooms in a rich violet-blue or dark blue hue, giving the cultivar its name. A notable feature is the white-tipped, yellow beard on the lower petals, adding a contrasting highlight. This iris reaches a mature height of 36 to 39 inches. It flowers from mid to late spring and often reblooms in early to mid-fall.
Planting Blue Suede Shoes Iris
Successful establishment of ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ iris begins with careful site selection. This plant thrives in full sun, ideally at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. Well-drained soil is important for rhizome health, as standing water can lead to rot; loamy or sandy soil with a neutral to slightly acidic pH is suitable.
When preparing the planting site, ensure the soil drains freely. For very dry soils, incorporating well-rotted manure can improve conditions. The rhizomes, which are the fleshy, horizontal stems, should be planted at or just slightly below the soil surface, with the top part often left exposed to sunlight. Planting them too deeply can prevent flowering and increase susceptibility to rot.
Appropriate spacing between plants is important for air circulation and future growth, with rhizomes placed 12 to 24 inches apart. This spacing allows the plants room to expand and prevents overcrowding. After planting, water the area thoroughly to help settle the soil around the roots.
Caring for Blue Suede Shoes Iris
Ongoing care after planting helps ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ iris flourish and produce consistent blooms. While irises are relatively drought-tolerant once established, they benefit from regular watering, especially during their first growing season and dry periods in spring when blooming. Reducing water after the blooming period helps prevent issues, as overwatering can harm the rhizomes.
Fertilization supports strong growth and flowering; a low-nitrogen formula, such as a 5-10-10 ratio, is recommended. Apply fertilizer in early spring as new growth emerges, and consider a second application immediately after the spring bloom to replenish nutrients for the next flowering cycle. Avoid applying fertilizer directly onto the rhizomes, as this can cause burning, and refrain from fertilizing in late summer or fall, which could encourage tender new growth susceptible to cold damage.
Deadheading spent blooms redirects the plant’s energy from seed production into strengthening rhizomes and encouraging more flowers. To deadhead, snip off individual faded flowers behind the flowerhead, or remove the entire flower stem at its base once all blooms are finished. Maintaining a weed-free area around the plants helps prevent competition for nutrients and moisture.
Dividing overcrowded iris clumps every three to five years revitalizes the plants and improves bloom vigor. The best time for division is late summer or early fall, after the blooming period has concluded. When dividing, discard the older, spent rhizomes from the center of the clump and replant the healthy, younger outer sections. Trimming the foliage to about one-third of its height before replanting reduces stress on the newly divided sections and aids in establishment.
Addressing Common Blue Suede Shoes Iris Concerns
Gardeners may encounter common problems with ‘Blue Suede Shoes’ iris, including iris borers. These pinkish caterpillars tunnel through leaves and into rhizomes, causing visible damage like notched wounds or slimy, wet areas on foliage. Tunneling can introduce secondary bacterial and fungal infections, leading to rhizome decay.
Preventative measures for iris borers include sanitation, such as removing old iris leaves and garden debris in the fall where eggs might overwinter. In spring, inspecting plants for early signs of chewing allows for hand-crushing of larvae within the leaves. If an infestation occurs, beneficial nematodes can be applied to the soil, or specific insecticides may be used when leaves are 4 to 6 inches tall.
Bacterial soft rot is another concern, recognized by a foul-smelling, mushy decay of the rhizomes and leaf bases. Leaves may yellow, wilt, and easily pull away from the plant. This bacterial infection enters through wounds, which can be caused by iris borers, environmental damage, or improper deep planting. Poorly drained soil, high humidity, and overcrowded conditions can contribute to its development.
Addressing soft rot involves promptly removing all infected plant tissue and ensuring proper drainage. After removing diseased parts, allowing the rhizomes to dry in the sun before replanting can help. Disinfecting tools between cuts and planting iris rhizomes with their tops exposed to the sun are preventative steps.