Red Bearded Iris is a striking hybrid perennial that brings deep crimson blooms to the spring garden across hardiness zones 3 through 10. These elegant flowers emerge in early to mid-spring on upright stems reaching 30 to 36 inches tall, their characteristic bearded falls creating a distinctive texture and appearance. Hardy enough to survive winters in cold climates yet thriving in warm regions, this variety rewards gardeners with reliable, year-after-year blooms that persist for over 365 days as an established perennial.
Full Sun
Moderate
3-10
36in H x ?in W
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Moderate
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Deep red blooms unfold in early to mid-spring on tall, architectural stems that anchor any border or garden bed. Deer pass by these flowers untouched, and pollinators seek them out readily, bringing activity and life to the landscape. The hybrid vigor of this variety ensures consistent, robust flowering season after season, whether you're displaying them as cut flowers indoors or letting them command attention as landscape focal points.
Red Bearded Iris excels as a landscape anchor in garden beds and borders, where its upright structure and vivid spring color create strong visual impact. The flowers cut beautifully for indoor arrangements, bringing their elegant form and rich color into homes during early spring when few other flowers are in bloom. Its height and bold presence also make it an excellent choice as a focal point in garden design or a dramatic backdrop for shorter perennials.
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Plant Red Bearded Iris rhizomes in fall for spring blooming. Position the rhizome so the top half sits above soil level, with roots spread naturally into the planting hole. Space plants 24 inches apart to allow for mature clump expansion. Water in well after planting to settle soil around the roots.
Cut Red Bearded Iris flowers in the early morning when buds are just beginning to open, using a sharp knife to sever stems 6 to 8 inches below the flower. The blooms will continue to open indoors in a vase of fresh water, extending their display for several days. Harvest flowers throughout the early to mid-spring bloom period for continuous color indoors.
After flowers fade in late spring, remove spent flower stems by cutting them back to the base of the plant. Allow foliage to remain green throughout summer and fall, as the leaves continue to photosynthesize and build energy reserves in the rhizome for next year's blooms. Cut back dead or brown foliage in late fall or early winter as the plant enters dormancy.
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