How to Grow Fragrant Sweet Iris Flowers

A close up horizontal image of the light purple flowers of sweet iris growing in the garden pictured on a soft focus background.

Sweet irises have attractive, variegated leaves, and lavender-colored flowers that are so fragrant they’re used in some of the finest perfumes in the world. Despite their elegant appearance, they’re tough and adaptable, thriving in all kinds of conditions. Learn how to grow Iris pallida in this guide. Read more now.

How to Grow and Care for German Bearded Iris

A close up horizontal image of colorful German bearded iris flowers growing in the garden.

German bearded irises produce ruffled, richly colored blooms with velvety “beards” and flower forms ranging from classic solids to dramatic bicolors. They thrive in full sun and well-drained soil, returning year after year with minimal fuss. Learn how to grow and care for German bearded irises in this guide. Read more.

How to Plant and Grow Japanese Iris

A close up horizontal image of light purple, patterned Japanese iris flowers growing in the landscape pictured on a soft focus background.

Japanese irises produce big, ruffled blooms in shades of purple, blue, pink, and white, making a dramatic statement in the landscape. They thrive in soggy, low-lying spots where other perennials struggle and also shine as specimens or as a backdrop for shorter plants. Learn how to grow Japanese irises in this guide.

How to Lift and Store Iris Rhizomes in Winter

A close up horizontal image of dark and light iris flowers growing in the garden pictured on a soft focus background.

Irises add sumptuous colors, fragrance, and stately elegance to the garden and have excellent cold hardiness. But sometimes we end up with rhizomes that weren’t planted in the garden before freezing temperatures set in. To keep those roots healthy over winter, learn how to lift and store iris rhizomes in winter now.

How to Lift, Divide, and Transplant Iris Plants

Single purple, white, yellow iris flower in bloom. There are other flower in a diffused background.

A garden favorite, irises add elegant beauty and fragrance wherever they’re planted. Upright and clump forming, they look terrific in beds, borders, and containers. But to keep plants vibrantly flowering, they benefit from regular division every three or four years. Learn how to divide and transplant irises now.

How to Grow Rock Garden (Reticulated) Irises

A close up horizontal image of purple reticulated aka rock garden iris flowers growing in the spring garden.

Rock garden irises are dwarf flowering bulbs that bloom in spring in Zones 5 to 9. Numerous cultivars are available in shades of blue, purple, and white. Cultural requirements include well-draining soil, moderate moisture, and full sun to partial shade. Learn how to grow Iris reticulata in this guide. Read more now.

11 Common Reasons Why Irises Fail to Bloom

A horizontal close up of purple iris blooms with green foliage blurred in the background.

Irises are flowering perennial rhizomes for USDA Hardiness Zones 3 to 9 that prefer full sun and organically rich, well-draining soil. Despite our best efforts, they sometimes bloom sparsely or fail to bloom altogether. Read on to find 11 common reasons why irises don’t bloom and learn proactive measures to avoid them.

How to Grow and Care for Douglas Iris

A close up horizontal image of the purple, yellow, and white flower of a Douglas iris pictured on a soft focus background.

Douglas irises are tough plants that can grow in challenging spots. But they don’t look like they’d be all that tough. They have elegant, colorful, delicate blossoms that can appear from spring to fall. Learn more about growing these beautiful North American natives, whether you have a shady spot or heavy clay soil.

33 of the Best Iris Cultivars for Your Garden

A close up horizontal image of blue iris flowers growing en mass in the garden.

Do you want to plant iris flowers in your landscape but you’re not sure what cultivars to choose? There are thousands of different irises available, with different color patterns, sizes, and flowering times. To make your selection a little easier, check out our roundup of 33 top picks. Read more now.

Tips for Growing Bulbous Iris in the Garden

A close up horizontal image of blue and yellow bicolored bulbous iris flowers growing in the garden.

To extend your iris flowering season, an easy solution is to add a selection of bulb varieties to your beds and containers. Blooming in late winter, spring, and late spring to midsummer, they’re a perfect way to continue the beauty for months. Read on and learn how to grow bulbous iris for the garden in this guide.

Types of Irises: A Guide to Iris Classification and Flowering Sequence

A close up horizontal image of colorful iris flowers growing in the garden pictured in bright sunshine on a soft focus background.

Irises are loved for their bright, bold colors and stately flowers. But did you know there are many different varieties of these garden favorites? With the right selection, you can enjoy flowers from early spring through to midsummer. Learn about the different types of irises and their flowering sequence in this guide.

How to Grow Irises for Fragrance and Color

A close up horizontal image of bright blue irises growing in the spring garden.

With an elegant form, sumptuous colors, a delicate fragrance, and elaborate blossoms, the iris is a delightful specimen of early summer. Named after a goddess and used as a symbol of royalty, this flower is easy to grow and multiplies readily. Learn how to enjoy this divine beauty in your garden with this guide.