Ruffled, often fragrant flowers in a rainbow of colours rise above fans of grey-green foliage from sun-baked rhizomes. Plant rhizomes shallow with their backs exposed for best flowering.
At a glance
- Plant type: Bulb
- Mature size: 90 cm H × 40 cm W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: happy on low water
- Frost: hardy
- Maintenance: low maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Bearded Iris
Botanically, Iris germanica is a moderate-growing bulb in the Iridaceae family. It reaches around 90 cm tall and 40 cm wide at maturity, with semi-deciduous and silver-grey foliage. Purple, blue, yellow, white and orange flowers appear in spring.
Where to grow Bearded Iris
Bearded Iris suits cool-temperate, warm-temperate and Mediterranean climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost hardy and shrugs off cold winters. It also is a genuinely water-wise choice and is deer-resistant.
Soil & planting
Most soils suit Bearded Iris provided drainage is reasonable. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Bearded Iris is happy on low water, so once its roots are down it needs little supplementary water. A feed in spring with a balanced fertiliser keeps growth strong. In its first year, water deeply once or twice a week to settle the roots in, then taper off as it establishes.
Pruning & care
Prune Bearded Iris after flowering to keep it compact and encourage the next flush of blooms. Overall it is low maintenance.
Using Bearded Iris in the garden
Bearded Iris earns its place for cut flowers for the vase, a feature or specimen planting and holding soil on banks and slopes.
Companion planting & design
For a cohesive, low-care bed, pair Bearded Iris with other plants that enjoy the same happy on low water and cool-temperate climate. Repeat it through a border to tie the planting together and give a sense of rhythm.
Good to know
Note that it is toxic to cats and dogs, so site it away from pets that chew.
Buying Bearded Iris
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