Orange King Bearded Iris

Bearded iris rhizomes are easy to establish as long as they are planted shallowly in well-drained soil. Unpack them as soon as they arrive and plant within a few days.

Planting

1. Unbox right away. Remove the rhizomes from packaging and let them air out in a cool, shaded spot until you plant. Firm rhizomes with dry roots are normal and healthy.
2. Pick a sunny site. Choose a spot with at least 6 hours of sun (afternoon shade is fine in hot climates) and soil that never stays soggy.
3. Loosen the soil. Work the top 10-12 inches, mixing in compost or coarse sand if drainage is slow. Raised beds and slopes are ideal.
4. Plant shallow. Dig a shallow hole with a small ridge in the center, set the rhizome on top, and spread the roots down both sides. Cover the roots with soil but leave the top of the rhizome just visible at the surface.
5. Space 24 inches apart. Point the fan of leaves in the direction you want growth, and give each rhizome room so air moves freely around the clump.
6. Water in. Soak thoroughly once after planting to settle the soil around the roots.

Watering

• Keep it moderate. Water deeply about once a week during the first growing season, then only during extended dry spells.
• Avoid standing water. Wet rhizomes rot. Let the soil surface dry between waterings and skip overhead sprinklers when possible.

Feeding

• Feed in early spring. Apply a low-nitrogen fertilizer such as 5-10-10 around the clump as new growth begins, and again lightly after bloom.
• Keep fertilizer off the rhizome. Scatter it a few inches out from the plant and water it in.

Mulching

• Leave the crown bare. Mulch between plants only; covering the rhizome traps moisture and invites rot.
• Protect new plantings. In zones 4-5, a light layer of straw over the first winter helps, but pull it back in early spring.

Pruning and Division

• Snap off spent stalks. Cut flower stems near the base once blooming finishes to keep the planting tidy.
• Trim foliage in late fall. Cut leaves back to about 6 inches and remove old debris to reduce overwintering pests.
• Divide every 3-4 years. In late summer, lift crowded clumps, discard soft centers, and replant firm rhizomes with a healthy leaf fan.

What will I receive in the box?

You receive a #1 grade dormant rhizome with roots attached and the leaf fan trimmed back. It is not a potted plant, and it will look like a firm, tan root section. This is exactly how bearded irises are shipped and planted.

How deep should I plant a bearded iris rhizome?

Very shallow. Set the rhizome so its top is level with or just barely visible at the soil surface, about 1 inch deep, with the roots spread downward. Planting too deep is the most common reason irises fail to bloom.

Will it bloom the first spring after planting?

Some rhizomes bloom their first season, but it is common for a newly planted iris to spend its first year establishing roots and then bloom strongly the following late spring. Once settled, expect flowers every year.

Are bearded irises deer and rabbit resistant?

Yes, bearded irises are among the more deer and rabbit resistant perennials. Animals generally avoid the foliage and rhizomes, though no plant is completely browse-proof in a hungry season.

Is Orange King safe around pets?

Iris rhizomes and leaves can cause stomach upset, drooling, or vomiting if chewed by dogs or cats. Plant where curious pets do not dig, and contact your veterinarian if a pet eats any part of the plant.

Can I grow it in a container?

Yes. Use a wide pot at least 12 inches deep with excellent drainage, plant the rhizome shallowly, and keep the soil on the dry side. In zones 4-5, move the container to a sheltered spot for winter.

How tall does it get and does it need staking?

Stems reach about 40 inches with a clump width of 18-24 inches. The stems are sturdy and rarely need staking, though a support can help in very windy, exposed sites.