Planting & Care Guide
​Every iris deserves a good beginning. Here’s how to help your new rhizome settle in and grow happily in its new home.
Unpack & Prepare Your Iris
Open your box immediately upon arrival. Iris rhizomes are shipped bare-root and should not remain packaged.
If roots appear dry from transit, place the rhizome roots (not the entire rhizome) in plain water for 4 to 6 hours to rehydrate before planting. This step helps encourage healthy root growth after shipping.
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Choose a planting location with full sun for best bloom performance. Irises prefer at least 6 hours of sunlight per day, though they can tolerate light afternoon shade in hotter climates.
Soil must be well-drained, as irises do not tolerate sitting in wet or soggy conditions.
How to Plant Your Iris
Iris rhizomes are not bulbs and should never be planted fully underground. Set the rhizome so the top remains exposed to sunlight, with the roots spread into the soil below. Gently firm the soil around the roots, making sure the heel of the rhizome is in contact with the soil, as this encourages strong root development.
In windy areas, planting staples may be used to help keep the fan upright until new roots anchor the plant. At planting time, a small amount of bone meal may be mixed into the soil beneath the roots to support healthy growth.
Watering & Feeding Your Iris
Newly planted irises should be watered regularly until roots are established, especially during warm weather. Once fall and winter arrive, reduce or stop watering, as irises prefer drier conditions while dormant. Never allow standing water to collect on or around the rhizome, as this can lead to rot. In heavy or clay soils, amend the planting area with organic material and perlite to improve drainage.
At planting time, a light application of bone meal may be added beneath the roots to encourage strong root development. In spring, after the danger of frost has passed, fertilize with a low-nitrogen fertilizer such as 6-10-10. Avoid high-nitrogen feeds, which promote leafy growth at the expense of blooms. For reblooming varieties, a second light feeding may be applied in early fall.
Long-Term Care for Your Iris
Once established, irises are hardy, low-maintenance plants. They prefer good air circulation and plenty of sun, with minimal summer watering once roots are well developed. Water deeply but infrequently during extended dry periods.
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Remove spent flower stalks after blooming and trim damaged or yellowing leaves as needed to keep plants healthy and tidy.
Over time, iris clumps will multiply and may become crowded. Dividing and replanting every 3 to 4 years helps maintain strong growth and abundant blooms. Healthy irises will reward proper care with increasing vigor year after year.
