The iris bed was too much to keep weeded, and I didn't get to mulch it last winter. So it's pretty weedy. The interesting thing is, this is the first year they didn't have leaf spot and bacterial rot diseases. My theory is that they need ground cover, either mulch or weeds, to prevent soil spores from splashing onto the leaves and starting an epidemic. The down side of the weediness, other than appearance, is there seem to be fewer flowers this year.
I love bearded irises so will continue to work on my growing method. I feel certain that will mean a bark chip mulch. Last fall I moved some to the vegetable and fruit garden. Those are mulched and also have no leaf spot or bacterial rot diseases, and also few flowers.
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