| Extremely easy to grow and divide, their rainbow of papery petals and fuzzy "beards" that decorate the lower petals appeal to every flower lover. The large, elegant flowers come in every color except true red, and some have a grapelike fragrance. Heights range from dwarf to medium and tall, 9 inches to 4 feet. Some types bloom in spring and fall. Check specialty catalogs for hundreds of varieties. The fleshy divisions called rhizomes are available in the fall. Plant immediately, as they dry out quickly. Keep the rhizome's surface exposed, except in hot areas, where you should cover them lightly with soil. Cut back foliage on established plants only after it starts to die back naturally. Divide every 3 to 4 years after bloom to maintain vigor. Watch for rot in heavy soil and Iris borer. |
Varieties of blue Bearded Iris include 'Pixie Princess', a dwarf, 'Small Sky', a standard dwarf, and 'Blue Fragrance', of intermediate height.
|
Attributes - Iris x germanica 'Blue'
Plant Type: Bulb
Bloom Season: Mid Spring through Mid Summer
Flower Color: Blue
Foliage: Deciduous
Height: 1 ft. to 2 ft. 6 in.
Width: 2 ft.
Sunlight: Full Sun
Climate: Zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10
Notes: Cut Flowers, Low Maintenance, Showy Flowers. Susceptible to Black Spot, Caterpillars, Root Rot, Rust.
|