When should bearded iris bulbs be planted?
The best time to plant bearded iris rhizomes is from late summer to early fall, typically August to September. This timing allows the plants to establish roots before winter. For those in colder climates, planting in early spring is also an option, giving the plants ample time to grow before the blooming season. Generally, bearded irises are planted 12-18 inches apart, with the fan of leaves facing the same direction. If you have multiple cultivars, plant the different types in groups of three to seven rhizomes. After planting, water your iris and keep the soil moist (but not too wet) until new leaves begin to emerge.Plant Irises in late summer or early fall, when the night-time temperatures are between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. This will give the roots time to get established before winter. In warmer regions, you can plant Bearded Irises between late October and early November.Irises don’t like high-nitrogen fertilizers, because they encourage soft growth that is prone to rot. Use a balanced 10-10-10 or low-nitrogen 5-10-10 fertilizer, or a superphosphate. Apply lightly in the early spring and again about a month after blooming is done. Sprinkle it around the rhizome, not on top of it.Typically, Bearded Iris are planted as rhizomes in the fall and potted plants in the spring. We have over 40 varieties of Bearded Iris rhizomes available to plant now. The benefit of planting Bearded Iris in late summer is to establish their roots before winter, giving them a jump start on growth in the spring.
Do bearded iris come back every year?
Remember that not all bearded irises are rebloomers, and even those that are may not rebloom every year. It can depend on the weather and growing conditions. But with good care, you can increase the chances of getting that extra show of color. In my garden, bearded iris grow best and successfully survive our cold, wet winters as long as I adhere to a strict regimen of summer fertilizing and fall garden cleanup.Ensure these plants receive a minimum of 6 hours of sunlight daily; check annually for any changes in their sun exposure. Irises need at least 6 hours of sun per day if they are to flower to their fullest potential, and you should evaluate their location every year to ensure this demand is met.Great for irises! I’m lucky and work at a breakfast restaurant that gives me access to unlimited egg shells. I’ll rinse them thoroughly, completely dry them, crush them as small as I can, then add a small handful to every spot I plan to plant and replant my irises. I do this about 1 month before planting.For Iris to bloom consistently, they need full sun, good drainage, lots of space, and quality soil. To improve your chances of bloom, add fertilizer and divide large clumps. Only 60-75% of Iris bloom the first year after planting. Sometimes they need an extra year to become established.Plant most irises in late summer to early fall, when nighttime temperatures remain between 40° and 50°F (4° and 10°C) or above. This gives them plenty of time to get established before the coming winter. Tall bearded iris varieties are best planted closer to fall because they tend to go dormant in early to mid-summer.
How quickly do bearded irises spread?
In dry-summer climates they’re highly resistant to disease. They’re able to push back and hold their own against aggressive weeds and groundcovers, without ever becoming invasive themselves, since a clump of irises only creeps outward by about 3-4 inches per year. In areas with hot summers and mild winters, September or October planting may be preferred. We strongly suggest Iris be planted at least six weeks before the first hard frost in your area. Iris should be planted so the tops of the rhizomes are exposed and the roots are spread out facing downward in the soil.Plant iris bulbs between August and October; autumn rain will help with watering. If beds are crowded, use a spade to divide clumps during cooler weather, then keep bulbs in the shade until replanting.The best time to plant and transplant rhizomatous iris is late July through September. Iris loves the heat and drier weather of summer and the summer dividing will reduce the incidence of bacterial soft rot.Late July through mid August is the best time to plant, move or divide iris. Iris is one of the most popular perennials in the garden and easy to grow. Although they provide pleasure for many years with little care, periodic dividing is an important cultural practice for maintaining plant health.Coarse, fast-draining soil is ideal for bearded iris. Consider planting them at the edge of a sidewalk or in a poor, gravely area. Cutting Gardens Bearded iris are outstanding cut flowers. The blossoms last for only a day or two, but each stem has multiple buds and will provide at least a week of flowers.
When can you buy bearded iris?
We mail Bearded Iris with bare roots from December to end of March, when new rhizomes have reached flowering size. After March the soil is too cold for Bearded Iris rhizomes to make new roots in the ground in time for winter. Free express postage on orders over $50. For best results, Iris should be planted in July, August or September. It’s imperative that the roots of newly planted Iris be well-established before the growing season ends. In areas with hot summers and mild winters, September or October planting may be preferred.For best results, plant iris rhizomes in July, August or September. This is also the best time (plants are normally dormant during the heat of July and August) to divide and replant iris that have become overcrowded, usually after three to five years.When dividing Siberian irises in early spring, dig up the entire clump when new growth has just begun to appear. Divide the clump into sections with a soil knife or spade. Each section should have several growing points and a good root system. Replant immediately.For best results, plant iris rhizomes in July, August or September. This is also the best time (plants are normally dormant during the heat of July and August) to divide and replant iris that have become overcrowded, usually after three to five years.Whether you’re planting new rhizomes or dividing old clumps, early fall is prime time in Zone 5. Here’s how to get started (and what not to do). Timing is everything. Iris should be planted 6 weeks before your area’s first expected hard frost.