Dutch Iris Beauty Mixture

Dutch iris bulbs are planted in fall for blooms the following early summer. They ask for very little: decent drainage, sun, and a few inches of soil above them.

Planting

1. Unbox right away. Open the package on arrival and store the bulbs in a cool, dry, dark spot until you can plant.
2. Pick a sunny site. Choose a spot with full sun to partial shade and soil that drains after rain; iris tolerate most soil types but dislike standing water.
3. Set the depth. Dig or drill holes 4 to 5 inches deep and place each bulb pointed end up.
4. Space them close. Keep bulbs 3 to 4 inches apart, or cluster 8 to 10 together for a bolder color drift.
5. Backfill and water in. Cover with soil, firm gently, and water once to settle the bed.
6. Container option. Use a pot at least 8 inches deep with drainage holes and quality potting mix, then move the pot to a sheltered spot for winter.

Watering

• Fall and spring. Keep soil lightly moist while roots, foliage, and buds are developing.
• After bloom. Taper off watering as foliage yellows; dormant bulbs prefer drier soil.

Feeding

• At planting. Mix a balanced bulb fertilizer or bone meal into the planting hole.
• Each spring. Scatter a low-nitrogen granular fertilizer as shoots emerge to fuel next year's flowers.

Aftercare

• Deadhead spent blooms. Snip the flower stem once petals drop, but leave the foliage in place.
• Let leaves ripen. Allow the grass-like foliage to yellow naturally before removing it so the bulb can recharge.
• Mulch in cold zones. A 2-inch layer of mulch after the ground cools helps buffer winter temperature swings.

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

Each order includes 20 Dutch iris bulbs, sized 8 cm each.

When should I plant Dutch iris bulbs?

Plant in fall, once soil temperatures cool but before the ground freezes. They root over winter and bloom in early summer.

Are Dutch iris deer resistant?

Yes. Iris are deer resistant, which makes this mix a good choice for beds where browsing is a problem.

Will these come back every year?

In zones 3 through 9 with well-drained soil, Dutch iris return each year. Let the foliage die back naturally and avoid soggy sites to keep the bulbs healthy.

Can I grow Dutch iris in containers?

Yes. Use a pot at least 8 inches deep with drainage holes, space bulbs 3 to 4 inches apart, and shelter the container from hard freezes over winter.

Do they make good cut flowers?

They do. Cut stems when the buds are just beginning to open for the longest vase life.