If you want beautiful iris blooms next spring, the annual Iris Society Rhizome Fundraiser on Saturday, Aug. 13, at California State University, Fresno, comes at the perfect time for gardeners to plant iris rhizomes in the warm soil.

Rhizomes – the roots of this bright-blooming perennial herb – will be sold as part of the Fresno State Nursery’s horticultural plant sale.

The free, open-to-the-public event is scheduled 8 a.m.-noon at the Fresno State Horticulture Building (3150 E. Barstow Ave., east of Chestnut Avenue). It is sponsored by the Fresno Iris Society and Fresno State Nursery.

A wide variety of colors, types and sizes of irises will be available. Iris experts will share information about successful techniques on handling and care, said Calliope Correia, a Fresno State nursery technician.

“It is the perfect season to plant Iris rhizomes that will produce beautiful flowers in time for spring,” Correia said. “Most varieties of the iris thrive in the San Joaquin Valley because they’re able to grow in full sun.”

All plants at the campus nursery, produced with student involvement, will be on sale at reduced prices. Nursery staff and horticulture students will answer gardening questions.

This is the third year Fresno State has partnered with the Fresno Iris Society to promote the flower and increase community involvement with local garden societies, said Correia.

In addition to iris rhizomes, the plant sale will include houseplants, shrubs, perennials as well as drought tolerant plants, trees and fruit trees.

For more information, contact Correia at 559.278.2952 or ccorreia@csufresno.edu.

(Copy by University Communications news intern Nicole Maul)

Related link:

American Iris Society