Growing Bearded Irises

By Elizabeth Walling

The bearded iris, also known as the German iris, has long been one of the most popular types of irises. These majestic perennials are exceptionally beautiful, but do not require excessive care, making them ideal for a beginning gardener or for someone who has limited time in the garden.

Bearded irises were given their name for the beard-like appearance of their petals. These irises have three petals known as standards, which grow upward, and three petals known as falls, which grow downward. These petals have a very elegant and delicate appearance, making them a desirable addition to any garden.

The bearded iris can grow to a variety of heights. Depending on the breed of iris you select for your garden, the height of your blooms will be between 10 and 28 inches. The color selection of bearded irises is truly vast. Irises can be found in nearly every color imaginable, and in many combinations of these colors as well. With a little searching, you can find the perfect color iris to compliment your garden.

Bearded irises bloom best in full sun with well-drained soil. At a minimum, a good site for irises should receive half sun, but the more sunshine these flowers receive, the healthier they will be. Irises don't require an especially cold winter to thrive, but a cool winter season will benefit their growth. Growing irises in climates that don't have a cool season is more difficult. Regions in the deep south or on the southern coasts are not the ideal places to grow irises.

Irises are often mistaken for bulbs, but the part of the iris that is planted is actually called a rhizome. This rhizome is not the same as a bulb and is planted differently than a bulb. When planting a rhizome, the root end should be planted in the soil, leaving the top of the rhizome uncovered and in a sunny place. In particularly cold climates, you may want to plant your irises just a little deeper. If you are planting your irises in the fall, roots should be trimmed to just a few inches. When planting in the spring, however, the roots should be left intact to spread through the soil. Irises should be planted between eight and eighteen inches apart, depending on their maximum height. The taller the iris, the greater the length should be between them. Irises can multiply rapidly, which is why the distance between them should be so considerable.

Irises can be fertilized twice a year, once in the weeks before blooming in the spring, and then once again before winter arrives. A fertilizer high in phosphorous is ideal for maximum bloom. Fertilizers high in nitrogen are not recommended. Many gardeners find bone meal to be a good fertilizer for their bearded irises.

At the end of their blooming period, fading iris blooms can be trimmed an inch or two above the rhizome. Do not cut the leaves until they have faded and turned brown.

The most common problems in irises are often caused by over watering. Fungal spots on the leaves are common if conditions are too moist. Anti-fungal treatments can help to prevent and treat this problem. Soft rot is a more serious problem that results from too much moisture in hot months. It is best to prevent rot as much as possible since this problem will often destroy the plant. Pest problems can also occur, but are easily treated with pesticides.

With a little care and preparation, your garden can be graced with the timeless beauty of bearded irises. These stately flowers are sure to add an element of sophistication to your garden for years to come.

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