🌸 Iris: Growing Guide
Iris (Iris germanica) grows best in full sun with little water, and does well at −20 to 35 °C (−4 to 95 °F) in soil with a pH of 6.8–7.0. Space plants about 30 cm (12 in) apart. Expect 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Iris germanica |
|---|---|
| Category | Bulbs |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | Low |
| Plant spacing | 30 cm (12 in) |
| Soil pH | 6.8–7.0 |
| Comfortable temperature | −20 to 35 °C (−4 to 95 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season) |
| Sowing depth | 3 cm (1.2 in) |
| Height | 40–100 cm (16–39 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out | ||||||||
| Continental | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out | ||||||||
| Oceanic | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out | ||||||||
| Subtropical | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out | ||||||||
| Cold / Northern | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | |||||||||
| Arid / Semi-arid | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar, Oct · Harvest: Apr–May.
- Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Plant out: Apr, Sep · Harvest: May–Jun.
- Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Mar, Sep · Harvest: Apr–May.
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Mar, Sep · Harvest: Apr–May.
- Cold / Northern (Scandinavia, Canada, Russia, Alpine): Plant out: Apr · Harvest: May–Jun.
- Arid / Semi-arid (Arabian Peninsula, inland Australia): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: Apr–May.
Watering
Water about every 7 days in summer and about every 14 days in winter. Avoid moisture around the rhizome.
Growing tips
Thousands of colors. Grown from rhizomes or bulbs. Bearded iris. Named after the Greek goddess Iris! Doesn't need much water.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Common pests and problems
Frequently asked questions
Iris: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar, Oct · Harvest: Apr–May. Continental (Central/Northern Europe, inland Balkans): Plant out: Apr, Sep · Harvest: May–Jun. Oceanic (UK, France, Belgium, Netherlands, NW Europe): Plant out: Mar, Sep · Harvest: Apr–May.
Iris: how often should I water it?
Water about every 7 days in summer and about every 14 days in winter. Avoid moisture around the rhizome.
Iris: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 30 cm (12 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 3 cm (1.2 in).
Iris: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Iris: which plants grow well with it?
Rose, Peony.
Iris: which pests and problems should I watch for?
Iris borer, Aphids.
Plan your garden
Add Iris to your garden design in the free GardenXPro planner: drag plants onto a 2D plan, preview it in 3D, check companions and get watering reminders.
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