The Ocelot Iris is a captivating addition to any garden, known for its distinct appearance and visual interest.
Understanding the Ocelot Iris
The Ocelot Iris, botanically Iris germanica ‘Ocelot’, is a Tall Bearded Iris variety. Its name reflects the ocelot’s distinctive patterning. This iris features peachy-salmon standards (upright petals) and rich plum or dark velvety burgundy-violet falls (drooping petals). Bright tangerine or apricot beards, fuzzy growths at the base of the falls, provide striking contrast. The blossoms are notably ruffled, making the Ocelot Iris visually stand out.
Planting and Growing Ocelot Iris
Cultivating Ocelot Iris begins with selecting an appropriate planting site. This iris thrives in full sun, though optimal flowering and disease resistance occur in full sun. It performs best in humus-rich, well-drained soil, as good drainage is crucial to prevent rot.
The ideal time to plant Ocelot Iris rhizomes is typically July through September. For container-grown plants, spring is also suitable. Space rhizomes 18 to 24 inches apart for adequate growth and air circulation. Initial watering after planting helps establish the plant.
Once established, Ocelot Irises require moderate to low moisture. Consistent, non-excessive watering during initial growth encourages root development. They become drought tolerant once roots are well-developed.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Once established, Ocelot Irises have moderate watering needs. They are drought-tolerant, so frequent watering is unnecessary unless in prolonged dry periods. Overwatering can lead to rhizome rot, so allow the top two to three inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Deep, less frequent watering is preferable to shallow, daily applications, encouraging deeper root growth.
Regular fertilization supports robust growth and prolific blooming. Apply a low-nitrogen, balanced fertilizer (e.g., 6-10-10 or 5-10-10) in early spring, six to eight weeks before expected bloom. A second, lighter application can follow about a month after spring blooms finish. Sprinkle fertilizer around the rhizome, avoiding direct contact with the plant.
Deadheading spent blooms redirects energy from seed production to rhizome strengthening, potentially extending flowering. This also maintains tidiness and promotes air circulation, reducing disease risk. Cut spent flower stems down into the foliage, leaving healthy leaves for photosynthesis and energy storage.
Over time, Ocelot Iris clumps can become overcrowded, leading to diminished flowering. Dividing rhizomes every three to five years rejuvenates plants and maintains vigor. The optimal time for division is late summer, usually around August, after the blooming season. In autumn, as foliage withers, trim it back to about six inches from the ground to prevent overwintering pests and diseases.
For Ocelot Irises, hardy in USDA zones 3 through 9, winter care is generally straightforward. In regions with harsh winters, a light mulch of coarse sand, evergreen boughs, or arborist chips after the ground freezes can provide additional protection. Remove excess mulch in early spring to prevent moisture accumulation around rhizomes, which could encourage rot.
Common Issues and Solutions
Yellowing Leaves
Ocelot Iris growers may encounter yellowing leaves, signaling various underlying problems. Overwatering is a frequent culprit, as waterlogged soil can lead to root rot and deprive roots of oxygen. Insufficient watering can also cause leaves to yellow due to dehydration stress. Imbalances in soil pH or nutrient deficiencies, such as a lack of nitrogen or phosphorus, can also manifest as discolored foliage.
Failure to Bloom
A common concern is when irises fail to bloom. This can be attributed to overcrowding, where rhizomes become too dense and compete for resources. Insufficient sunlight (less than six hours of direct sun daily) can also hinder flower production. Additionally, planting rhizomes too deeply, poor soil fertility, or environmental stressors like excessive heat or late spring frosts can prevent blooming.
Pests
Pests can affect Ocelot Irises. Slugs and snails damage newly planted specimens and seedlings, managed through hand-picking, beer traps, or beneficial nematodes. Aphids may colonize new growth, but are typically controlled with insecticidal soap sprays or by encouraging natural predators like ladybugs.
The iris borer is a more serious pest. Larvae hatch in spring and tunnel into leaves, eventually reaching and consuming rhizomes, often leading to secondary infections. Removing garden debris in fall, inspecting plants for tunneling signs, and using systemic insecticides can help manage borer populations.
Diseases
Ocelot Irises are susceptible to a few diseases, with bacterial soft rot being a primary concern. This bacterial infection causes rhizomes to become mushy and foul-smelling, often leading to plant collapse. It typically enters through wounds, often created by iris borers, and thrives in warm, moist conditions. Affected plants should have all infected tissue removed, and the rhizome dried in the sun before replanting in a new location, ensuring tools are disinfected.
Other diseases include leaf spot, characterized by irregular brown spots with yellow margins on foliage, and rust, which presents as brown spots on leaves. Both can be managed through good garden sanitation, proper plant spacing for air circulation, and avoiding overhead irrigation. Scorch is a less common but serious issue where leaves turn orange-red and brown from the tip, for which there is no known cure, requiring removal of affected plants to prevent spread.