Zesting Lemons Bearded Iris

Bearded iris rhizomes are easy to establish as long as they are planted shallow and given good drainage. Unpack your rhizomes as soon as they arrive and keep them cool and dry until planting.

Planting

1. Pick a sunny spot. Choose a site with at least 6 hours of sun and soil that drains freely; avoid low areas where water stands.
2. Loosen the soil. Work the top 8-10 inches, mixing in compost if your soil is heavy clay.
3. Set the rhizome shallow. Dig a shallow hole, spread the roots downward, and position the rhizome so its top sits just at or barely below the soil surface.
4. Space them out. Allow 24 inches between plants so the clumps have room to expand and air can move around the foliage.
5. Water in. Firm the soil gently and water once to settle everything into place.

Watering

• Get started right. Water about once a week during the first growing season unless rain does it for you.
• Ease off later. Established plants are drought tolerant and prefer to dry between waterings.
• Skip the soggy soil. Constant moisture around the rhizome is the main cause of rot, so never overwater.

Feeding

• Feed in early spring. Apply a low-nitrogen or balanced granular fertilizer as new growth appears.
• Feed again after bloom. A second light application supports next year's flower buds.
• Keep mulch off the rhizome. Mulch around the plant, not over it; the top of the rhizome likes sun and air.

Pruning & Dividing

• Remove spent stalks. Cut flower stems near the base once blooming finishes to keep things tidy.
• Tidy the foliage in fall. Trim damaged or browning leaves and clear old debris to reduce pest and disease problems.
• Divide every 3-4 years. In late summer, lift crowded clumps, cut the rhizomes apart, and replant the healthiest pieces.

Containers

• Use a wide pot. Choose a container at least 12 inches across with drainage holes and a well-drained potting mix.
• Overwinter outdoors. In zones 4-9 pots can stay outside; move them against a wall or bury the pot in a bed in the coldest zones.

How is this iris shipped?

It ships as a #1 grade rhizome, the top field-grown size, with the foliage trimmed back. Rhizomes look plain on arrival but root quickly once planted.

When will it bloom after planting?

Rhizomes planted in fall usually bloom the following late spring to early summer. Spring-planted rhizomes sometimes spend the first year building roots and bloom heavily the next season.

Are bearded irises deer and rabbit resistant?

Yes, bearded iris is generally avoided by deer and rabbits because of its bitter foliage and rhizomes, though no plant is completely browse-proof.

Is it safe around pets?

Iris rhizomes and leaves can cause stomach upset, drooling, or vomiting if chewed by dogs or cats. Plant where curious pets are unlikely to dig.

Do I need to dig the rhizomes up for winter?

No. It is hardy in zones 4 through 9 and stays in the ground year-round. Just clean up old foliage in fall and avoid piling mulch on top of the rhizomes.

Can I grow it in a container?

Yes. Use a pot at least 12 inches wide with drainage holes and a well-drained mix. Divide every couple of years since the rhizomes fill the pot quickly.