I know fall is just around the corner when the bearded iris rhizomes arrive in the store—and guess what? They just got here. That means the season is changing (fall officially begins one month from this coming Thursday, to be exact), and it’s time to start planting for next spring’s show-stopping blooms.
A Bit of Iris History
The iris genus includes over 250 flowering plants, and their name comes from the Greek word for “rainbow”—fitting, given their wide range of colors from crystalline white to deep purple-black. Most irises are native to the Northern Hemisphere, spanning Europe to Asia.
Irises have a rich history, from ancient Egypt, where the three upright petals were said to symbolize faith, wisdom, and valor, to early medieval France. Legend has it that King Clovis I was inspired by the iris when adopting the fleur-de-lis as his emblem in the 500s. In the U.S., irises date back to the 1600s, brought to Virginia by European settlers.
Where Does the Name Come From?
Iris flowers have six petals—three upright “standards” and three drooping petals known as “falls.” Bearded irises get their name from the fuzzy, golden or orange “beard” that runs along the center of each fall. These beards create a vivid contrast against the bloom’s background color, adding to their charm and drama in the garden.
Iris Varieties
- Bearded Iris (German Iris): Sturdy, sun-loving perennials with large, showy flowers. They grow from rhizomes and typically bloom from mid-May through June, depending on the variety. Some types, known as remontant or rebloomers, will bloom again in late summer or early fall.
- Dutch Iris: These are bulbous types that bloom a bit later in spring. They’re smaller and more compact—perfect for tighter garden spaces.
- Miniature Iris: These dainty early bloomers pop up as early as March and usually grow just 6–8 inches tall. Like their larger cousins, they love full sun and well-drained soil.
All irises are tough, durable perennials that rarely suffer from pests, especially important here in Deer Country!
How to Grow Bearded Iris
Bearded iris are some of the easiest plants to grow. Here’s how to get started:
- Pick a Spot: Choose a sunny area with well-draining soil.
- Prep the Rhizomes: They come with a root system and a fan of leaves.
- Plant Properly: Set the rhizome just at the soil’s surface, with the roots down and the leafy fan up. The top of the rhizome should be exposed to light and air—do not bury it.
- Feed Lightly: Top dress with a fertilizer like Espoma Organic Bulb-tone when planting.
Spring and Summer Care
- In Spring: When new growth appears, feed lightly again with Bulb-tone.
- After Blooming: For regular iris, simply keep the bed weeded and debris-free. Avoid mulching directly over rhizomes and clear fallen leaves—they can hold moisture and create hiding spots for iris borers or cause rot.
- Irrigation Tip: Irises don’t like overhead sprinklers or soggy beds. Good drainage is key.
Caring for Rebloomers
Have a reblooming variety? Lucky you—double the color! After the spring bloom, feed lightly and keep them watered during summer, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings. You may want to plant rebloomers separately from your standard varieties, as they benefit from slightly different care.
Come Pick Your Colors!
We’ve just gotten in a great selection of bearded iris rhizomes into the Great Big Greenhouse in Richmond, VA, ready for planting. Whether you’re new to iris or expanding your collection, it’s never been easier to bring a rainbow of spring color to your garden—and as a bonus, deer don’t like them.