English Charm Iris is a delightful addition to landscapes, known for its captivating appearance and reblooming capabilities. This variety offers a unique color palette and robust nature. It provides extended periods of vibrant color and a pleasant fragrance to any outdoor space.
Understanding English Charm Iris
The ‘English Charm’ Iris (Iris germanica ‘English Charm’) is a Tall Bearded Iris, typically reaching 34 inches tall. Its 5-inch flowers feature a distinctive color combination: creamy standards with peach tones, and ruffled apricot falls accented by tangerine beards and creamy edges.
This iris reblooms, offering a first flush of blooms in mid to late spring and a second show from late summer into early fall. The flowers also emit a light, vanilla-like scent.
Planting English Charm Iris
English Charm Iris thrives in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal blooming. While they can tolerate some partial shade, insufficient light may reduce flower production. Good air circulation is also beneficial, helping to prevent disease.
Well-draining soil is crucial for iris rhizomes, as they are susceptible to rot in waterlogged conditions. This iris tolerates a range of soil types, including acidic, clay, loamy, and sandy soils, but prefers a slightly acidic to neutral pH. For heavy clay or very sandy soils, amending with organic matter or coarse sand can improve drainage and fertility.
When planting, place the rhizome shallowly, with its top half exposed or just barely covered by soil. This shallow planting is important for blooming and preventing rot, as the rhizome needs sun exposure to form flower cells. Space plants 18 to 24 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and future growth. The ideal planting window is late summer to early fall, allowing the plant to establish roots before winter.
Ongoing Care for English Charm Iris
Established English Charm Iris requires average watering, especially during dry periods and immediately after planting. Water regularly without overwatering, as excessive moisture can lead to rhizome rot.
Fertilize once a year, typically in spring, using a low-nitrogen formula (e.g., NPK 5-10-10). Too much nitrogen can promote lush foliage at the expense of blooms. Keep the area around rhizomes free of weeds, as they compete for water and nutrients.
Deadheading, or removing spent flower stems, encourages new blooms and maintains overall vigor. In late fall, cut back foliage to 6-inch fans and clean up plant debris to prevent pests from overwintering. In colder climates, a light layer of mulch can protect rhizomes during winter, but remove it in early spring before new growth begins. Divide overcrowded iris clumps every three to five years after blooming, generally in late summer, to revitalize the plant and promote continued flowering.
Common Challenges with English Charm Iris
Common issues when growing English Charm Iris include pests and diseases. Iris borers are a notable pest, with larvae tunneling into rhizomes, potentially leading to bacterial soft rot. Slugs and aphids can also affect irises, though these are often less damaging. Cleaning up plant debris in the fall helps deter borers.
Bacterial soft rot, identified by mushy rhizomes, is often caused by poor drainage or deep planting. If detected, carefully scrape away affected parts and treat the area with a diluted bleach solution. Leaf spot, a fungal disease, appears as brown spots on foliage, especially in humid conditions. Ensure good air circulation and remove affected leaves to manage this issue.
A lack of blooms has several potential causes. These include planting rhizomes too deep, insufficient sunlight (less than six hours daily), or overcrowding of the plant. An imbalance in nutrients, particularly too much nitrogen, can also inhibit flowering. Addressing these conditions, such as correcting planting depth, ensuring adequate sun exposure, dividing overcrowded clumps, and using appropriate fertilizer, can encourage abundant flowering.