Bearded Iris Planting Guide

The most common mistake made when planting Bearded Iris is planting them too deep. Planting too deep will result in few or no flowers.

• Before flowering, water plants occasionally to keep the soil moist but not soaking. Reblooming Iris should be watered during the summer, while Spring-flowering Iris will tolerate drought. 
• Plants that are growing well (good green foliage) may not need fertilizing. Reblooming Iris should be fertilized in the spring as new growth begins, and after spring flowering ends. If you fertilize, apply ½ cup of 5-10-10 fertilizer per Iris clump after flowering. Fertilizer can burn the rhizomes; it should be applied around but not directly on them. 
• Iris respond to shallow (1 to 2 inches) cultivation and should not be mulched. 
• After flowers fade, cut flower stalks back to an inch or two above the rhizome to prevent seed formation. For Reblooming Iris, after the second bloom fades in fall, cut leaves 6 to 8 inches from the ground, especially if foliage disease occurs

After 3 to 5 years, Iris generally become crowded and should be divided. Iris can be divided at any time, but many growers prefer to divide 4 to 6 weeks after the flowering period.

Basic Steps to Divide

Step1: Cut the leaves to one third their length.

Step 2: Dig the clump of Iris up. Wash Soil off with a hose.

Step 3: Cut rhizomes apart so that each section has at least one healthy fan of leaves and firm, white roots. Older rhizomes should be discarded since they have limited flowering capacity. (New growth will protrude off an older rhizomes from the side.)

Re-blooming irises grow faster than regular irises, so unlike the standard bearded iris, you'll need to divide them more often. To prevent overcrowding, divide re-blooming iris every 2 to 3 years, take only the outside rhizomes of the plant. Leave the healthy older portions of the plant intact. Replant the small rhizomes 12 to 18 inches apart.

Re-blooming iris are not always guaranteed to bloom. It often depends on geographic location, soil and climate conditions. Re-blooming iris can also vary from year after year. They are heavy feeders, requiring a little more water and fertilizer because they need an extra boost to flower again. Re-bloomers require a little more care than the standard bearded iris, but are worth the effort.

Bearded Iris are some of the easiest, most rewarding perennials to grow and we hope that the varieties you purchased from us grow and thrive in your garden. Please remember, all of our plants are backed by our 100% Satisfaction Guarantee. 

To learn more about the different varieties of Irises, please read our in-depth article: All About Irises.