How to Grow Irises?
How to Grow Irises, the Vibrant Gems of the Spring Garden
Irises are one of the best-loved flower bulbs, enlivening the spring garden with their jewel-like shades of blue, red, yellow, white, lilac, and bronze - it’s easy to see why they were named for the goddess of the rainbow! Learn how to grow Dutch irises and dwarf irises for a fabulous display.
How to Grow Irises: Dutch Irises
The small, teardrop-shaped bulbs of Dutch irises are planted in the same way as tulips. Plant from September through December, before the soil freezes. Choose a sunny position with well-drained soil and plant the bulbs in groups, with the pointed tips of the bulbs about 3" - 4" below the soil surface and each bulb about 2" - 4" apart. Dutch irises will perennialize but many gardeners treat them as annuals, discarding the old plants and planting fresh bulbs each season.
How to Grow Irises: Dwarf Irises
The rich blue blooms of dwarf irises bring a welcome flash of color to the garden in early spring; they are ideal for naturalizing under trees and shrubs and also look fabulous grown in pots and containers. Plant in fall, setting each bulb 4” below the surface of the ground. Dwarf irises look best in groups, planted at a density of 6 bulbs per square foot.
How to Grow Irises: Aftercare
After the blooms have faded, the stems and foliage will remain throughout the summer, helping to form next season’s bloom. Keep them watered and when they die back, gently pull the dry stalks away leaving the bulb behind.
Have you fallen in love with the rainbow hues of this gorgeous spring bulb? Now that you’ve learned how to grow iris, all you have to decide is which variety to grow. Explore our iris collection, where you will find irises in every color you could dream of, including some new varieties and our exclusive Elite irises.