Blueberry Bliss Bearded Iris

Bearded irises are simple to plant as long as you keep them shallow and give them drainage. Unpack your rhizome as soon as it arrives and get it in the ground within a few days.

Planting

1. Pick your spot. Choose a site with full sun to part shade and soil that drains freely; avoid low areas where water sits.
2. Prep the soil. Loosen the top 8-10 inches and mix in compost if your soil is heavy clay.
3. Set the rhizome shallow. Dig a shallow hole, fan the roots downward, and position the rhizome so its top sits right at or just barely below the soil surface, about 1 inch deep. Buried rhizomes rot.
4. Space for airflow. Plant 24 inches apart, with the leaf fan pointed in the direction you want growth to spread.
5. Water in. Firm the soil gently and water thoroughly to settle it around the roots.

Watering

• First season. Water deeply once a week while the plant establishes, letting the soil dry between waterings.
• After establishment. Irises are drought tolerant; water only during extended dry spells and never keep the soil soggy.

Feeding

• Early spring. Apply a low-nitrogen fertilizer, such as a 5-10-10, around the clump as new growth appears.
• After bloom. Feed again lightly in late summer to build strong rhizomes for next year's flowers.
• Skip heavy mulch. Keep mulch off the rhizome tops to prevent rot.

Pruning & Care

• Deadhead spent blooms. Snip flower stalks back near the base once flowering finishes.
• Fall cleanup. Trim foliage to about 6 inches in late fall and remove old leaves to discourage pests.
• Divide every 3-4 years. Lift crowded clumps in late summer, separate the rhizomes, and replant to keep bloom counts high.

What will I receive when I order?

You will receive a #1 grade rhizome, the top commercial size for bearded iris. It arrives dormant or with a trimmed leaf fan and is ready to plant right away.

How deep should I plant the rhizome?

Very shallow, about 1 inch, with the top of the rhizome sitting at or just under the soil surface. Bearded irises rot if planted too deeply.

Will it bloom the first year?

Rhizomes planted in fall usually bloom the following late spring. Spring-planted rhizomes sometimes skip the first season and put their energy into roots, then bloom reliably the next year.

Do deer and rabbits eat bearded iris?

Bearded iris is generally left alone by deer and rabbits, which makes it a good choice for gardens with browsing pressure.

Is it toxic to pets?

Yes, iris rhizomes and foliage can cause vomiting and drooling if chewed by dogs or cats. Plant where curious pets are unlikely to dig.

Do I need to dig it up for winter?

No. It is hardy in zones 4 through 9 and stays in the ground year-round. Just cut back the foliage in late fall and keep mulch off the rhizomes.