German Bearded Iris
German Bearded Iris are very easy to grow and come in a rainbow of colors. Some are single in color, others are bi color in blues, reds, white, yellows and pinks as well as lavender. They bloom in early spring to early summer, and some re-bloom again in fall. The green and sometimes variegated leaves are strap like and arrayed in a fan shape clump. Heights range from 10" up to 30".
Iris prefer full sun and well drained soil, and fertilization in early spring and again after blooming. A balanced all purpose fertilizer is more than adequate for these carefree plants. When these prolific perennials become too dense, usually every two to three years, they will greatly benefit from thinning. They grow and multiply from underground rhizomes(stems) which can be divided and then planted elsewhere or shared with other gardeners. When replanting, be sure not to plant them too deep, leaving the rhizome barely showing at ground level. Cut the foliage back by 1/3 before replanting so the plant is not top heavy and susceptible to wind or weather pulling them out of the ground until new roots are established.
One of the best qualities of this perennial plant besides being so carefree is that it is deer resistant! With the deer population explosion everywhere, it is becoming more and more difficult to find plants they will not decimate. So enjoy this beautiful spring flowering plant in all its colorful hues, and then in three years share it with others or create another eye catching bed for yourself!
Iris prefer full sun and well drained soil, and fertilization in early spring and again after blooming. A balanced all purpose fertilizer is more than adequate for these carefree plants. When these prolific perennials become too dense, usually every two to three years, they will greatly benefit from thinning. They grow and multiply from underground rhizomes(stems) which can be divided and then planted elsewhere or shared with other gardeners. When replanting, be sure not to plant them too deep, leaving the rhizome barely showing at ground level. Cut the foliage back by 1/3 before replanting so the plant is not top heavy and susceptible to wind or weather pulling them out of the ground until new roots are established.
One of the best qualities of this perennial plant besides being so carefree is that it is deer resistant! With the deer population explosion everywhere, it is becoming more and more difficult to find plants they will not decimate. So enjoy this beautiful spring flowering plant in all its colorful hues, and then in three years share it with others or create another eye catching bed for yourself!
By: Sandy Weinkam
A.J. Rahn Greenhouses
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