Iris plants can be planted at any time during the growing season. However, you will get the best results using potted plants in the spring and bare root rhizomes in mid summer. Bare-root plants are more economical and most large growers offer only this choice.

Bearded Iris are extremely hardy plants offering bloom from early May to late June and sometimes ‘’re-blooming’ again in the fall. They have excellent foliage and look great in the landscape, particularly with today’s popular grasses.

They love the sun and like most grasses require little water, perfect for low water ‘Xeriscaped’ landscapes.

Location, Location, Location Choose a spot with at least 6 hours of full sun in well drained soil. Potted Plants (Spring & Summer) Carefully remove the plant from the pot without disturbing the soil and plant at the same level or slightly higher in the ground. Be careful not to add soil to cover the rhizome, it likes to sunbathe. Water in well and again every 3 days for a week and then wait for it to flower. Newly Shipped Plants (usually late August) Unpack your irises as soon as you receive them. Check that your order is correct. It is important to plant within a couple of days. The sooner they are planted, the faster they will begin to set down their roots. This will encourage better performance next spring. If you are unable to plant immediately, store them in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area for up to a week. If you need to store them longer, then they should be potted in 1 gallon or larger pots in weed-free soil. Garden Planting (Mid-Summer)

Dig a trench Cover the roots

Late fall planting
In the event, you are unable to plant by mid to late summer, you may want to try over-wintering potted iris in a dark, unheated shed or garage. We have been trying this with good success. Pot the Iris in large pots in the fall and set them in your garden to continue growing. Make sure you water periodically. Just as winter freeze-up begins, bring them into your unheated shed or garage. Be sure to water lightly a few times during the winter to prevent the roots from drying. It is best to cover any windows to help prevent heat build-up on sunny days. In the spring, prior to growth, move the pots back outside to condition. As soon as the ground is workable, remove them from their pots, keeping the soil ball intact, “tickle” the roots and plant in the ground.

Winter heaving
During the last couple of winters we have experienced significant thaw periods mid winter possibly due to climate change. These temperature changes result in a freeze - thaw cycle which is particularly damaging to newly–planted Iris rhizomes. Prompt planting combined with mulching will help prevent heaving.

Newly (First Year) Planted Rhizomes Vanessa is covering one of our recent Introductions, Easter Candy, with about 9" of weed-free straw.

First Year Planted Bed Here we have covered the entire newly planted bed with straw. In the spring the straw will be raked in between the rows to help act as a weed barrier.

Previous