Bearded Iris Planting Guide: Tips for Successful Growth

Bearded irises are herbaceous perennial plants known for their large, showy and often fragrant flowers that come in a wide range of colors, including purple, blue, yellow, white, maroon and bicolor combinations. Each flower has three upright petals (called standards) and three drooping petals (called falls). The falls typically have a fuzzy or “bearded” patch near the base, which gives these irises their name. They have sword-shaped leaves that emerge from thick, fleshy rhizomes. They are hardy in USDA zones 3 to 9.

How to plant bearded iris rhizomes:

Choose the Right Location:
- Bearded irises thrive in full sun, so select a spot with at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day.
- Well-draining soil is essential. While they can tolerate some drought, avoid planting them in overly wet or soggy areas.
Preparing the Soil:
- If your soil is poorly drained, incorporate some horticultural grit to improve drainage.
- Dig a hole or trench about 4 inches deep.
- Create a small mound of soil in the center of the hole.
Planting:
- Soak the rhizomes in water for a few minutes before planting.
- Place the rhizome on top of the mound, ensuring that the roots are buried but the top of the rhizome sits at the soil’s surface.
- Water the newly planted rhizomes thoroughly.
Aftercare:
- Keep the soil relatively dry after planting.
- Wait for new leaves to emerge, and enjoy their blooms in spring and early summer.
- Dividing bearded irises every few years will keep them healthy and ensure abundant flowering.