Grow & Care

Louisiana irises are easy to grow. They prefer sun and a boggy location, but they can be grown in elevated beds. For information on how to grow in your climate zone, see the articles in the "How to Grow Louisiana irises" section. The articles were included in the book edited by the Society of Louisiana Iris. Books are available from the Society or from Timberline Press. You should receive with your order general instructions on how to grow. These general instructions are reproduced in "Growing Tips For Louisiana Irises."

  • Where They Can Be Grown

    Louisiana irises can be grown near a pond or close to the house. We have provided pictures showing blooming Louisiana irises from different gardeners in our area.

    Charles Arny,  one of the foremost Louisiana Iris hybridizers and growers grew his irises in raised beds.   After his death, his wife, Joyce, continued to maintain several of his growing areas.

    Dorman Hamon has hybridized Louisiana Irises for over thirty years and his legacies continue to bloom all over the country.  His culture is to grow the irises at ground level and he does not plant them by a pond.

Growing Tips for Louisiana Irises

  • General Tips by Mr. Jim

    There is a perfect spot in every yard and garden for Louisiana Irises. You are rewarded year after year with spectacular color blooms that brighten your home and garden.

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  • Growing around the U.S.

    With at least a half-day of sun, dampness during the Spring bloom season, and a heavy summer mulch, you can have iris blooms in gardens all over the U.S.

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  • Diseases

    In our southern part of the country, the Louisiana iris lives relatively disease and insect free. Still, threats remain in other regions. It's prudent to know the potential risks.

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  • Pond, Patio & Water Gardening

    Louisiana irises grow best in and around the edges of a pond or boggy area. The constant moisture provides around the clock growth stimulus for the foliage and bloom stalk, and the wet soil reminds the growing iris of its natural beginnings.

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  • Further Reading on Louisiana Irises

    "At Pond's Edge" by our Founder, Jim Leonard, published in Water Gardening Magazine,August 1997Louisiana Native Iris by the Louisiana Cooperative Extension Service1954