Bronze Dutch Iris Blend

Dutch iris bulbs are planted in fall for blooms the following late spring. Unpack them as soon as they arrive, check that they feel firm, and store them in a cool, dry, dark spot until you are ready to plant.

Planting

1. Pick a sunny site. Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and soil that drains freely; standing water will rot the bulbs.
2. Loosen the soil. Work the top 8 to 10 inches until it is crumbly, mixing in compost if your soil is heavy clay.
3. Set the depth. Plant each bulb 4 to 5 inches deep with the pointed end facing up.
4. Space them close. Keep bulbs 3 to 4 inches apart and plant in clusters of 10 or more so the blended colors read as one bronze drift.
5. Water in. Backfill, firm the soil gently, and water once to settle everything in place.

Watering

• Fall and spring. Keep the soil lightly moist while roots and foliage are active.
• After bloom. Ease off watering as the leaves yellow; the bulbs prefer a drier summer rest.

Feeding

• At planting. Mix a balanced bulb fertilizer or bone meal into the planting area.
• Each spring. Scatter a light dose of balanced fertilizer as shoots emerge to fuel next year's flowers.

Container Growing

• Use a deep pot. Choose a container at least 8 inches deep with open drainage holes and a free-draining potting mix.
• Plant generously. Space bulbs 3 inches apart for a full display, and move the pot to a sheltered spot over winter in colder zones.

Aftercare

• Deadhead spent blooms. Snip flowers off but leave the foliage standing.
• Let leaves ripen. Allow foliage to yellow and die back naturally so the bulb can recharge.
• Mulch lightly. A 2 inch mulch layer moderates soil temperature and helps the planting naturalize.

When should I plant these iris bulbs?

Plant in fall, once soil temperatures cool but before the ground freezes. They need a cold period over winter to bloom in late spring.

How many bulbs come in a pack, and what size are they?

Each pack contains 25 bulbs at 8 cm caliber.

Will Dutch iris come back every year?

Yes. In zones 5 through 9 they are perennial and naturalize well, returning and gradually expanding as long as the soil drains freely and the foliage is left to die back naturally.

Are they good for cut flowers?

Very. The 20 to 24 inch stems are straight and strong. Cut when the bud is just showing color for the longest vase life.

Can I grow them in pots?

Yes. Use a pot at least 8 inches deep with drainage holes, space bulbs about 3 inches apart, and shelter the container over winter in colder zones.

Do deer bother Dutch iris?

Iris are generally among the less-preferred plants for deer and rabbits, though no plant is completely immune where browsing pressure is heavy.