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Bearded Iris Planting & Growing Guide
Named after the goddess of rainbows, Irises are among the most popular and vibrant garden perennials in the world. They bloom in a full spectrum of magical colors and fascinating forms, making these versatile showstoppers a prize choice in gardens. Not only do Bearded Irises flaunt extravagant flowers on stately plants from spring to fall, but they're also rugged, reliable, deer-resistant, and incredibly easy to grow. Learn how to plant and grow these beauties for a display that's simply Iris-istible!
Success Snapshot
PLANTING
DEPTH
1/2 - 1"
WATER
QUANTITY
Moderate to Low once established
SUNLIGHT
QUANTITY
Full to Partial Sun
PLANTING
PROXIMITY
8-12" Apart
BLOOM
SEASON
Spring to Fall
HARDINESS
ZONES
Zones 5-10
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Iris Pallida - Variegata White
$14.95
Contains: 1 Iris Pallida in a 3-4" grower's pot
Botanical Name: Iris ensata 'Argentea-Variegata', syn. 'Albo-Variegata'
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-9
Bearded Iris - Califlora Paprika Fono (Reblooming)
$16.95
Contains: Iris rhizomes
Botanical Name: Iridaceae germanica 'Paprika Fono'
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-10; Re-blooms Zones 5-10
Bearded Iris - Califlora Clarence (Reblooming)
$16.95
Contains: Iris rhizomes
Botanical Name: Iridaceae germanica 'Clarence'
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-10; Re-blooms Zones 5-10
Bearded Iris - Califlora Invitation (Reblooming)
$16.95
Contains: Iris rhizomes
Botanical Name: Iridaceae germanica 'Invitation'
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-10; Re-blooms Zones 5-10
Bearded Iris - Califlora City Lights (Reblooming)
$16.95
Contains: Iris rhizomes
Botanical Name: Iridaceae germanica 'City Lights'
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-10; Re-blooms Zones 5-10
Bearded Iris - Califlora Harvest of Memories (Reblooming)
$16.95
Contains: Iris rhizomes
Botanical Name: Iridaceae germanica 'Harvest of Memories'
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-10; Re-blooms Zones 5-10
Bearded Iris - Califlora Sugar Blues (Reblooming)
$16.95
Contains: Iris rhizomes
Botanical Name: Iridaceae germanica 'Sugar Blues'
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-10; Re-blooms Zones 5-10
Bearded Iris - Califlora Eggnog (Reblooming)
$16.95
Contains: Iris rhizomes
Botanical Name: Iridaceae germanica 'Eggnog'
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-10; Re-blooms Zones 5-10
Iris Pallida - Aurea Variegata Yellow
$14.95
Contains: 1 Iris Pallida rhizome
Botanical Name: Iris ensata 'Aurea-Variegata'
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-9
Bearded Iris - Califlora Tennison Ridge (Reblooming)
$16.95
Contains: Iris rhizomes
Botanical Name: Iridaceae germanica 'Tennison Ridge'
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-10; Re-blooms Zones 5-10
Bearded Iris - Califlora Priscilla of Corinth (Reblooming)
$16.95
Contains: Iris rhizomes
Botanical Name: Iridaceae germanica 'Priscilla of Corinth'
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-10; Re-blooms Zones 5-10
Bearded Iris - Califlora Navajo Jewel (Reblooming)
$5.95
Contains: Iris rhizome(s), see available pack sizes.
Botanical Name: Iridaceae germanica 'Navajo Jewel'
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-10; Re-blooms Zones 5-10
Bearded Iris - Califlora Shoot the Moon (Reblooming)
$5.95
Contains: Iris rhizome(s), see available pack sizes.
Botanical Name: Iridaceae germanica 'Shoot the Moon'
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-10; Re-blooms Zones 5-10
Bearded Iris - Califlora Feed Back (Reblooming)
$5.95
Contains: Iris rhizome(s), see available pack sizes.
Botanical Name: Iridaceae germanica 'Feed Back'
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-10; Re-blooms Zones 5-10
Bearded Iris - Califlora Halloween Halo (Reblooming)
$16.95
Contains: Iris rhizomes
Botanical Name: Iridaceae germanica 'Halloween Halo'
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-10; Re-blooms Zones 5-10
Bearded Iris - Califlora Lupita's Pride (Reblooming)
$16.95
Contains: Iris rhizomes
Botanical Name: Iridaceae germanica 'Lupita's Pride'
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-10; Re-blooms Zones 5-10
Bearded Iris - Califlora Ozark Rebounder (Reblooming)
$16.95
Contains: Iris rhizomes
Botanical Name: Iridaceae germanica 'Ozark Rebounder'
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-10; Re-blooms Zones 5-10
Bearded Iris - Califlora Mariposa Skies (Reblooming)
$16.95
Contains: Iris rhizomes
Botanical Name: Iridaceae germanica 'Mariposa Skies'
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-10; Re-blooms Zones 5-10
Bearded Iris - Califlora Cloud Ballet (Reblooming)
$16.95
Contains: Iris rhizomes
Botanical Name: Iridaceae germanica 'Cloud Ballet'
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-10; Re-blooms Zones 5-10
Bearded Iris - Califlora Cordoba (Reblooming)
$16.95
Contains: Iris rhizomes
Botanical Name: Iridaceae germanica 'Cordoba'
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-10; Re-blooms Zones 5-10
Bearded Iris - Califlora Rosalie Figge (Reblooming)
$5.95
Contains: Iris rhizome(s), see available pack sizes.
Botanical Name: Iridaceae Germanica 'Rosalie Figge'
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-10; Re-blooms Zones 5-10
Bearded Iris - Califlora War Chief (Reblooming)
$16.95
Contains: Iris rhizomes
Botanical Name: Iridaceae germanica 'War Chief'
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-10; Re-blooms Zones 5-10
Bearded Iris - Califlora Dashing (Reblooming)
$16.95
Contains: Iris rhizomes
Botanical Name: Iridaceae germanica 'Dashing'
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-10; Re-blooms Zones 5-10
Bearded Iris - Califlora Mesmerizer (Reblooming)
$5.95
Contains: Iris rhizome(s), see available pack sizes.
Botanical Name: Iridaceae germanica 'Mesmerizer'
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-10; Re-blooms Zones 5-10
Bearded Iris - Califlora Earl of Essex (Reblooming)
$16.95
Contains: Iris rhizomes
Botanical Name: Iridaceae germanica 'Earl of Essex'
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-10; Re-blooms Zones 5-10
Bearded Iris - Califlora Innocent Star (Reblooming)
$16.95
Contains: Iris rhizomes
Botanical Name: Iridaceae germanica 'Innocent Star'
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-10; Re-blooms Zones 5-10
Bearded Iris - Califlora Champagne Elegance (Reblooming)
$16.95
Contains: 3 Iris rhizomes
Botanical Name: Iridaceae germanica 'Champagne Elegance'
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-10; Re-blooms Zones 5-10
Bearded Iris - Califlora His Royal Highness (Reblooming)
$16.95
Contains: Iris rhizomes
Botanical Name: Iridaceae germanica 'His Royal Highness'
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-10; Re-blooms Zones 5-10
Bearded Iris - Califlora Pink Attraction (Reblooming)
$16.95
Contains: 3 Iris rhizomes
Botanical Name: Iridaceae germanica 'Pink Attraction'
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-10; Re-blooms Zones 5-10
Bearded Iris - Califlora Persian Berry (Reblooming)
$16.95
Contains: Iris rhizomes
Botanical Name: Iridaceae germanica 'Persian Berry'
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-10; Re-blooms Zones 5-10
Bearded Iris - Califlora Frequent Flyer (Reblooming)
$16.95
Contains: Iris rhizomes
Botanical Name: Iridaceae germanica 'Frequent Flyer'
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-10; Re-blooms Zones 5-10
Bearded Iris - Califlora Beverly Sills (Reblooming)
$16.95
Contains: Iris rhizomes
Botanical Name: Iridaceae germanica 'Beverly Sills'
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-10; Re-blooms Zones 5-10
Bearded Iris - Califlora Blatant (Reblooming)
$16.95
Contains: 3 Iris rhizomes
Botanical Name: Iridaceae germanica 'Blatant'
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-10; Re-blooms Zones 5-10
Bearded Iris - Califlora Gypsy Lord (Reblooming)
$16.95
Contains: Iris rhizomes
Botanical Name: Iridaceae germanica 'Gypsy Lord'
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-10; Re-blooms Zones 5-10
Bearded Iris - Califlora Florentine Silk (Reblooming)
$16.95
Contains: Iris rhizomes
Botanical Name: Iridaceae germanica 'Florentine Silk'
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-10; Re-blooms Zones 5-10
Bearded Iris - Califlora Immortality (Reblooming)
$16.95
Contains: Iris rhizomes
Botanical Name: Iridaceae germanica 'Immortality'
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-10; Re-blooms Zones 5-10
Bearded Iris - Califlora My Friend Jonathan (Reblooming)
$16.95
Contains: Iris rhizomes
Botanical Name: Iridaceae germanica 'My Friend Jonathan'
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-10; Re-blooms Zones 5-10
Bearded Iris - Califlora Rockstar (Reblooming)
$16.95
Contains: Iris rhizomes
Botanical Name: Iridaceae germanica 'Rockstar'
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-10; Re-blooms Zones 5-10
Bearded Iris - Califlora Superstition (Reblooming)
$16.95
Contains: 3 Iris rhizomes
Botanical Name: Iridaceae germanica 'Superstition'
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-10; Re-blooms Zones 5-10
Bearded Iris - Califlora Grower's Bunch (Reblooming)
$94.95
Contains: Iris rhizomes
Botanical Name: Iridaceae germanica Mix
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-10; Re-blooms Zones 5-10
Bearded Iris - Califlora Pleasant Peasant (Reblooming)
$16.95
Contains: Iris rhizomes
Botanical Name: Iridaceae germanica 'Pleasant Peasant'
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-10; Re-blooms Zones 5-10
Bearded Iris - Califlora Colorful Crop Mix (Reblooming)
$39.95
Contains: Iris rhizomes
Botanical Name: Iridaceae germanica Mix
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-10; Re-blooms Zones 5-10
Bearded Iris - Califlora Bernice's Legacy (Reblooming)
$16.95
Contains: Iris rhizomes
Botanical Name: Iridaceae germanica 'Bernice's Legacy'
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-10; Re-blooms Zones 5-10
Bearded Iris - Califlora Renown (Reblooming)
$16.95
Contains: Iris rhizomes
Botanical Name: Iridaceae germanica 'Renown'
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-10; Re-blooms Zones 5-10
Bearded Iris - Califlora Victoria Falls (Reblooming)
$16.95
Contains: Iris rhizomes
Botanical Name: Iridaceae germanica 'Victoria Falls'
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-10; Re-blooms Zones 5-10
Bearded Iris - Califlora Concertina (Reblooming)
$16.95
Contains: Iris rhizomes
Botanical Name: Iridaceae germanica 'Concertina'
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-10; Re-blooms Zones 5-10
Bearded Iris - Califlora Lady Friend (Reblooming)
$16.95
Contains: Iris rhizomes
Botanical Name: Iridaceae germanica 'Lady Friend'
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-10; Re-blooms Zones 5-10
Bearded Iris - Califlora Wine Festival (Reblooming)
$16.95
Contains: Iris rhizomes
Botanical Name: Iridaceae germanica 'Wine Festival'
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-10; Re-blooms Zones 5-10
Bearded Iris - Califlora October Splendor (Reblooming)
$16.95
Contains: Iris rhizomes
Botanical Name: Iridaceae germanica 'October Splendor'
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-10; Re-blooms Zones 5-10
Bearded Iris - Califlora Rio Vista (Reblooming)
$16.95
Contains: Iris rhizomes
Botanical Name: Iridaceae germanica 'Rio Vista'
Exposure: Full Sun to Partial Sun
Hardiness: Zones 3-10; Re-blooms Zones 5-10
Where to Plant Irises
Find a location where your Iris will receive full sun. In warmer climates, a bit of afternoon shade is fine.
For outdoor planting, choose a spot with well-draining soil. If you notice water puddles 5–6 hours after a hard rain, scout out another site or amend the soil with organic material such as compost, ground bark, or decomposed manure.
For container planting, keep in mind that Bearded Irises grow into large, perennial plants with rhizomes that expand into an extensive network over time. Choose a pot, barrel, tub, or urn that's at least 2 gallons with drainage holes.
When to Plant Bearded Irises
Plant Irises in late summer or early fall, when the night-time temperatures are between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit or higher. This will give the roots time to get established before winter.
In warmer regions, you can plant Bearded Irises between late October and early November. Rhizomes may bloom lightly or not at all their first season, but they will catch up and start flowering regularly in subsequent years.
How to Plant Bearded Irises
- Space your Iris rhizomes 8–12" apart and position them horizontally, so the tops are just peeking above the soil surface, and the roots are spread out in the soil below.
- Pack the soil around the Iris, leaving a portion of the rhizome and foliage uncovered. Compared with many other bulbs, this seems too shallow, but it's perfect for Bearded Irises. In warmer climates, cover the rhizome with 1/2" to 1" of soil to prevent the rhizome from sustaining sun damage.
- Water thoroughly following planting to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets around the rhizome. After the initial watering, ease off on the water; your bulb doesn't need more moisture until roots develop and foliage begins to grow.
How to Grow Reblooming Bearded Irises
- Water your Bearded Irises regularly once the foliage starts to develop until about six weeks after the flowers have faded. This moisture will increase clump development and bud production for the next blooming period. While it's important to be mindful not to overwater, they appreciate consistent and deep watering during summer droughts.
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring and after the first round of flowering to encourage an abundance of blooms. Be careful: high-nitrogen fertilizer will encourage rhizome rot.
- Cut a few blooms for beautiful, often lightly fragrant bouquets. While Irises don't make exceptionally long-lasting cut flowers, the colors and details are outstanding when appreciated up close.
- Remove the spent flower stems after blooming has finished for the season, but leave the foliage in place. The sword-like leaves will gather sunlight, photosynthesize, and provide nourishment for next season's show. The foliage will also give your garden striking vertical interest.
- Trim the foliage back to about 6” above the rhizome following the first hard frost, removing any leaves that appear spotted or yellowed.
Bearded Iris Tips & Tricks
- Irises attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other pollinators and make fantastic cut flowers.
- Irises pair beautifully with Roses, Peonies, and Lilies.
- Foliage will begin to form in the autumn. In warmer climates, a few varieties may even bloom again in the winter. For most areas, spring will bring a flush of new foliage and flowers.