Bearded Irises Pictures

Bearded Irises: A Beautiful Addition to Your Garden

Flowers are one of the most beautiful creations of nature. They come in different shapes, sizes, and colors, making them a perfect addition to any garden. One such flower that is known for its unique beauty is the bearded iris. Bearded irises are a type of iris that are popular for their showy flowers and attractive foliage. In this article, we will discuss what bearded irises are, how to grow them, and the different types of bearded irises available.

What are Bearded Irises?

Bearded irises are a type of iris that are known for their distinctive "beard" on the falls, which is the lower part of the flower. The beard is made up of fuzzy hairs that give the flower its unique appearance. Bearded irises come in a wide range of colors, including purple, blue, yellow, orange, pink, and white. They also come in different sizes, ranging from dwarf varieties that grow only a few inches tall to tall varieties that can reach up to three feet in height. Bearded irises are native to Europe, North America, and Asia, but they are now grown all over the world. They are popular among gardeners because they are easy to grow, low-maintenance, and provide a beautiful display of flowers in the spring.

How to Grow Bearded Irises

If you want to grow bearded irises in your garden, here are some tips to help you get started:

Planting

Bearded irises prefer well-draining soil and full sun, so choose a location in your garden that gets at least six hours of direct sunlight per day. The best time to plant bearded irises is in late summer or early fall, about six weeks before the first frost. This will give the plants enough time to establish their roots before winter. To plant bearded irises, dig a hole that is about twice the size of the rhizome (the thick, fleshy root). Place the rhizome in the hole with the top of the rhizome just above the soil level. Fill the hole with soil and water well.

Watering and Fertilizing

Bearded irises need to be watered regularly, especially during their growing season in the spring and early summer. However, be careful not to overwater them, as they do not like to sit in wet soil. A good rule of thumb is to water them once a week, or whenever the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Bearded irises also benefit from regular fertilization. You can use a balanced fertilizer (such as a 10-10-10) in the spring and fall, or a high-phosphorus fertilizer (such as a 5-10-5) in the fall to encourage blooming.

Maintenance

Bearded irises are generally low-maintenance, but there are a few things you can do to keep them healthy and looking their best: - Remove any dead leaves or flowers to prevent disease and pests. - Divide the rhizomes every three to four years to prevent overcrowding and promote healthy growth. - Cut back the foliage to about six inches in the fall to prevent wind damage and make it easier to see the flowers in the spring.

Types of Bearded Irises

There are three main types of bearded irises: dwarf, intermediate, and tall. Here's a closer look at each type:

Dwarf Bearded Irises

Dwarf bearded irises are the smallest type of bearded iris, growing only six to 15 inches tall. They are perfect for rock gardens, borders, and containers, and they come in a wide range of colors. Some popular varieties include: - 'Baby Blessed' - white with yellow beards - 'Blueberry Tart' - blue-violet with white beards - 'Chanted' - lavender with blue beards - 'Pink Bubbles' - pink with white beards

Intermediate Bearded Irises

Intermediate bearded irises are slightly taller than dwarf bearded irises, growing 16 to 27 inches tall. They are ideal for borders, mass plantings, and cutting gardens, and they come in a range of colors and patterns. Some popular varieties include: - 'Bountiful Harvest' - yellow with orange beards - 'Cloud Ballet' - white with yellow beards - 'Raspberry Ripples' - pink with white beards - 'Sweeter Than Wine' - burgundy with white beards

Tall Bearded Irises

Tall bearded irises are the largest type of bearded iris, growing 28 to 40 inches tall. They are perfect for back borders, specimen plants, and cutting gardens, and they come in a wide range of colors, patterns, and fragrances. Some popular varieties include: - 'Beverly Sills' - pink with tangerine beards - 'Immortality' - white with yellow beards - 'Ruffled Velvet' - deep purple with black beards - 'Superstition' - black with black beards

Conclusion

Bearded irises are a beautiful and easy-to-grow addition to any garden. They come in a wide range of colors, sizes, and patterns, and they provide a showy display of flowers in the spring. With a little care and attention, you can enjoy the beauty of bearded irises in your garden for years to come.