Collection: Iris

Choosing and Preparing a Planting Site

• Irises will bloom best in full sun. They can tolerate as little as half a day of sun, but it’s not ideal. Without enough light, they won’t bloom.
• Bearded irises must not be shaded out by other plants; many do best in a special bed on their own.
• They prefer fertile, neutral to slightly acidic soil. Learn more about preparing soil for planting and organic soil amendments.
• Good drainage all year-long is very important; irises prefer “wet feet, but dry knees.” They will not tolerate wet soil in wintertime.
• Loosen the soil with a tiller or garden fork to a depth of 12 to 15 inches, then mix in a 2- to 4-inch layer of compost.