Planting Season
July-early September is the best time to plant new rhizomes. It’s imperative that the roots of newly planted iris be well-established before the growing season ends. In areas with hot summers and mild winters, September or October planting may be preferred. We strongly suggest iris be planted at least six weeks before the first hard frost in your area.
Planting Location
Iris need at least a half day of sun. In extremely hot climates, some shade is beneficial, but in most climates iris do best with at least 6 hours a day of full sun. Without sufficient sun, the iris may “go blind” – producing foliage but no blossoms.
Soil Preparation
Clear your planting site of weeds and debris. Iris will thrive in most well-drained garden soils. Planting on a slope or in raised beds helps ensure good drainage. If your soil is heavy, coarse sand or humus may be added to improve drainage. Gypsum is an excellent soil conditioner that can improve most clay soils. The ideal pH is 6.8 (slightly acidic), but iris are tolerant in this regard. To adjust the pH of your soil, lime may be added to acidic soils or sulfur to alkaline soils. It is always best to have your soil analyzed before taking corrective measures.
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Fertilize
At planting is a great time to incorporate an application of fertilizer into the soil.
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Before: place with the roots spread out facing downward in the soil.
After: the soil firmed around the rhizome and watered in to help settle in the soil.
How to Plant Bearded Iris Rhizomes
A common mistake is to plant bearded iris too deep. Iris should be planted so the tops of the rhizomes are exposed and the roots are spread out facing downward in the soil. Firm the soil around each rhizome and then water to help settle the soil. Iris are generally planted 12 to 24 inches apart. Close planting gives an immediate effect, but closely planted iris will need to be thinned often. Plants spaced further apart will need less frequent thinning.
Watering
Newly set iris plants need moisture to help their root systems become established. Specific watering information depends on your climate and your soil, but keep in mind that deep watering at long intervals is better than more frequent shallow waterings. Once established, iris normally don’t need to be watered except in arid areas. Over-watering is a common error.
Growing in Pots
Bearded iris can grow well in pots for a number of years and allows a grower the ability to design a patio garden incorporating their favorite flower. Growing in pots is also a great strategy for those wanting to establish small and newly divided rhizomes that you can easily share with friends and family.
We recommend trimming the foliage of your new rhizomes. This will help keep them from falling over while their roots are reestablishing.
You may trim the roots on new rhizomes to make them easier for planting in pots. They will begin to produce new root growth soon after planting.
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Container Size
When choosing a pot size, you will first need to determine how long you are wanting to grow your iris in that pot. We recommend you use no smaller than a 2-gallon sized pot for a single rhizome accommodating growth for up to 1 year. A 3-gallon pot may accommodate a single rhizome’s growth for up to 2 years. Increasing size up to a 4-gallon size pot could either fit 2-3 rhizomes for a single year, or a single rhizome for up to 2-3 years. Watch your iris for overcrowding and transplant into the ground or larger pots as needed.
Soil Preparation
Choose a basic potting mix with excellent drainage. Do your best to stay away from potting mixes high in nitrogen that will encourage mostly green growth and may result in rhizome rot. If your potting mix includes an added fertilizer, we advise do not feed your newly planted rhizomes until the following spring.
How to Plant in Pots
The same methods apply for planting your rhizomes in pots as in the ground. Place your new rhizomes with the roots spread out facing downward into the soil, leaving the top of the rhizome exposed. Firm the soil around each rhizome and then water to help settle the soil.
Watering
Newly planted rhizomes will require more moisture until the roots become established. Be mindful that plants growing in containers dry out faster than those grown in ground. Check your containers more frequently during dry, hot spells and thoroughly water as needed.
Winter Care for Pots
Winter the container outdoors. Sustained temperatures below 32F and overnight temperatures below 25F will require protection to prevent the pot from freezing. Winter protection can include moving pots into a garage for a short amount of time, or covering pots with a freeze cloth cover that can be obtained at most garden centers. The smaller the pot, the faster it will freeze. In northern climates with harsh winters sink the pot into the soil and cover it with mulch.
