HOW TO GROW TALL BEARDED IRIS

 

SOIL REQUIREMENTS

Requires well-drained soil. Take care not to over water as they won’t tolerate “wet feet”.

LIGHT REQUIREMENTS

Plant in full sun or at least all afternoon sun.

PLANTING

Plant any time, but they do best when planted July through September as bare root divisions. Space 12”-18” apart and set top of rhizome at soil surface. Do not mulch.

FERTILIZING

Do not use a high nitrogen fertilizer. We recommend Plant-tone, rock phosphate, and green sand when planting. Iris are heavy feeders and require regular fertilization with Plant-tone.

GROWTH

Divide every 5-7 years any time from June to October. Cut the leaves back to 6” when dividing.

PEST & DISEASE

Iris borer and leaf spot.

     Spray Schedule for Controlling Iris Borers:

Spray: Sevin, Bonide Eight, Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis), or Bug-B-Gon

Spray (according to label directions) as follows:

March 1
April 1
April 15
May 1

WINTER PROTECTION

In the fall, cut the foliage back and destroy it. This prevents pests from over wintering in your iris foliage. Winter mulch is usually not needed.

WHEN IRIS DON’T BLOOM

  Possible reasons:

• Non-hardy variety (flower buds freeze)
• Over-fertilization with high nitrogen fertilizer
• Over-watering or poor drainage