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Bearded Iris

39 Comments on Bearded Iris»

1. why have my iris’ never bloomed. the leaves have come up and been up for 18 months, no blooms!?

   Some causes for no blooms are a too shady location, they were planted too deep or overfertilized which will produce too many leaves no flowers.

   Comment by penny prouty — 11/19/2004 @ 7:56 am

2. I cannot find any information on deadheading my Iris. Do I just pluck out the old bloom or break it off at the stem or just leave it alone. I am not very knowledgabe about flowers so my jargon is lacking. There is a small swollen area below the bloom. If I deadhead, do I break the stem above or below this? Is there a time frame after the blooms die in which to do this? I hope you can understand what I am talking about. Thanks, Leo

   When the flower shrivels and dries up it can easily be snapped off below the swollen area. Take care not to break off any new flowers buds. When all blooms are spent, allow the stem to die back on its own.

   Comment by leo mckiney — 4/29/2005 @ 8:49 am

3. My hybrid bearded iris is 13 years old; why is it now changing to lighter colors

   There are a few factors that can fade the colors on your iris. Increasing shade, a hot growing temperature and a nutrient deficiency in the soil. In warmer climates iris need some afternoon shade to keep flowers from fading. Also as some iris get older the flower color will fade.

   Comment by mindy — 5/14/2005 @ 4:18 am

4. what kind of soil do iris like…acid or alkaline?

   Iris will tolerate a wide range of soil types - sandy loam to heavy clay, as long as it is well-drained. They also prefer a neutral ph 7 but some varieties will tolerate ph 6-8.

   Comment by nancy stone — 5/16/2005 @ 8:03 am

5. My Bearded Iris have flowers that are deformed and appear to be rotting. This occurrs side by side with beautiful healthy blooms. The plants appear healthy and do not appear to have any signs of iris boroer damage. What is cauisng this? I read it may be aphids but see no sign of them, are they
   hard to see?

   If you had aphids you would see them sucking on the leaves. There are several species of thrips that will infest an iris. Gladiolus and flower thrips can also infest the flower. They feed on the buds, stem tips, and flowers. Infested plants will have distorted blooms and petals. The leaves are flecked with white and tips can curl, wither and die. The insect burrows into the flower and leaf tissue making it difficult to control. If you have thrips, try repeated sprayings of insecticidal soap every 5-7 days until infestation is gone. Remove any infected flowers.

   Comment by Cheryl Koranda — 5/22/2005 @ 6:33 pm

6. When do you cut a iris plant back? Or do you?

   You can cut them back in the late summer after they are done blooming and the leaves turn yellow. Iris leaves are also cut back by 2/3 after you divide them.

   Comment by Laura Peavy — 5/23/2005 @ 4:32 pm

7. I have several starter plant of bearded iris. Several people said that if i plant them too close they will all fade and become one color. Is this true?

   Too close plantings can reduce flower production and you will need to divide them earlier. If you plant different colors close together the healthier plant color can take over. Flower will also fade from nutrient deficiences and the amount of sunlight available.

   Comment by bill schlosser — 6/5/2005 @ 11:00 am

8. Bearded Iris- I have pods (I think that is what you would call them) that grow where the bloom was. Can these be planted to make more irises? Do I need to open and dry the seed inside? Help? I also get these on my daylilies and want to know what to do with them.

   The pods are full of seeds. Let them ripen and they will pop open. You can plant the seeds to make more plants. If they are hybrids you may not get the same plant as the parent. Do the same with the daylilies.

   Comment by Judy — 6/5/2005 @ 2:26 pm

9. I have MANY older Iris plants that need to be transplanted now to make way for a new driveway. What is the best procedure?

   Iris need to be divided and replanted every 3-5 yrs, the best time is in July or later after blooming. This will be your opportunity to rejuvenate your iris bed and perhaps share some extras with your friends. Dig up your rhizomes and cut away the new parts, discarding the old. Plant the rhizomes 18-24 inches apart pointing the fans of leaves away from each other.You can plant in a circular group. For quicker mass flowers, plant iris clumps in set of 3 closer together (8-10 inches). Cut the leaves to 1/3 of their full height. Mulch for the winter.

   Comment by Jone D. — 6/7/2005 @ 1:17 pm

10. I have bearded Iris that are quite big, some bloom, some don’t - then I have the regular beared Iris (I think) that usually blooms purple/blue color. However, this year they ALL bloomed white. Any reasons anyone can tell me.
    Thanks, Glenda

    If you plant different colors close together the healthier plant color can take over. Without knowing, you might have had a white iris among the purple/blue and it is blooming this year and perhaps taking over. Flower will also fade from nutrient deficiences and the amount of sunlight available.

    Comment by Glenda — 6/24/2005 @ 5:20 pm

11. My iris did not bloom this year and I would like to cut them back now. Will that be ok? Also can I put mulch on them?

    There are several reason why your iris may not have bloomed - one is that they may be too crowded and need division and late summer is a good time to do this. When dividing cut the foliage back to 1/3 of the leaf. If you just want to cut them back, do it in the fall when the leaves start to yellow and brown, green leaves put back nutrition and energy into the tuber for next years growth. You can mulch them for winter protection only.

    Comment by Jo Norris — 6/30/2005 @ 6:30 am

12. I had to replant my bearded iris’s last July, I used bulb food before replanting. This spring the leaves are brown on ends and have brown spots on the whole leaf. What did/am I doing wrong?

    Sounds like you might have Iris leaf spot caused by a fungus Didymellina macrospora. Usually starts with small, water soaked spots that grow to 1/2 inch long spots with brownish purple center and yellow margins. The fungus winters over on infected leaves and spreads to healthy leaves via splashing water. To help control this remove infected leaves in the fall and if you have a severe infection spray with a fungicide. Use according to label directions.rded Iris

    Comment by Kris — 7/8/2005 @ 9:07 am

13. My iris bloomed beautifully this year. while weeding the bed I notices some leave brown all the way down and mushy. Also the tip on some are turning brown. There are no “spots” as noted in the notes above, but turning dried brown sometimes 2 inches to 4-5 inches down. What is it and what should I do? Thank you

    Check the tubers for pinholes caused by iris borer which also bring along a bacterial rot-hence the mushy leaves and probably parts of the tuber. If it is iris borer remove any infected tubers. Check the above question from Lisa as to how to treat it and prevent it next year.

    Comment by Gary V. Horton — 7/15/2005 @ 5:18 am

14. I have dug up , separated and trimmed my iris. Is there a special plant food or other chemical I should prepare the soil with before replanting?

    If you have poor soil add a commercial fertilizer such as 5-10-5 (about 1/2 cup for every 6-7 rhizomes) and mix it well into the soil so that it has no contact with the rhizomes . Another option is to spade in compost, well-rooted manure to improve the soil structure and add some nutrients.

    Comment by lorraine talpas — 8/13/2005 @ 4:15 pm

15. MY HUSBAND AND I ENJOY THE LOOK OF THE IRIS STEMS AND WANT TO INCORPORATE THEM INTO OUR WOODED GARDEN AS A BACK DROP - WILL THEY BLOOM AT ALL?

    Blooming will depend on how much shade you have. The more shade the less flowers. Iris like their heads in the sun and feet in the shade. They grow better in at least part shade.

    Comment by JENNIFER — 8/26/2005 @ 7:45 am

16. We are moving in the middle of winter. I would like to take some favorite iris with me. If I dig them up before frost, what can I do to keep the plants healthy until the spring when I can replant them. I live in the northeast mountains where spring comes late.

    Dig up your iris, cut back the fans to 3-4 inches and store them in a ventilated container with some peat moss. Keep the box in a cool location such as a basement/crawl space. Occasionally check on the rhizomes to see if they are rotting or shriveling. Toss out any rotting tubers and if shriveling add a touch of water to the peat to hydrate the rhizome and keep it firm.

    Comment by Susan Goodwin — 9/24/2005 @ 4:44 am

17. I have found that some of my iris product short stunted deformed flowerheads that barely rise above the tuber, other iris in the same bed flower fine. What could be causing this problem? Thanks.

    It’s possible the either insect or mechanical injury caused damage to the growing point on the iris resulting in distorted growth.

    Comment by verlie — 10/21/2005 @ 2:59 pm

18. Having dug up to separate plants, which did not bloom well this past season, how much of the rhizome must I cut off? Do you cut it with a knife or snap it off in your hands?

    Cut the rhizomes with a sharp knife with each section having at least one growing point (or a fan of leaves)about 3-4 inches and some developed roots. Trim the fans down to 1/3 of their full height.

    Comment by Gary — 10/29/2005 @ 8:52 pm

19. How do I store Bearded Iris Rhizomes over the winter in updtate NY?

    Bearded iris are hardy in your area and can stay in the ground over the winter but if you need to store them indoors for some reason here’s what you do. Dig up your iris, cut back the fans to 3-4 inches and store them in a ventilated container with some peat moss. Keep the box in a cool location(40-50 degrees) such as a basement/crawl space. Occasionally check on the rhizomes to see if they are rotting or shriveling. Toss out any rotting tubers and if shriveling add a touch of water to the peat to hydrate the rhizome and keep it firm.

    Comment by Kris — 12/31/2005 @ 3:56 pm

20. I just planted some bearded iris and some of the buds are drooping over. There are more buds coming but I am worried they are going to droop too. The leaves are green. Any advice?

    The best time to plant iris is in late summer or early fall so that they have time to establish a root system. A spring planting can put the iris in transplant shock as its roots have been compromised and that’s why the leaves are drooping. The roots can’t support the foliage. Best thing you can do at this time is keep it moist but not wet. It should recover with time.

    Comment by Mary — 5/2/2006 @ 8:48 am

21. I divided last spring not the best time but did it….many plants do NOT have any flower blooms just the green, while others do? it doesn’t appear to be related to area planted, because some areas of replants have blooms, while some within same area do not…dissappointed but await with hope

    Iris can take a year to adjust after being transplanted-so that’s why you’ll have some that may bloom and others not.

    Comment by Karen — 5/13/2006 @ 4:52 am

22. My purple iris have not grown as tall and the blooms are misshapen. Some of the buds are not even openingl. I noticed very small greyish crawly insects as I pulled back the last leaf that the bud emerges from. I’m not sure what these are and would like to know how what to use to kill them before they spread to the neighboring yellow iris which is blooming beautifully.
    Elaine Slupe

    There are a number of insects that can affect Iris flower - thrips -(larvae are tiny white pests) expose the plant to a fungal infection causing stunted growth, distorted flowers. The bulb type of iris can also get bulb mites -leaves stunted/deformed and flowers disfuguired or none. Beetles, catepillars, slugs can chew the flowers and foliage. Try a systemic (Orthene) as a preventative treatment next spring

    Comment by Elaine Slupe — 5/22/2006 @ 5:50 am

23. My friend gave me some beared iris in early May. The ground isn’t ready to plant them until next fall, so they are in flower pots now. I live in Minnesota. Pls advise what should I do to them during winter to make sure they will come back next spring. Should I just leave the iris in the pots and store them in the basement and not water them during winter?

    If you can plant them this fall-do so as that is a good time to transplant iris. If you need to store them during the winter - keep them in the pots(as long as the soil is well-drained and light) in a cool location such as a basement/crawl space. Occasionally check on the rhizomes to see if they are rotting or shriveling. Toss out any rotting tubers and if shriveling add a touch of water to hydrate the rhizome. Storing them in a ventilated container in peat moss is the preferred way.

    Comment by Shannon — 5/31/2006 @ 9:47 am

24. I have bed full of old bearded Iris (a Deep Purple with white center), that were given to me by a friend. My Grandmother had beds around her entire house with nothing but iris all labled with their names. However, this particular Iris has something that I have never seen before. After blooming, hudge blooms and about six to one stalk (several that come from the same pod or at least appear to), it forms something that looks like a seed pod and is about the size of a small cucumber. What is this and should I just cut it off?
    Thanks, J. Kuettel

    It is a seed pod. You can leave it on and let it ripen,then plant the seeds or cut it off. By allowing the seeds to ripen the plant will devote more energy to produce seeds than flowers.

    Comment by J. Kuettel — 6/8/2006 @ 1:18 pm

25. Where, when, and how deep do I need to plant the ripened iris seeds?

    Growing iris from seeds can be a complex and long process. Plant the seeds in Oct in a peaty seed compost. Cover seed with a 1/4 inch of compost, water and place container outside by a north wall or cold frame for the winter (stratification). They need cold temperatures or refrigertation for 12-14 weeks. Keep compost moist but not wet and protect against mice. In the spring bring your pot indoors/greenhouse. Warm temperatures should trigger germination. If that doesn’t happen keep pot cool & moist through the summer. Seeds will germinate around 60-70 degrees F. and may take 30-545 days. Once germination takes place transplant each seedling into a separate container. For more info go to Backyardgardener.com, Thompson and Morgan.com also have a seed guide that might be of help to you.

    Comment by Debra Grover — 6/9/2006 @ 7:27 am

26. LOTS OF GREAT INFORMATION

    Comment by mari — 6/25/2006 @ 6:21 am

27. I live in central Iowa and in late September I planted iris bulbs and mulched them. We’ve had a pretty mild fall and I noted that my bulbs have sprouted through. Is there something that I need to do to protect them through the winter?

    It is recommended that mulching should be done after the ground freezes. Put 4-6 inches of a light mulch such as oak leaves, straw, pine needles or evergreen boughs. Even if your iris are sprouting wait till the ground is frozen to add additional mulch. The purpose of mulching is to keep the group steadily frozen thru the winter so there is no thawing and refreezing. Kris

    Comment by Kris — 9/10/2006 @ 9:41 pm

28. My bearded iris blooms well in the spring and has healthy leaves. My only problem is that the stems require support stakes or they fall over. That’s a lot of work and I have not noticed anyone else having to stake irises. Please help!

    It’s possible that your iris has longer leaves because of the amount of light. Perhaps yours get more shade and moisture than your neighbors.

    Comment by Pam Borden — 9/23/2006 @ 12:15 pm

29. do i need to do anything to my iris’ to keep them safe over winter? Do i need to cut back the foliage at all? Some are single bloom while others are reblooming iris’

    Cut the leaves back 6-8 inches above the soil line and mulch with straw or evergreen branches after the first frost to keep the roots from freezing . Mulching especially in Northern states will also control the freezing/thawing cycle during the winter which can heave the plant above the soil and cause damage.

    Comment by Allison — 10/28/2006 @ 10:52 pm

30. Ihave no knowledge of IRIS but rcvd 300 dug up bulbs its DEC7 how do i store them and when to plant in Va. they have 2 IN long green leaves and foot long dead roots? Help plz

    Store them in a ventilated container with some peat moss. Keep the box in a cool location(40-50 degrees) such as a basement/crawl space. Occasionally check on the rhizomes to see if they are rotting or shriveling. Toss out any rotting tubers and if shriveling add a touch of water to the peat to hydrate the rhizomes and keep them firm. Plant them in the spring as soon as the ground can be worked. They probably will not bloom the first year as they will need time to re-establish a good root system but they should bloom the following year.

    Comment by Ron Wisner — 12/7/2006 @ 7:29 pm

31. I planted two bearded iris bulbs two years ago. They came up beautifully each year, except this year they are all drooping to the point that they are actually laying down on the ground. They have plenty of sun, and I water them regularly. What would cause this, and how do I fix it? They are to lovely to lay on the ground. Thank you so much.

    Is it possible that you have had a lot of rain? Did you fertilize them this spring? Too much of both can cause the leaves to grow taller than normal. You can stake them to keep the flowers off the ground.

    Comment by Sheryl — 5/31/2007 @ 3:13 pm

32. My front yard is full of iris, these plants have been for many years. Is there anything I can feed them to get a healthy bloom. Thanks

    If your iris have been in the same spot for more than 3-5 years, chances are they need to be divided because they are overcrowded. The best time to do this is on a cloudy day, after they finish blooming. If the leaves are growing healthy and green, they may not need fertilizer. The recommended fertilizer rate(by U. Ext.) is a 1/2 cup of 5-10-10 for 6 small plants or 1 cup for a large iris clump, or 1/2 lb. of 5-10-10 per sq. ft applied after blooming . Also, try a light (1/2 dose) application in early spring 5-10-10. Apply the fertilizer around the base of the plant and avoid high Nitorgen (first#) fertilizers.

    Comment by Cela H — 7/17/2007 @ 3:53 pm

33. I have a scale or aphid like infestation on my Iris leaves. It is some kind of bug. I rubbed it off on leaf and looked like aphids, but doesn’t look like any aphid I have seen. Any help to get rid of this or what it is would be appreciated.

    Aphids do attack iris. These tiny pear shaped or rounded insects come in a number of colors, usually appear in the spring, causing curled and distorted leaves. To treat for aphids spray the plant with insecticidal soap every 3-5 days for two weeks. A stronger alternative is Pyrethrum with alcohol. According to Rodale’s “Flower Garden Problem Sover"-Add 1 tablespoon alcohol to 1 pint of pyrethrum mix. The mixture should contact the aphids to be effective. Be sure they are aphids before spraying, this treatment will do little for scale.

    Comment by Nita — 8/11/2007 @ 4:48 pm

34. We bought our home in Spring of 2006. The previous owners had made a beautiful hybrid bearded Iris bed in the shape of an island on one side of the driveway which faces west. The blooms were just terrific that year and this year. The blooms lasted about a month or so, then were all done blooming. I have noticed that the bulbs seem to be mostly above the ground and very, very close together. What do I do with them now(mid August,2007). I have been cutting the leaves off at the ground level, but I have read that I should not be doing this. I think most of the bulbs have been there for at least 10+ years. I have no idea on how to “divide” them. Do I throw away bulbs that I don’t want? I truly need your help in this matter. Thanks. S. Corey, Chicago suburb

    Hi Sarah
    Now is a good time to divide your iris, especially if they are crowded. Dig under a clump of rhizomes and lift out the whole clump. Wash away the soil and inspect them for any pinholes or soft spots-discard those. Cut each rhizome with a sharp knife making sure each division has at least a fan of leaves and roots (about 3-4″). Before replanting, cut back the leaves to 1/3 of their full height and replant them the same way they were planted. Spread the roots facing downward into the soil and cover with soil , then press firmly in place making sure your rhizome is at soil level or slightly above. Water in thoroughly. Plant a least 3 rhizomes in a triangle or an alternating row pattern; pointing the fan of leaves away from each other. Plant 18-24 inches apart. Closer planting (10-12″) will fill in quicker but will have to be divided more often. Give or exchange the extra bulbs with your friends or neighbors to enjoy.

    Comment by Sara Corey — 8/12/2007 @ 12:30 pm

35. we moved into our new home last sept and there is a large circle of really small iris but only a few of them came up, how do i make them fill in? thanks

    There are several types of irises; those that grow from rhizomes and others that grow from bulbs. I suspect the small iris are from bulbs. They need full sun and well drained soil rich in organic matter. If the flower bed is declining and failing to bloom, it may be due to the foliage being cut down or dieing too early. Iris need the foliage to die back naturally so that it can replenish the nutrients back to the bulb for next seasons growth. They also need to be dry during the summer, wet soil will rot the bulb. Insects and diseases can also be a cause for the declining bed. You may have to dig up and see what’s happening to the bulbs.

    Comment by julie bassard — 10/22/2007 @ 6:39 am

36. my daughter brought home from school 2 months ago give or take 2 iris bulbs in a small 6 cm high pot made out of what cups are made out of with no holes at bottom now 1 is 30 cm high i can see bulb popping out and the other next to it with no bulb showing deeper this one is twice the height and leaning over worried they will break what do i have to do with them my daughter is 4 and is amazed at how they are growing can’t let her down its her first special thing we want to keep please help

    Hi Emma
    You can explain to her that this iris comes from a bulb and inside each bulb is a preformed flower that comes out once a year to bloom. Once the flower is finished blooming, it will die but the leaves should continue to grow so that they can put back more food into the bulb so it can make another flower for next year. So you need to water and keep the green leaves growing until they turn yellow and die. If you can, plant the iris without disturbing it too much outdoors in a sunny spot. In the meantime take a stick and put it between both flower stems and tie it together for support until it’s done blooming.

    Comment by emma — 4/9/2008 @ 4:08 pm

37. THANKS BUT THE LITE GREEN LEAVES THAT ARE SHOOTING OUT IS THIS BLOOMING AND WHEN THE DIE THAT WEN THE STEM CUMS IF SO OK AND WEN DO I PUT THEM IN GARDEN AND I HAVE NO FLOWER BIT ITS ALL CONCREAT SLABS SO CAN A DO IT USING POTS AND IF SO HOW THANKYOU AND THESE GREENY THINGS SHOOTING OUT DO I HAVE TO TIE A STIK TO THEM

    The bloom will be light purple, it will come out between the green leaves. You don’t have to tie a stick to them if they are growing upright and not fallling over. Plant them now outdoors or let them die back in the pot. If stored in the pot, they will need a cool period before they bloom again. You would have to store them in temperatures above freezing (like a garage) in the winter. It would be easier if you planted them outdoors.

    Comment by emma — 4/10/2008 @ 7:32 am

38. I would like to know what the gestation period is for Iris bulbs? I planted 6 Iris bulbs, outdoors, in a large pot, back in late October. It’s now the end of April and I haven’t seen any signs of growth. I’ve followed all of the planting instructions and make sure that they get plenty of sunlight and water. Could you tell me when I should see the first signs and if you think there is a possibility they’ll bloom this year?

    Iris should be planted in late summer or early autumn to give them enough time to establish a root system before winter. If you live in a colder region, the roots should also be mulched to protect them from the freezing and thawing cycle during the winter months which will harm the roots especially in a container. At this point you will need to wait and see if the transplanted iris have survived. Iris can take a year to adjust after transplanting so they most likely will not bloom this year.

    Comment by Jillian — 4/23/2008 @ 12:14 pm

39. I have 2 iris beds growing, they are 3 years old, very healthy, one side has buds. Tonight we have a frost comming ,in I live I think in aone 5 or 6, upstate New york, Orange County. Should I cover them and if so with what?

    Hi Anna
    Cover the tender new growth with a blanket or sheet, avoid plastic as that traps the cold air.

    Comment by Anna Di Vietri — 4/29/2008 @ 11:14 am

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