Iris germanica

Care Guide

Perennials

Bulps

Evergreen

Non-Indigenous

Description:

German bearded Irises have sword-like leaves that form from the base of the plant with dark purple-pale blue flowers.

Other names:

Bearded Iris, German Bearded Iris, German Iris

Other Names

Bearded Iris, German Bearded Iris, German Iris

Plant Summary

Size:

40 – 90 cm (h)

Flowers:

October – February

Growth Rate:

Moderate

Origin:

Europe

Watering Needs

Frost Sensitivity

Maintenance

Light Preference

Light Preference

Iris germanica

care guide

When to fertilise

Early spring and fall.

How to fertilise

An amendment of superphosphate, colloidal phosphate or bone meal applied in early spring can help plants develop blooms.

Tips

If your Irises aren’t blooming, it could be due to the rhizome being complete buried under ground. Ideally, the rhizome should remain exposed at the surface.

When

After blooming.

How to prune

Cut the flower stems down at their base.

Tip

Do not cut the leaves as these are needed for next year’s growth.

After hard frost in the fall, cut foliage back hard, remove any foliage that appears spotted or yellowed and dispose of all debris in the trash.

Can be grown in clay or loam.
Prefers and alkaline or neutral Soil pH.
Soil needs to be well drained to prevent root rot.

Because Bearded Irises are prone to rhizome rot, do not overwater or allow water to stand.

Only water generously after planting, or every 7 to 10 days in very dry weather in the morning or evening.

Do not mulch Irises as this may cause rhizome rot.

When

October to February

How to encourage flowering

German Irises prefer full sun and will flower best when planted in a sunny spot.

Also see feeding.

Iris germanica

propagation

The best time to lift and divide the Bearded Iris is in late summer when the weather begins to cool. By dividing German Irises every 3 to 5 years, you’ll prevent overcrowding and the health issues that arise from it. You’ll also encourage the Irises to create new blooms.

Follow these steps to divide and propagate your German Irises:

Dig up clumps by carefully lifting the rhizome with a spade or garden fork.
Break the rhizomes apart by gently pulling them apart with your hands. Use a sharp knife to separate the smaller rhizomes from the main one. For the best chance of success, rhizomes should be as thick as your thumb.
Rinse and evaluate the rhizomes of each of the Irises to ensure that they are free of rot or iris borers (a plump, white worm).
Cut the leaves so that they’re 10 – 15 cm’s long – this will help the plant focus on regrowing new roots instead of maintaining long leaves.
Replant the divisions, setting the rhizome higher in the planting hole than the fanned-out roots. A small part of the top of the rhizome should be visible at the soil surface. Space the rhizomes 30 – 45 cm apart.
Water well when planting, but do not continue to water unless the weather is dry.

Iris germanica

problems

Rhizome rot can be identified by leaves turning brown or yellow and falling over indicating that you’ll need to remove the soil around the rhizome to investigate further. Cut out any soft, mushy parts of the rhizome that to have rotted.

Bacterial leaf spot shows up on the edges of the leaf as small pale spots before developing into larger white centres.

Fungal leaf spot appears the same as bacterial leaf spot but the spots are oval and do not grow, but form a distance red/brown border. Fungal leaf spot occurs in wet, rainy wheather.

Aphids (pests) are small green or grey insects that suck the leaf sap.

Iris borer is a worm that wreaks havoc on the Bearded Iris by eating the rhizomes of the plant. Keep your garden clear of debris and remove them from your plants before they make their home in the rhizome.