Iris “Stepping Out”

Hybridizer:   Schreiner.   1964

Bloom Ht:   ~38”

Mid Late Season Bloom

Bloom Color:   White, sharply patterned blue black violet edge

Flower Form:   Plicata

Awards:    Honorable Mention: 1965, Award of Merit: 1967, Dykes Memorial Medal: 1968, Franklin Cook Memorial Cup: 1966, Other: Nelson Award 1968

Reliable Bloomer, Profuse Habit

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Iris Growing Tips

The best time to divide and plant Iris is after the plants have bloomed….  generally in July/August when the tubers growth is slowed and roots / new rhizomes are  maturing for the following season.  

I choose to divide some of my Bearded Iris in the spring before blooming.     The divided and transplanted Iris will not bloom in this first season; however, the transplanted rhizomes will flourish and establish good root base in preparation for bloom the following season.

Below are basic planting instructions as outlined by the American Iris Society:

How to Plant and Grow Bearded Iris

Where To Plant.   Irises require at least a half-day (6-8 hours) of direct sunlight. Some afternoon shade is beneficial in extremely hot climates, but in general irises do best in full sun. Iris will grow in deep shade, but probably not flower. Provide your irises with good drainage. A raised bed or planting on a slope are ideal places to plant iris. Good air circulation is essential and water should not stand in the beds.

 Soil Preparation       Bearded irises will thrive in most well drained soils. If you have heavy soil, adding humus – compost – or other organic material – will improve drainage. Gypsum is an excellent soil conditioner that can improve most clay soils. The ideal pH for irises is 6.8 (slightly acidic) but irises are quite tolerant of less-than-perfect soils. Lime may be added to acidic soils and sulfur may be added to alkaline soils. Have your soil tested before making any correction.

 Planting Depth       Plant your rhizomes at or just barely below the surface of the ground. Irises should be planted so the tops of the rhizomes are visible and the roots are spread out facing downwards in the soil. However, in extremely hot climates or with very light soils, cover rhizomes with up to one inch of soil. Tamp the soil firmly to anchor the rhizomes until new roots begin to grow, and water well. It is a common mistake to plant Irises too deeply.

 Basic Planting Steps 

Step (1) Build up a small mound of soil in the center of the planting hole. 
Step (2) Center the rhizome on the soil mound and spread out the roots on either side. 
Step (3) Firm the soil around the roots. Newly planted rhizomes should be watered thoroughly. 
Be Patient — Irises are perennials and require time to grow. New growth may be noticeable within 2-3 weeks and begins with a new center leaf in the fan. Depending upon the maturity of the rhizome and the geographical location, there may or may not be blooms the first Spring.