The tall, beautiful iris, named after the Greek goddess who rode rainbows, comes in many magical colors. Despite its divine origins, this June bloomer is rugged, reliable, and easy to grow. Learn all about planting, growing, and caring for iris flowers.
There are some 300 species in the genus Iris. The most familiar irises are the tall (at least 28 inches) bearded irises (Iris germanica).
These distinctive six-petaled flowers have three outer hanging petals (called “falls”) and three inner upright petals (called “standards”).
Irises may be a “bearded” type or crested (“beardless”). Bearded iris are so-called because they have soft hairs along the center of the falls. In crested iris, the hairs form a comb or ridge.
Most irises flower in early summer. Some—mostly bearded hybrids—are remontant, flowering again later in the summer.
Irises attract butterflies and hummingbirds, and make lovely cut flowers. For iris companions in the garden, look to roses, peonies, and lilies.
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Short blooms
Suddenly, after several years of normal behavior some of our iris have begun to bloom only 2 or 3 inches off the dirt surface. We live on Southern California. Any thoughts on why this is happening?
short stalks/stems
This is a tough one—for us, that is. Apparently short stalks (stems) are not uncommon. Some people believe that the problem is cold weather related, soil NPK related, or soil pH releated. You might get a better answer from folks in your area. May we suggest that you contact your local cooperative extension service. You can find it here https://www.almanac.com/cooperative-extension-services
What to do with old leaves left over from winter
Hi, it’s spring in Northeast US, and Im finally getting to prepping the garden for spring. I still have a lot of long leaves ( some green, some green&brown) left on my iris plants from last year. Should I cut them back now? I want to make sure the new plants come up with the best possible situation, am worried that I may interfere w new growth ( I see small leaves already coming up. Would appreciate any advice!!! Thanks.
Iris Leaves
At this point, you can leave most foliage alone. However, do prune out any leaves that appear damaged or diseased, as they may harbor disease and pests.
Iris bulb planting
I just ordered some iris bulbs. I need to plant them in the fall now?
Planting Time
Fall is the best time to plant iris rhizomes, but if you have them earlier, you can plant them earlier, too.
Iris seed pods
Will iris seed pods grow? If so how long does it take to produce flowers.
Iris bulbs
Hi! I am completely new to gardening and flower planting. Bear with me. I was given two bags of iris bulbs from a local friend. I really don't know what to do with them. For right now I have read (here) to put them in bags with holes in a cool place with some soil around them? And then plant them soon? It is mid September so I guess now is good? Does one make an iris bed? Do you plant them among other flowers? Do can you put something decorative around them like stones or mulch to keep weeds down?
Thank you!!
what to do w Irises
Sarah, all of your questions are answered above; just read (and read again). Briefly:
• Plant irises in late summer to early fall, when nighttime temperatures remain between 40 and 50 degrees Fahrenheit or above. … If you receive bare rhizomes or irises in a container at some point earlier in the year, go ahead and plant them as soon as convenient. It’s better to get them in the ground rather than wait until the ideal time.
• yes, make a bed. See planning a site above.
• If you receive bare rhizomes or irises in a container at some point earlier in the year, go ahead and plant them as soon as convenient. It’s better to get them in the ground rather than wait until the ideal time.
• Do not mulch around the rhizome as this practice may encourage rot.
We recommend that you read above and plan. You have plenty of time, certainly several weeks. Good luck and have fun!
Siberian Irises
can they be grown from seeds? My plants have many seed pods and was wondering what to do with the seed pods.
growing iris from seed
Yes, iris can be grown from seed. Keep in mind that the new iris may not have the same coloring or attributes of the parent iris. Here are two articles on how to grow iris from seed:
https://www.tucsoniris.org/articles/iris_from_seeds.php
https://www.schreinersgardens.com/how-do-you-grow-iris-from-seed
very long leaves
This year all my iris have grown exceptionally long-leaved. I dug up and replanted one bed last fall, and planted another bed two years ago. I've had most of these iris for many years; a friend gave me a few new ones three years ago. Yes, the two-three year old bed bloomed, but mostly I'm concerned about how long the leaves have grown. It doesn't really seem to be a problem, just weird. Any advice?
Long Iris Leaves
Hi Lynn,
While we aren’t sure why your iris leaves are extra long this year, but we can say that there aren’t any potential issues that come from having long foliage!
Brown irises
Are brown (we always called them chocolate) irises rare?
brown irises
Apparently brown flower irises are relatively rare; we found only one source, and it is out of stock.
Help! My iris came up a different color this spring!
I have several plants of Bearded iris. Three come up, true to their original color. Three others change color each year! Two came up as a very pale purple, like one of the pictures on this post. That is NOT what I planted. Can Iris "move" from place to place by wind or "Critters" moving them? We had a rather warm winter this year. And I noticed that the violets are a much deeper color this year. Can anyone help me?
My irises just got trampled!!
I transplanted the irises from my brother's house 10 years ago after he passed away. I had a driveway poured today, and just saw that the concrete crew has literally destroyed my whole bed of irises. They pulled some of them up, and what they didn't pull up, they walked on as if they weren't even there. I will be moving to a different place in about a month. What do I do between now and then? Dig them up and store them, put them in a pot, leave them until I move, or is there not any hope for them at all now? They have already bloomed this year, and this variety, (whatever it is) typically only blooms in spring.
trample tragedy
What an unfortunate turn of events, Robin. It’s hard to know how much damage was done and if, as you say, there is any hope…but there is only one way to find out. Dig them up and store them in peat or something like it until you get settled and then plant them. Hope springs eternal so maybe they will surprise you next year.
Lily of the Valley
We bought our home 7yrs ago, on the side of garage, we've had daffodils every year, we don't have neighbours & this year just last wk, I smelled my birth flower Lily of the Valley! Sure enough after 7yrs, several plants have appeared! How?
lily of the valley appearance
Lily of the valley typically spreads under the ground by rhizomes but the plants also produce a pod with seeds in it that could set/grown. The pod could have blown in or been carried by/on—or even in—a bird or other animal. Enjoy!
Planting time for Iris
If I plant Iris in April will they bloom in the summer?
Irises
Depending on your climate, it’s possible. However, it’s more likely that they’ll go dormant in the heat of the summer and bloom next year instead. The good news is that they’ll have plenty of time to get established between now and then!
Summer blooms?
I was surprised to read this..the iris in our front and back yards have been there for years. Prior owners planted. But they O N L Y bloom in spring, never summer. And the Elk and Deer do NOT EAT THEM!
gift of iris in late fall
Hi,
I received a nice gift of a bag of iris from a friend. These iris are sentimental because they came out of my mom's garden years ago, went to him then to me. Today it's cold and snowy. Should I keep the iris in a bag in the garage for the winter or get them into the ground when the snow goes away next week? Thanks for your help.
Over Winter Irises
Hi Larry,
It’s amazing how special plants can be shared and sometimes come back around again! At this point, it would be better to leave the irises in a bag that has a few holes in it (for air circulation) in the garage, or other similar place that is cool, dark, and dry. Plant the irises in the spring as early as you can for the best results. We hope this helps!
over winter irises
Thank you for your advice! Yes they are special. My mom was a Master Gardener and a perennial expert. When both she and my dad passed, we took 80 specimens from her garden and planted them at our house. Because she preceded my dad in death, her iris were mostly gone. Getting these iris back, via a friend of her's, is very special. I'll keep them as you direct and plant them this coming spring.
Finding Iris too late to plant?
Could I plant in pots and bring in the house, and move later to greenhouse and than outside?
Iris's - General
I am caring for a very large garden with numerous varieties of everything including iris's - my primary question today is can all iris's stay in ground thru the winter?
Wintering irises
Sheila, I was just reading that “heaving” is a concern for wintering:
“In areas with very cold winters, Irises may benefit from being planted more deeply, making them less susceptible to heaving during freeze-thaw cycles.”
(The Almanac wont allow me to post a link, but it is from the latest blog entry at the American Iris Society’s web page.)
But root rot also seems to be a concern, so not too deep!
Happy gardening!
Invasive iris
We live beside Okanagan Lake. A 'clump' of yellow iris with very tall leaves in the yard (mostly sand) is making me nuts! we thought we dug them all out this spring..... but they are back with a vengence & spreading into my new shrubs! They are very deep in the ground & seem to be quite invasive. They look like the Siberian Iris, but are more foliage than flowers. What can I do to get rid of them?
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