Bearded Iris Bulbs for Sale – Your Guide to Growing These Colorful Flowers

Bearded irises are some of the most stunning flowers you can grow in your garden. Known for their wide range of colors and unique “beards”, these hardy perennials are easy to grow and make a spectacular statement in any sunny flower bed or border I’ve been growing bearded iris for years and want to share my tips for purchasing bulbs and getting the most blooms from these beautiful plants

What Are Bearded Iris Bulbs?

Bearded iris bulbs are technically rhizomes, which are enlarged underground stems that store energy for the plant. They are hardy perennials with sword-shaped leaves that emerge from the rhizome in early spring. The rhizomes produce flower stalks topped with gorgeous blooms in late spring through early summer.

There are two main types of bearded iris rhizomes:

• Tall bearded iris grow up to 3 feet tall and bloom in late spring. These are the most commonly grown garden irises.

• Dwarf bearded iris are more compact at 8-15 inches tall and tend to bloom a few weeks earlier than the tall types. They are great for edging beds and borders.

Within these groups there are hundreds of named iris cultivars in virtually every color except pure red. Bi-colors and blends are also popular.

Where to Buy Iris Bulbs

You can purchase bearded iris rhizomes from retail and online bulb suppliers, mail order iris specialty nurseries, or local garden centers. Here are some tips for getting the best bulbs:

• Look for companies that ship fresh iris rhizomes in late summer through early fall. This is the optimal planting time in most regions.

• Reputable sellers will identify bulbs by cultivar name not just color. This ensures you get a specific named variety.

• Larger rhizomes with more fans (leaf shoots) will bloom more readily. Avoid bulbs that are very small or look shriveled.

• Consider buying from an iris specialty grower for the widest selection of varieties.

• Local garden centers are a good option for finding iris that are well suited to your specific climate.

Some of my favorite online iris retailers include Dutch Gardens, Colorblends, and Breck’s. I’ve also had good luck with bearded iris from Home Depot and Lowes.

When to Plant Iris Rhizomes

Bearded iris rhizomes thrive when planted in late summer through early fall. This gives the roots time to establish before winter dormancy and cool soil temperatures inhibit growth.

Aim to plant iris bulbs 6-8 weeks before your average first frost date. In warmer zones like 8-10, you can often get away with planting later into fall and winter. Just make sure there’s enough time for roots to settle in before things freeze up solid.

Iris planted in spring often struggle and won’t bloom well, if at all, for the first year or two. Stick with that fall planting window for best results.

How to Plant Bearded Iris Rhizomes

Planting bearded iris properly is key to getting those gorgeous blooms. Follow these steps for iris planting success:

Choose a Sunny Spot

Bearded iris need at least 6 hours of direct sun per day. Morning sun is ideal, though afternoon sun works too. Anything less will result in reduced flowering.

Prepare the Soil

Irises like well-draining soil enriched with organic matter. Work compost, composted manure, or other organic amendments into your planting area to a depth of 8-10 inches before planting.

Space the Rhizomes Properly

Space iris rhizomes 12-24 inches apart depending on the mature size of the variety. Plant smaller dwarfs 12 inches apart and larger tall bearded types 18-24 inches apart.

Plant at the Proper Depth

Plant the rhizomes just shallowly, with the tops exposed. The top “shoulders” of the rhizome should sit right at soil level.

Orient the Rhizome Correctly

Make sure the roots are facing down and the leaves/growth buds face upwards when planting.

Water Well After Planting

Water the rhizomes thoroughly after planting to settle the soil. Add more organic matter if the ground seems heavy or dense.

Add Mulch

Mulch over the planting bed with 2-3 inches of shredded bark, leaves, straw or other organic material. This insulates the soil and prevents early sprouts from freezing.

With good care, your bearded iris will reward you with blooms within a year or two. Established clumps can live up to 20-30 years!

Caring for Bearded Iris Plants

Once planted, bearded iris are quite low maintenance but do benefit from occasional care and maintenance:

• Water iris plants 1 inch per week during the growing and blooming season from spring through early summer. Provide extra water during dry periods.

• Fertilize in early spring just as the leaves emerge using a balanced granular fertilizer or one formulated for bulbs/irises.

• Remove faded bloom stalks after flowering by cutting or snapping them off near ground level. Don’t cut the foliage until it dies back in late summer.

• Prune overgrown or diseased leaves as needed to keep the planting tidy and prevent issues spreading.

• Divide large clumps every 3-5 years in midsummer to rejuvenate plants. Replant the healthiest rhizomes.

• Mulch annually with organic matter to insulate the rhizomes and enrich the soil as the mulch decomposes.

Troubleshooting Bearded Iris Problems

Bearded iris are quite hardy when planted properly but can encounter a few pest or disease problems:

• Leaf spot and rhizome rot can occur in wet conditions. Improve drainage and avoid overwatering.

• Iris borers tunnel into leaves and rhizomes. Remove infested foliage and destroy it.

• Thrips can damage leaves and blooms. Knock off with blasts of water or use insecticidal soap sprays.

• Slugs and snails will chew on leaves. Hand pick at night or set out beer traps. Diatomaceous earth also deters them.

Catch any problems early and adjust care to prevent large scale issues.

Choosing the Best Bearded Iris Varieties

With the huge variety of bearded iris cultivars available, selecting plants can be overwhelming initially. Here are some tips:

• Decide on color desires – blues, purples, yellows, whites, etc. There are so many options!

• Look for reblooming iris that flower again in late summer or fall. Popular rebloomers include Immortality, Roaring Jelly, and Autumn Jester.

• Consider height – dwarfs for borders, tall types as specimen plants. Look for specific height listings.

• Read descriptions and only choose cultivars rated for your hardiness zone.

• Ask for recommendations at local garden centers or iris specialty sellers and growers. Their expertise is invaluable!

Some of my top bearded iris picks include:

• Batik – Unique purple with bold yellow and white markings

• Immortality – Reliable reblooming white

• Eleanor Roosevelt – Gorgeous soft pastel blend

• Spellbinder – Vibrant purple with orange beards

• Superstition – Velvety black-purple blooms

Start with a few types that catch your eye and expand from there! Bearded iris are so diverse that you’re bound to find multiple favorites.

Designing With Bearded Iris

Though striking on their own, bearded iris look fabulous combined with other plants too. Here are some companion plant suggestions:

• Pair different heights and colors of bearded iris together for contrast.

• Underplant iris with low growers like creeping phlox or ajuga.

• Contrast the sword-like foliage with mounds of daylilies or salvia.

• Surround clumps with catmint (Nepeta) or coreopsis for a cottage look.

• Combine with peonies, poppies, and alliums for a pleasing spring display.

You really can’t go wrong combining bearded iris with most other sun loving perennials and flowering bulbs!

Enjoy the Beauty of Bearded Iris

Few other flowers can match the stunning range of colors and patterns available with bearded iris. By planting rhizomes properly in fall and providing basic care, you’re guaranteed to enjoy these beautiful blooms. Irises also make amazing cut flowers and are great for bouquets.

Take your time browsing the many bearded iris bulbs for sale from reputable suppliers. Select a few types that catch your eye and find the perfect spot to show off their splendor in your garden. You’ll love watching them unfurl their ornate flowers in late spring against their graceful sword-like foliage. Any garden feels more complete with a collection of colorful bearded iris!