Planting and caring for Bearded Iris

  

We’ve just received our shipments of bearded iris rhizomes, so it’s a great time to add to your collection, while stock is fresh and there’s a good selection of colors.   As you're shopping for bearded iris, you may notice some boxes are labeled "Blooms Spring and Fall". These are "reblooming" iris, that is iris that have been developed to produce blooms in the spring and again in the fall. Whether you choose the reblooming varieties or not, there are certain things to do to ensure the success of your iris for many seasons to come. First, iris need to be planted in a sunny spot in the garden. Second, iris need to be planted in well-drained soil. It’s important to take the time to improve the planting site by adding organic material in the form of compost and peat moss. These amendments should be mixed about 50:50 with the existing soil.  Next, add some Dutch Bulb Food, working it into the soil. 

You’re now ready to plant your iris rhizomes. There is a “front and back” to iris rhizomes, a toe and a heel. The leaf indicates the heel side. Iris will grow in the direction of the heel, so keep that in mind when you're planting, especially if they're going to be growing along a path or fence. Another important factor to remember when you're planting your iris rhizomes is to avoid planting too deep. Iris do their best when planted so the top of the rhizome is right at the soil level or just thinly covered. If you plant iris too deep, the leaves may develop but chances are the plant won't bloom. 

If you didn’t divide your iris this spring, now’s the time. After a few seasons, Iris will become crowded and stop blooming, so it’s important to dig and divide iris every so often in order to reinvigorate the plant. Irises grow in clumps and can be lifted using a garden fork. 

Once out of the ground, cut or break apart the rhizomes into sections, each with a healthy set of leaves and firm, tan/white roots. Next, cut the leaves back in a fan shape to about a third of their length and mark them with the name of the variety. You are now ready to plant your iris, following the same guidelines outlined earlier in this article. Your iris will establish themselves through the fall and early winter and be ready to bloom for you next spring and in some cases, again next fall.