About Bearded iris
The classic rhizomatous iris. The fat rhizome should sit partly above the soil, with the roots below and a fan of leaves above.
Depth and spacing
Typical range: 0-2 cm deep and 30-45 cm apart. A general rule is to plant at two to three times the height of the rhizome; check the label for your variety. The drawing is to scale for 1 cm deep and 37.5 cm apart (the size of the organ is illustrative); try your own measurements.
When to plant
Divide and replant after flowering (late summer). Divide and replant: 10 weeks to 4 weeks before your first autumn frost. These are rules of thumb for the northern hemisphere. Enter your frost dates for real dates.
Dividing and propagating
Divide every three to five years in summer, soon after flowering. Cut healthy rhizome sections each with a fan of leaves, discard the old woody centre, trim leaves to a third and replant with the top of the rhizome at the surface.
Lifting and storing
Not stored; replant at once. Deep planting causes rot and few flowers.