Bearded Iris (Iris × germanica) Lucky Dip!

Family: Iridaceae (includes freesias, gladioli, and crocuses)
Genus: Iris (includes irises)

Botanical/Binomial Name: Iris × germanica
Common Names: Bearded Iris

Botanical Characteristics: Herbaceous | Perennial | Rhizomatous | Medium-frost tolerant
Propagation: Seed | Division of rhizomes

Item Description:
A dear friend gave me several rhizomes to sell on his behalf. The colours were mixed up unfortunately, so it will be a lucky dip as to which you’d receive — price is discounted to account for this.

One thing for sure however, is that the colour will be stunning! Come spring-summer you should be rewarded with any of the gorgeous apricot, peach or pink flowers shown in the photos.

Plant Description:
The bearded iris is a natural European hybrid, believed to be a cross between Iris pallida (the Dalmation iris) and Iris variegata (the Hungarian iris).

It is a perennial, clumping and spreading plant which grows from underground rhizomes. Some rhizomes may lose all their leaves during winter to reshoot come spring, while most will retain most of their leaves throughout winter.

Flowers appear in spring-summer.

Growing Information:
Bearded iris are very hardy and easy to grow in pots or in the ground, and prefer full sun and well-drained soil rich in organic matter. A good layer of mulch will protect the rhizomes over winter in areas prone to frost, but this should be mostly removed come spring, as too much mulch may cause the rhizomes to rot. Planting the rhizomes too deeply can also lead to rot — so long as the roots are deeply planted it is okay to have the rhizomes just below the surface or even protruding slightly.

Overwatering can also cause problems as these plants don’t require much water and are quite drought-tolerant. They can be watered whenever the top 5 cm feels dry.

Blood and bone is a great top-up slow-release fertiliser which can be applied lightly in autumn and spring for increased blooming. Alternatively apply liquid plant food as per directions once you see flower buds appear.

Remove dead and witherd flowers so as to encourage another flush later in the season.

Every 3-5 years, and after flowering has ended for the season, it is a good idea to lift the rhizomes and divide them for planting anew. This maintains plant health and vigor.