Planting advice for bearded Iris, please.

soulboy

I recently treated myself to a couple of bearded irises. I've grown dutch irises before but not these. I remember from an old GW programme that Monty said that the corms should be exposed to the sun.

I researched planting and care for them over the last week and it appears there are two types, with a corm, and rhizomatous. Some websites suggest that corms and rhizomes are the same while others state a difference though it seems that to me that there is a clear difference.

I've also read that in more northern climates (I live in Sheffield) those with corms shouldn't be exposed, although the last time it went below -5C here was in 2010.

So, I'm hoping someone with experience and knowledge of these plants will help me before I put them in the ground. They're going to be in an east-facing garden. The two varieties I bought are Germanica 'Black Dragon' and Germanica senlac.

I haven't opened the packaging yet but I'm eager to get them in the ground.

purplerallim

I'm only an hour away from you @soulboy and @Eglantyne is right they do fine here. Just make sure when planting that the leaves( or area that looks like they come from) is pointing away from the sun leaving the corm in direct sunlight. It does seem odd to leave the plant virtually laying on top but that's what it needs, then the rest of the time it's just ensuring it is clear of other plants/leaf drop and when it flowers that it doesn't get too top heavy and pull itself over( I usually give it a cane to tie onto) hope this helps.🙂

Bijdezee

Yes, they do much better with a good baking in the sun. Mine were set too deep and I moved them and planted them much shallower and they are flowering nicely now. 

soulboy

Thank you all for your advice. Much appreciated.