Iris 'Before the Storm' (25) plants
Common name: Iris-Tall Bearded.
Zones 3 to 10.
Full sun to part shade.
Plants reach 37 inches tall and 18 to 24 inches wide;
Herbaceous perennial clumps will grow together to inhibit weeds.
Growth rate: Moderate.
One of the darkest purple-black irises available, with widely flared falls. Slight sweet fragrance and excellent growth habit. Blooms in late spring after Dwarf Irises, but before Japanese and Siberian Irises.
American Iris Society Honorable Mention 1991
American Iris Society Award of Merit 1993
American Iris Society John C. Wister Medal 1995
American Iris Society Dykes Memorial Medal 1996
Tall Bearded Irises will bloom relatively well with half day sun, but more sun equals more flowers. Drainage is the most critical growing factor; too much water will cause the rhizomes to rot. Bearded Irises will grow in any good garden soil with good drainage.
Irises should be fertilized 3 times per year: first in the spring when new growth appears, second right after blooming, and third in the fall. When planting for the first time or transplanting, use a no-nitrogen fertilizer such as 0-10-10.
Division is recommended every 3 to 4 years to maintain healthy plants and achieve the maximum bloom. The best time of year to plant irises is in late summer after they have bloomed. Dig the entire clump and use a sharp knife to cut apart the rhizomes. Keep only the newer ones around the outer edge of the clump and discard the old, woody center. Replant new divisions 12 to 18 inches apart to allow plenty room for new growth and good air circulation. Planting at the correct level is critical to the plant's health and flower production. Rhizomes should be planted so the soil barely covers the top of them, or 1 to 2 inches. deep to prevent soft rot.
Attributes: Use as border plants, for cut or dried flowers, drought tolerant, fragrant flowers, en mass planting, salt tolerant, deer and rabbit resistant. |
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