The ‘Frimousse’ Iris, a captivating Tall Bearded Iris, is popular among gardeners for its unique and vibrant appearance. This variety adds distinct visual appeal to any garden, making it a favorite for introducing striking color and form. Its attributes make it a focal point in diverse landscape designs.
Understanding Frimousse Iris
The ‘Frimousse’ Iris (Iris germanica ‘Frimousse’) features a distinctive color combination. Its blooms have peach-colored standards (upright petals) contrasted with broad, rippling raspberry falls (hanging petals). A bright tangerine or rust-orange beard runs down the center of each fall, enhancing its visual depth.
This Tall Bearded Iris blooms in mid to late spring. It reaches a mature height of 30 to 34 inches, making it a prominent vertical element in garden beds. Hybridized by Cayeux in France in 2000, ‘Frimousse’ Iris is known for its ability to withstand tough growing conditions.
Planting Frimousse Iris
Optimal planting time for ‘Frimousse’ Iris rhizomes is late summer to early fall (July to September). This allows rhizomes time to establish a robust root system before winter. Container-grown iris can be planted in spring.
Select a site with full sun, at least six hours daily, for vigorous growth and abundant flowering. While ‘Frimousse’ tolerates partial shade, insufficient light reduces blooming. Well-draining soil is crucial to prevent rhizome rot; amend heavy clay soils with organic matter like compost to improve drainage.
When planting, prepare a shallow hole with a small soil mound in the center. Position the rhizome on this mound, spreading roots around it, ensuring the top remains slightly exposed or just below the soil surface.
For mass planting, space rhizomes 8 to 10 inches apart, or 16 to 18 inches for single rhizomes, allowing good air circulation. After planting, firm the soil and water thoroughly.
Ongoing Care for Frimousse Iris
Consistent watering is important for ‘Frimousse’ Iris, especially during dry periods and after initial planting. Established bearded irises are generally drought tolerant. Allow the top two to three inches of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent overwatering and rhizome rot. Watering deeply encourages robust root development.
Fertilization can support healthy growth. If fertilizing, apply a low-nitrogen fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-10 or 6-10-10) after spring flowering. Apply fertilizer around the plant, avoiding direct contact with rhizomes to prevent burning.
Deadheading, the removal of spent blooms, benefits ‘Frimousse’ Iris by redirecting energy to strengthening the rhizome and potentially extending the bloom period. Once all blooms on a stalk fade, cut the entire stalk down to its base, about an inch or two above the rhizome. This improves air circulation and reduces disease risk.
Division is important for maintaining vigor and bloom production, recommended every three to five years when clumps become overcrowded. The best time to divide is four to six weeks after flowering, typically late summer to early fall. When dividing, lift the clump, wash off excess soil, and cut rhizomes into sections. Each section needs at least one healthy fan of leaves and firm roots. Discard older, unproductive, or diseased rhizomes.
Addressing Common Issues
A common issue with iris is a lack of blooms. This can result from insufficient sunlight (less than six hours daily), overcrowding of rhizomes, or improper planting depth (burying rhizomes too deeply). Overcrowding inhibits bloom production as the plant focuses energy on multiplying.
Rhizome rot is another frequent problem, identified by soft, mushy, foul-smelling rhizomes. It is caused by excessive moisture and poor soil drainage. Prevent rot by ensuring well-draining soil and avoiding overwatering. If rot is present, dig up the affected plant, cut away diseased portions, and allow the healthy rhizome to dry for a day before replanting in well-drained soil.
Iris borers are a notable pest. These larvae bore into leaves and rhizomes, causing damage and often leading to bacterial soft rot. Signs of borer activity include dark, water-soaked streaks on leaves. Cultural control is effective: remove and destroy old iris foliage in late fall or early spring to eliminate overwintering borer eggs. Inspect plants in spring for early signs of borers and crush them within the leaves to manage infestations.