Care & Maintenance
How to care for your Daylilies, Hostas, and Irises
Our Care Guides
May to June Blooming
1. Grow in sun to partial shade. Six hours of sun is best.
2. Keep them well watered especially in spring and summer. It is best to grow Japanese Iris in a location watered by an irrigation system with at least an every other day cycle.
3. Planting in a slight depression helps catch and hold water.
4. Mulch plants to conserve water and control weeds.
5. Japanese Iris prefer rich soil with ample organic matter and slightly acid soil. (Ideally between 5.5 to 6.5). DO NOT use lime, mushroom compost or bone meal.
6. Great in perennial borders or by pond, stream or water feature. Do not plant in standing water.
7. Heavy feeders. Fertilize in early spring and just before bloom with a balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10.
8. Plant rhizome 2-3 inches deep and 18 inches to 24 inches apart. Divide every 4 to 5 years in August or September. Replant with 3 to 5 divisions but not in the exact same location as prior year(s).
1. Hostas need a fertile soil that is moist but well drained.
2. Grow in shade or partial shade. In partial shade morning sun is best. Avoid mid day and late afternoon sun.
3. Hosta beds will greatly benefit from the addition of organic matter such as compost, rotted manure, rotted sawdust, composted and shredded leaves, peat moss and mushroom compost.
4. Provide ample moisture. At least 1-2 inches a week in the growing season. Water in the morning. Overhead irrigation is not ideal. Drip or hand watering is best.
5. Hostas are heavy feeders. We recommend using a time release fertilizer just as the plants emerge in early spring OR an application of 10-10-10 in March and again in late June. Do not fertilize after late July.
6. Hostas do not need to be frequently divided. The less frequently they are divided the more their mature beauty can be enjoyed. It is best to divide them in early spring when the foliage is just beginning to emerge.
7. Hostas are excellent plants for container gardening as long as the pot provides excellent drainage.
May to June Blooming
1. Most daylilies do best in full sun. Plant them in a location that will get at least six hours of sun.
2. Do not plant close to trees that will rob plants of moisture and limit growth and bloom.
3. After transplanting water plants daily for the first week. Daylilies benefit greatly from adequate moisture weekly. Water at least three times per week in the spring and summer.
4. Any good garden soil is appropriate for growing daylilies. If you have clay or sandy soil add compost, humus and/or peat moss.
5. A mulch of pine bark or pine straw is recommended to conserve moisture and control weeds.
6. Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer in March and again in late August.
7. Cut back foliage in the fall or winter to within two inches of the ground.
Late May and June Blooming
1. Grow in sun to partial shade. Five to six hours of sun is best. In SC some afternoon shade is beneficial.
2. Siberian Iris can tolerate a wide range of soils but thrive in a moist, rich and slightly acid soil (6.0 – 7.0).
3. Plant Siberians about 1- 2 inches deep and mulch with ground bark or pine straw. 2 inches in sandy soils.
4. Water well in the spring and just after planting. Provide an inch of water per week during the summer and early fall. Established clumps can, however tolerate drought for a short time.
5. Clumps of Siberian Iris do not need frequent dividing. Your best bloom will be on plants that are 2-6 years old. When needed divide in early fall. Plant 2-4 fan divisions and always keep divisions moist when out of the ground.
6. It is a good idea to remove spent bloom stalks both for garden appearance and to prevent reseeding. Cut foliage back to two inches in fall.
7. Fertilize with a well balanced fertilizer such as 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 right after bloom.