Collection: Bearded Iris Roots

A Collector’s Dream

With bearded iris, “just one more” is practically guaranteed. There are so many types to explore, each offering its own mix of color patterns, fragrances, and distinctive bloom forms. Once gardeners discover how dramatically different these beauties can be, it’s easy to fall into collecting mode, building a lineup that’s as varied and personal as any curated gallery. Enjoy subtle pastels, bold bicolors and everything in between; bearded iris rewards curiosity with endless new favorites.

So Many Reasons to Love Bearded Iris

Some bearded iris greet you with a sweet, memorable fragrance which acts as an extra layer of delight when they’re in bloom. Even better, some varieties of bearded iris are reblooming and offer a second round of flowers, blooming once in late spring and then again in the fall. Many varieties also carry fascinating names inspired by people, places, and stories, which makes choosing favorites feel like collecting little garden characters. And because clumps multiply quickly, bearded iris have become the ultimate “pass-along” plant, making them easy to divide, share with friends, and spread from garden to garden.

Anatomy of a Bearded Iris

Understanding the many parts of a bearded iris bloom makes it even more enjoyable, revealing the intricate structure behind its beauty. The three upright petals on top are the standards. The three downward-cascading petals are the falls. The beard is the fluffy ‘caterpillar’ at the top of the falls, giving bearded iris their name. Often, the beard is in a startling color contrast to the other petals of the iris and acts as a pollinator guide. The haft is the throat or base of the falls and standards where they narrow toward the center. Some bearded varieties even have specialized features like horns or flounces that extend from the end of the beard, so be sure to look out for those parts as well!

When to plant irises for the best results

Typically, irises are planted in the late summer. Select a spot in the yard that has plenty of well-draining soil. A pH level of a little less than seven is ideal. If necessary, do a soil test and amend the soil accordingly. Be sure to allow for plenty of space between each rhizome so that they do not become overcrowded. Prepare your garden bed by loosening the soil to a depth of 12 to 15 inches. Once loose, mix in a two to four inch layer of compost. For each rhizome, dig a shallow hole that is large enough to accommodate the rhizome, or clump of rhizomes. Each hole should be about four inches deep. Form a mound of soil in the center of the hole for the planting base. Place the rhizome on the mound-high enough so that the rhizome is slightly above the soil level. Gently spread the roots down the side of the mound. Fill the hole with soil, press gently, and then water well. Each grouping of irises should be placed about two feet apart.

Dividing iris rhizomes

Once the blooming has ended for the season, cut back the green foliage to about four to six inches. This ensures that the plant will not exert energy trying to maintain leaves throughout the winter. Every three to four years, divide the rhizomes.