Planting Bearded Iris

Bearded Iris are one of the true staples of the perennial garden. They are loved by many gardeners because they are easy to grow, deer-resistant, they multiply each year, and many are re-bloomers, putting on a colorful show in the garden twice in one season. There are two planting seasons for these garden favorites and we've outlined everything you need to know, regardless of when you're planting!

Planting in Late Summer

Late Summer is the perfect time to plant Bearded Iris rhizomes. They get a chance to establish their roots in your garden before the winter season and will produce significant growth in the spring, often blooming in the first season. You will want to plant Bearded Irises in summer as soon as you receive them, as they need to establish their root growth before winter. The more time you can give them before the end of your growing season, the better.

Planting in Early Spring

Bearded Irisare harvested and shipped as potted plants in the early spring, and can be planted as you would in the summer (making sure to leave the tops exposed).

Where to Plant

Bearded Iris prefer at least 6-8 hours of sunlight a day. In hot climates (zones 8-11), they will tolerate 4-6 hours of sun. Make sure your Iris get some shade during the day in hotter climates. Bearded Iris prefer to be planted in well-drained soil. To improve drainage, they can be planted on a slope or in a raised bed.

How to Plant

Bearded Iris rhizomes should not be buried completely underground. Plant rhizomes at the surface of the ground. The tops of the rhizomes should be visible; be sure to spread the roots out below the soil.

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

Basic Planting Steps

Step 1: Build up a small mound of soil in the center of the planting hole.

Step 2: Center the rhizome in the mound, roots down, and then bury it about 75%, leaving the top exposed.

Step 3: Firm the soil around the roots. Newly planted rhizomes should be watered thoroughly. Water your Iris once or twice a week during their first fall and during their first spring.

Watch our How to Plant Bearded Iris Video

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Other Planting Tips

The foliage arriving on your rhizomesis from this spring, and can be trimmed when you plant, but leave at least a few inches of old foliage on the rhizome. It will be replaced next spring with deep green leaves. Make sure to give your rhizomes a lot of water right after planting. This helps to remove any air pockets in the soil and gives Iris a better chance of strong growth. Once established, Bearded Iris do not require regular watering. We recommend planting 12-24 inches apart, as planting too close together results in

Aftercare

After the Iris has bloomed; cut back the flower stalks to an inch or two above the rhizome to prevent seed formation. Iris that are growing well may not need fertilizer. Green Foliage is a great way to tell if the Iris is healthy or not. If you do fertilize, apply 1/2 cup of 5-10-10 fertilizer per Iris clump after flowering. Fertilizer can burn the rhizomes; it should be applied around the base but not directly on them. Re-blooming Iris should be fertilized in the spring as new growth begins and after spring flowering ends. Iris respond to shallow (1 to 2 inches) cultivation and should not be mulched. In early fall, cut leaves 6 to 8 inches from the ground, especially if foliage disease occurs.

Dividing

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 Iris

drawing demonstrating how to divide plants

multi colored iris field — Customer Photo from Mary Martin

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." To learn how to plant, care and divide Bearded Iris Read our Bearded Iris Planting Guide.

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