Beverly Sills Reblooming Bearded Iris

Bearded iris rhizomes are simple to plant \u2014 the one rule that matters is to keep them shallow. Buried rhizomes rot; sun-warmed rhizomes bloom.

Unboxing

• Open right away. Remove the rhizomes from the packaging and let them air out in a cool, shaded spot.
• Don't worry about looks. Firm rhizomes with trimmed roots and short fans of leaves are exactly what a healthy shipped iris looks like.
• Plant within a few days. If you must wait, store dry and cool \u2014 never in water or sealed plastic.

Planting

1. Pick your spot. Choose a site with at least 6 hours of sun and soil that drains freely; light afternoon shade is fine in hot climates.
2. Loosen the soil. Work the top 8-10 inches and mix in compost if your ground is heavy clay.
3. Set the rhizome shallow. Dig a shallow hole with a small ridge in the center, rest the rhizome on top, and spread the roots down each side.
4. Cover lightly. Backfill so the top of the rhizome sits just at or barely below the soil surface \u2014 about 1 inch deep at most.
5. Space them out. Set rhizomes 24 inches apart, with the leaf fans pointing the direction you want the clump to grow.
6. Water in. Soak once after planting to settle the soil around the roots.

Watering

• Water moderately. About an inch per week during active growth and blooming is plenty.
• Let soil dry between waterings. Iris rhizomes rot in soggy ground, so err on the dry side once established.
• Support the rebloom. Keep plants watered through late summer to encourage that second round of flowers.

Feeding

• Feed in early spring. Apply a low-nitrogen fertilizer such as 5-10-10 as new growth appears.
• Feed again after the spring bloom. A second light application fuels the late-summer rebloom.
• Skip high-nitrogen products. Too much nitrogen produces soft growth and encourages rot.

Pruning & Maintenance

• Snap off spent blooms. Remove faded flowers, then cut the whole stalk to the base once it finishes.
• Tidy the foliage in fall. Trim leaves back to about 6 inches after frost and clear away debris.
• Mulch carefully. Mulch around \u2014 not over \u2014 the rhizomes, and keep the tops exposed to sun.
• Divide every 3-4 years. Lift crowded clumps in late summer, discard old woody centers, and replant the vigorous outer rhizomes.

How deep should I plant bearded iris rhizomes?

Very shallow. The top of the rhizome should sit right at or just barely below the soil surface, no more than about 1 inch deep. Rhizomes planted too deep will not bloom and can rot.

Will it really bloom twice in the first year?

Beverly Sills is a reliable rebloomer, but first-year plants put much of their energy into root establishment. Expect a spring bloom the first season and a stronger rebloom cycle from year two onward, with more flowers every year as clumps expand.

Are bearded irises deer and rabbit resistant?

Yes, generally. Deer and rabbits usually leave iris foliage and rhizomes alone, which makes them a good choice for gardens with browsing pressure.

Is this iris toxic to pets?

Iris rhizomes and foliage can cause stomach upset, drooling, or vomiting if chewed by dogs or cats. Plant where curious pets don't dig, and contact your vet if a large amount is eaten.

What size do the plants ship at?

They ship as #1 grade dormant rhizomes with trimmed roots and short leaf fans, ready to plant. They are not shipped in pots or in bloom.

Can I grow bearded iris in containers?

Yes. Use a wide pot at least 12 inches deep with fast-draining mix, keep the rhizome tops exposed, and plan to divide every couple of years since clumps fill a container quickly.

Do I need to dig them up for winter?

No. In Zones 4-9 the rhizomes are fully hardy in the ground. Just cut foliage back after frost and avoid piling mulch directly on top of the rhizomes.