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Growing Guides
Everything you need to know to grow beautiful bearded iris — from beginner basics to advanced techniques. Free guides from Bonnie's 20+ years of experience.
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Iris Care 101: The Complete Beginner's Guide
New to growing bearded iris? This is the only guide you need to get started. Learn the essentials — planting depth, sun requirements, watering, dividing, and common mistakes to avoid — in one place.
Start Reading →Getting Started
New Growers Start Here
The foundational guides every iris grower needs to read before planting their first rhizome.
When to Plant Iris Rhizomes
The best planting window is late July through September — but your exact timing depends on your climate zone and first frost date. A complete planting calendar.
Read GuideSun, Soil & Water Requirements
Bearded iris need at least 6 hours of direct sun and well-drained soil. Learn how to test drainage, amend heavy clay, and avoid the #1 cause of rhizome rot.
Read GuideAdvanced Growing
Level Up Your Iris Garden
Once you've got the basics down, these guides will help you get more blooms, better color, and healthier plants.
Reblooming Iris: Getting a Second Show
Not all rebloomers rebloom reliably — it depends on your zone, variety, and how you care for them after the spring show. Here's what actually works.
Read GuideDividing & Transplanting
Iris clumps need dividing every 3–4 years to stay productive. Learn when to divide, how to cut fans, how long to let rhizomes callous, and how to replant for maximum blooms.
Read GuideSeasonal Care
What to Do (and When)
Iris care changes with the seasons. These guides walk you through the key tasks for spring, summer, fall, and winter.
Winterizing Your Iris Garden
In most zones, iris need little to no winter protection — but there are exceptions. Learn when to mulch, when to leave foliage, and what happens if you don't.
Read GuideSpring Cleanup & Feeding
Early spring is when your iris wake up. Here's when to remove old foliage, what to feed (and what not to), and how to spot iris borer before it's too late.
Read GuideStill Have Questions?
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