When most of us think of Irises, those classic yellow and deep blue blooms are usually the first things that come to mind. They’re the absolute stars of the spring garden! If you’re looking to get the most out of these beauties, I’ve put together a quick guide on everything you need to know about their spectacular floral show.
When do Irises bloom?
Even though they look delicate, Irises are actually quite hardy. They spend the chilly winter months tucked away, storing up all the energy they need to put on a show once the weather warms up. Because the Iris family is so diverse with so many different subspecies, there isn’t one single blooming period for all of them. A good rule of thumb is that the timing usually depends on how tall the variety grows.
Here’s a quick cheat sheet for what to expect:
- Dwarf Irises (8 to 16 inches tall): These early birds start blooming as early as April.
- Intermediate Irises (20 to 28 inches tall): Look for these to pop between May and June.
- Tall Bearded Irises (over 40 inches tall): These grand finales usually wait until June to show off.
What if my Iris won’t bloom?
It’s super frustrating when your Iris stays green but refuses to flower. If that’s happening, it’s time to do a little detective work. While different varieties have their own quirks, they all have one thing in common: they are total sun-worshippers. If you plant them in the shade, they’ll survive, but they likely won’t give you any flowers.
Sometimes, an Iris just gets “tired” of being in the same spot for too long. If your patch is getting overcrowded, try digging them up in the fall and dividing them. Focus on replanting the healthy young side shoots. When you put them back in the ground, make sure not to bury them too deep—the tops of the rhizomes (those thick root-like structures) should actually be slightly visible above the soil line.
As for the soil, keep it loose and well-draining to avoid “wet feet” or root rot. Irises aren’t very picky and actually do quite well in nutrient-poor soil. You don’t need to go overboard with fertilizer to get a gorgeous bloom; usually, just giving them the right spot in the sun does the trick!
