Growing Non-GMO Lavender Bearded Iris Flower Rhizomes

Plant lavender bearded iris rhizomes at least six weeks before the first hard frost in a spot with full sun and well-draining soil. Full sun — at least six hours of direct sunlight daily — is essential for reliable blooming. Amend heavy soils with coarse sand and compost to improve drainage, and aim for a slightly acidic pH of around 6.8. Unlike true bulbs, bearded iris rhizomes must not be buried deeply. Dig a shallow trench about 4 inches deep, form a small mound of soil in the center, and set the rhizome on top with the roots spreading downward. The top of the rhizome should sit at or just above the soil surface. In very hot climates, light coverage of up to 1 inch is acceptable to prevent scorching. Space rhizomes 12-24 inches apart.

Water in at planting to settle the soil and encourage root development. After establishment, bearded irises are drought-tolerant and require little supplemental watering beyond natural rainfall except during extended dry periods. Apply a low-nitrogen fertilizer such as 5-10-10 in early spring and again after blooming. Remove spent flower stalks after blooming, and cut foliage back to about 6 inches in late fall to reduce overwintering iris borer populations. Divide clumps every 3-4 years when blooming begins to decline.

Growing Lavender Bearded Iris in Containers

For containers, use a roomy pot — a minimum of 12 inches wide and deep — with excellent drainage. Fill the pot to 1 inch below the rim and plant as described above, keeping the rhizome top exposed. Water only when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry. Container-grown irises benefit from being overwintered in a garage or shed in colder zones to protect the rhizomes from repeated hard freezes.

Lavender Bearded Iris in the Flower Garden

Lavender is the color most people picture when they think of a bearded iris — soft, luminous, and possessed of a timeless elegance that works equally well in formal and cottage garden settings. The tall, stately stems reach 30-36 inches, making lavender bearded iris a natural choice for the back of a mixed border, where the blooms rise above lower-growing plants and provide a graceful backdrop in late spring. The flowers are lightly fragrant, and bees and butterflies are reliably drawn to them. Mass plantings create a sweeping display that is one of the classic sights of the late spring garden.

Harvesting Lavender Bearded Iris

Lavender bearded iris makes an elegant and long-lasting cut flower. Harvest when the first bud on the stalk is just beginning to open, using a clean, sharp knife or shears. Cut early in the morning, make a clean 45-degree angle cut, and place stems immediately in lukewarm water. The remaining buds on the stalk will continue to open in the vase over several days, extending the display considerably. The soft lavender color coordinates beautifully with white, cream, and pale yellow flowers in mixed arrangements.

About Lavender Bearded Iris Garden Rhizomes

Bearded irises belong to the species Iris germanica, also known as the German iris, and have been cultivated for thousands of years — appearing in ancient Egyptian palace art and inspiring the French fleur-de-lis. Lavender and violet tones are among the oldest and most historically significant iris colors, closely associated with the genus throughout its long ornamental history.

The genus name Iris comes from the Greek goddess of the rainbow, a fitting reference given the extraordinary range of colors found across the thousands of named iris cultivars in existence. Lavender tones in particular evoke the classic bearded iris of cottage gardens and perennial borders across Europe and North America.

Bearded irises are not edible and are considered toxic to dogs, cats, and horses if ingested. Those with sensitive skin are advised to wear gloves when handling the rhizomes and foliage.

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Tips From Our Gardeners

Lavender bearded iris pairs beautifully with late tulips, alliums, and peonies for a layered late spring display. Since all three have different bloom times, planting them together gives you several weeks of overlapping color from the same bed with almost no extra effort.

- Jerry Sawyer, True Leaf Market Writer

Lavender Bearded Iris Flower Bulbs Per Package:

• 1 Rhizome
• 3 Rhizome Bag

Non-GMO Lavender Bearded Iris Rhizomes are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.