These Bearded Iris grow best in the garden. The plant has thick rhizomes. These thick roots should be planted as soon as possible after receiving them. First prepare the ground and thoroughly loosen the soil. Improve heavy garden soil by mixing in some sharp sand. Make a mound in the planting hole and lay the thick roots of the iris on the mound about 1 cm below ground level. Spread the roots along both sides of the mound. Fill the hole with soil and press firmly. Water immediately after planting. The spacing of the rhizomes should be roughly about 25-30 cm. Bearded Iris flowers well in a warm sunny area or semi shade in well-drained, fairly dry soil.

Bearded Iris are great for the garden

Bearded Irises are a group of large-flowered irises that dislike wet soil. Dry soil with good water drainage is ideal. These irises grow best and are at home when planted in a raised bed against a south wall. However, Bearded Irises also experience a rich bloom when planted along a sunny border.

Bearded Iris is a hardy perennial. There are still gardeners who think that Iris Germanica like to grow in wet soil, but they are very happy in normal garden soils. Cut off faded flower stems completely and remove any unpleasant-looking leaves. The sword-shaped, greyish green leaves die towards the end of summer, but new leaves appear once again in autumn. In winter, cover the plants with a layer of fallen leaves or conifer branches. In spring, cut off all the leaves, provide it with a garden fertilizer and soon you will see new shoots growing above the ground.

Bearded Irises should be rejuvenated

For a rich flowering, it is recommended to rejuvenate your Bearded Irises after about four years. Dig up the rhizomes in August. Cut off the younger parts using a sharp knife while making sure that each part has a growing point (shoot leaf). Replant these young pieces and the following year the beautiful flowers appear again.

Bearded Iris are wonderful. The upright petals often have a different colour than the drooping petals. This allows for a nice colour contrast within the flowers. The lower petals are called the 'beard'. Bearded Irises are also known by their former name, Iris Barbata, and are sometimes called Iris Barbata Sword. They have sword shaped foliage.