Complete Guide To Planting & Growing Iris Plants!

In need of a flower that is easy to plant, easy to care for, and even easier to enjoy? Look no further than the lovely and elegant Iris!

Why Choose Iris Flowers For Your Garden?
1. Bearded Iris: The Garden Show-Stopper
2. Dwarf Bearded Iris: Perfect For Small Spaces
3. Louisiana Iris: The Water-Loving Beauty
4. Japanese Iris: For Large, Showy Blooms
5. Siberian Iris: The Low-Maintenance Beauty
Understanding Iris Types: Rhizome vs. Bulbous Iris
Start Your Iris Garden Today

Why Choose Iris Flowers For Your Garden?

The amount of variety that is held within an Iris flower is unstoppable! You'll find an assortment of sizes ranging from short and petite to long and tall. These Iris bulbs even have various bloom seasons.

And, a crazy amount of different color shades that carry an eye-catching vibrance. Maybe that's how they got the name 'Iris', which stems from a Greek word used to describe a rainbow.

But with all that comes a large collection of Iris varieties to choose from, and that can be overwhelming. In fact, there are an upward of 300 species!

The choices seem endless, and the success in gardening is all about the choices we make! Since this infamous flower hosts so many possibilities, one is sure to be your match!

With that being said, Nature Hills is here to guide you with ease to finding the Iris of your garden dreams!

Follow along as we highlight the top Iris flower types below:

Read How To Care For Iris Here

1. Bearded Iris: The Garden Show-Stopper

Let's start the show off strong with one of the most commonly known types, the Bearded Iris. You may be able to guess where it gets its name from by simply spotting one in a flower bed.

It's also commonly known as the German Iris or the Flag Iris.

What Makes Bearded Iris Special?

Uniquely, downward-facing petals that have ruffles along the edges create a fuzzy beard-like scene. Or kids like to think the flower is sticking its tongue out at them, so don't be alarmed if your child is doing the same back!

Normally, 3 of these drooping petals will be present and are often called falls, while the upright petals are called standards.

Growing Bearded Iris Successfully

These Iris plants are germanica cultivars and can be grown exclusively for any color scheme you may desire. Plant this variety in full sun or partial shade to achieve rich colors of blue, purple, yellow, pink, red, white, and every shade and color combination in between.

Gardeners love to use these as cut flowers because of their colors! Imagine waking up to a colorful arrangement on your nightstand or using it as a centerpiece in the dining room. There is no room that this Iris can't liven up.

Bearded Iris Care Tips

Be sure to remember that the Bearded Iris group also has subdivisions, which can get confusing! These include:

Tall Bearded Iris
Intermediate Bearded Iris

The only difference is the mature height at which the Iris grows. Nonetheless, you'll still obtain those rare drooping petals.

Best planting times: You can either plant them in the fall or in the spring. For the best care, they love a sunny, well-drained soil. However, if you have clay soil, acidic, sandy, or loamy soils, they will tolerate that too.

Pro tip: To encourage reblooming, we recommend removing the spent flowers.

Bloom season: Come mid-spring and lasting through late summer, your garden will be graced with Bearded Irises that make your neighbors 'Ooo' and 'Ahh' over!

2. Dwarf Bearded Iris: Perfect For Small Spaces

Just like the above group, but shorter! The Dwarf Bearded Irises include flowers that don't grow as tall as their friends. In fact, this type even has a subdivision called miniature dwarfs that can grow to be less than 8 inches high.

Why Choose Dwarf Bearded Iris?

They are little petal powerhouses that illuminate a landscape border or rock garden! What's not to love? The best part, Dwarf Bearded Irises multiply with ease and swiftness. So you can populate many areas of your yard with an investment of a few plants.

Container Gardening With Dwarf Iris

A pair of container gardens chock-full of these Iris bulbs is a friendly sight for guests to see when visiting. Fair warning-- the several compliments can be overwhelmingly positive and never-ending.

Also an Iris germanica cultivar, the Dwarf Bearded Iris is well known and a fan favorite!

3. Louisiana Iris: The Water-Loving Beauty

The states of Florida, Arkansas, Mississippi, and, yes, you guessed it, Louisiana, commonly see this Iris grow in the wild.

Natural Habitat and Growing Conditions

Typically found growing near bogs, roadsides, or in ditches, this bulb thrives in any low area of the garden that would retain moisture. So, if your rain garden or pond is missing a little splash of color, this water-loving Iris is the one for you.

Growing Louisiana Iris

Coming from the south, the Louisiana Iris prefers to stay warm. Therefore, if you're in a zone that expects freezing temperatures, apply a3-4 inch deep layer of mulch for an extra shield. They love a nice layer of mulch after planting to:

Prevent weed growth
Buffer the soil temperatures
Help make plenty of new roots after planting

Not to mention, the mulch will help retain water that these bulbs desire more than anything else. Be sure to frequently water to ensure consistent moisture.

4. Japanese Iris: For Large, Showy Blooms

The Japanese Iris isn't as well-known as its fellow friends, but gardeners who are seeking out large blooms should definitely add them to the landscape blueprints.

Special Growing Requirements

They thrive in wet conditions, so don't mess with that well-drained soil stuff. Instead, place your Japanese Irises in areas that remain damp and moist.

Best Planting Practices

We know you'll appreciate the more refined and less conspicuous petals that top the stems. In fact, this beardless Iris features huge orchid-like flowers that are a delight to see. They pair well with any mass planting or garden border!

5. Siberian Iris: The Low-Maintenance Beauty

Well, they lack the fuzzy, downturned 'beards'. However, they do still have 3 petals that grow down, while the other grow up. Instead of the foliage turning into ratty waves when done blooming, this Iris maintains elegantly waving green foliage to keep the visual interest going past the petals! Many gardeners will even use them as living mulch or ornamental grass substitutes.

Planting and Care Schedule

To enjoy blooms come spring, plant this Iris in late summer or fall. However, if you miss out on the fall planting season, no need to fret! The Siberian Iris can be planted during the spring as well, just don't expect blossoms that same year.

Watering and Maintenance

You'll find these flowers like the soil a little moist when they are first getting established, as they are rarely bothered by rots or borers. Once established and healthy, water regularly when drought conditions occur.

Understanding Iris Types: Rhizome vs. Bulbous Iris

In contrast to the hundreds of species, countless colors, endless types, and various heights, there are only 2 major groupings of Irises. Those would be: Rhizome Iris or Bulbous Iris.

What Are Rhizome Irises?

Rhizome Irises grow from thick fleshy rhizomes that sprout right at the soil surface. They are underground roots that grow horizontally through the soil. While doing so, they send up stalks along the way. Most often, they resemble irregular or flattened shapes with thick stems. Rhizomes continue to grow slowly underground, which is how the extreme propagation of some plants, such as bamboo, takes place.

What Are Bulbous Irises?

Bulb Irises also go underground, but are modified buds with scale-like leaves surrounding them. They don't grow horizontally, however. This is the key difference. You'll notice the bulb Irises start out are globe-shaped at the root, unlike the irregular shape of rhizomes.

Start Your Iris Garden Today

With all the possibilities of Irises, there is really no going wrong. Your flower garden will be easier to plant and care for, while still being diverse.

Start finding the Iris of your dreams!

Happy Planting!

Frequently Asked Questions

How many types of iris are there?

There are over 300 species of iris worldwide, offering gardeners an incredible range of sizes, colors, and bloom times. The most popular garden types include Bearded Iris (German Iris), Dwarf Bearded Iris, Louisiana Iris, Japanese Iris, and Siberian Iris, each with distinct growing requirements and characteristics. These varieties are divided into two main categories: rhizomatous iris (like Bearded and Siberian) and bulbous iris, which require different planting methods. Choose your iris type based on your garden conditions, available space, and desired bloom size to ensure the best performance.

What are the different types of iris?

There are over 300 species of iris, but the top garden varieties include Bearded Iris (the most popular show-stopper), Dwarf Bearded Iris for compact spaces, water-loving Louisiana Iris, large-bloomed Japanese Iris, and low-maintenance Siberian Iris. Iris plants fall into two main categories: rhizomatous types (like Bearded and Siberian) and bulbous varieties, each with different planting requirements and bloom times. Choose based on your garden conditions: Bearded Iris for dramatic displays, Louisiana Iris for wet areas, or Siberian Iris for minimal care requirements.

What do iris flowers look like?

Iris flowers feature distinctive sword-like foliage and elegant blooms with six petals - three upright "standards" and three downward-facing "falls." Bearded iris varieties showcase fuzzy, beard-like ruffles on their lower petals, while sizes range from compact 6-inch dwarf varieties to towering 4-foot tall specimens. Colors span the entire spectrum from deep purples and blues to bright yellows, whites, and bicolors, with most varieties blooming in late spring to early summer. Choose bearded iris for classic garden appeal or explore Siberian and Japanese types for different textures and extended bloom seasons.

What colors do iris come in?

Iris flowers offer an incredible range of colors including purple, blue, white, yellow, pink, orange, red, and nearly every shade in between - which is fitting since "iris" comes from the Greek word for rainbow. You'll find solid colors, bicolors, and intricate patterns with contrasting veining or edging depending on the variety you choose. Different iris types offer different color palettes, with bearded iris providing the widest spectrum while Siberian iris tend toward blues and purples. Browse our iris collection to find specific color combinations that complement your existing garden palette.

Why did my bearded irises stop blooming after performing well for years?

Bearded irises typically stop blooming when their rhizomes become overcrowded, usually after 3-4 years of growth. Dense clumps prevent proper air circulation and nutrient uptake, leading to reduced flower production. Other common causes include planting too deep (rhizomes should sit at soil level), excessive shade, or overfertilizing with nitrogen-rich fertilizers that promote foliage over blooms. Divide overcrowded clumps in late summer, replant rhizomes with their tops exposed, and ensure they receive at least 6 hours of morning sun daily.

What causes irises to fail to bloom, and is overcrowding the main reason?

Several factors can prevent iris blooms, with overcrowding being the primary culprit for established plants. When iris rhizomes become too crowded (typically after 3-4 years), they compete for nutrients and sunlight, resulting in reduced flowering. Other common causes include planting rhizomes too deeply, insufficient sunlight (less than 6 hours daily), or poor drainage leading to rhizome rot. Divide overcrowded iris clumps in late summer, replant with proper spacing, and ensure rhizomes sit at soil level in well-draining, sunny locations.

How often should I water newly transplanted irises to ensure they bloom next year?

Water newly transplanted irises deeply once a week during their first growing season, providing about 1 inch of water total (including rainfall). In zones 3-9, reduce watering frequency in fall as plants enter dormancy, then resume regular watering the following spring when new growth appears. Avoid overwatering during winter months, as soggy soil can cause rhizome rot and prevent blooming. Monitor soil moisture 2-3 inches deep and adjust watering based on your local rainfall patterns.

Could adding composted manure prevent my irises from blooming?

Yes, fresh or overly rich composted manure can prevent iris blooming by promoting excessive foliage growth at the expense of flowers. Irises prefer lean, well-draining soil and too much nitrogen from rich organic matter causes them to focus energy on leaf production rather than bloom development. If you've recently added heavy compost or manure, avoid fertilizing for the next growing season and consider dividing overcrowded rhizomes in late summer. For best blooming, plant irises in soil amended only lightly with compost and ensure rhizomes sit at or just below soil surface.

When is the best time to plant tall bearded irises in zone 3?

The best time to plant tall bearded irises in zone 3 is late summer to early fall, typically from mid-August through early September. This timing allows the rhizomes to establish roots before winter dormancy while avoiding the risk of frost damage to new growth. Plant rhizomes 12-18 inches apart with the top surface slightly exposed above soil level for optimal drainage and cold protection.

How deep should I plant iris rhizomes to avoid rot?

Plant iris rhizomes with the top portion exposed at soil level or just barely covered with 1/4 inch of soil. Deep planting is the leading cause of rhizome rot since these storage organs need sunlight and air circulation to stay healthy. In heavy clay soils or humid climates, keep the rhizome top completely visible above the soil surface. Position rhizomes so the growing tip faces outward and firm soil around the roots without burying the rhizome itself.

The Different Types Of Iris