Bearded Iris Bulbs - Light Blue

Now taking pre-orders for fall 2024. This item is a pre-order and is not expected to ship until early October. Other seeds, supplies, or kits ordered with this product will ship separately. This product only ships to the lower 48 states. No shipping outside the USA. 365+ Days to maturity. Fall Planting. Spring Blooming Iris germanica 'Light Blue'. Light Blue Bearded Iris Flower Bulbs. Non-GMO, hybrid. Perennial in zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. Deer resistant. Attracts pollinators. Displays blue-purple-colored blooms in early to mid-spring. Recommended for growing in flower beds. Bearded irises are great for use in the landscape as a cut flower, border, background, containers, or as a focal point. It has an upright growth habit with tolerance to drought, deer, and rabbits. Light Blue iris plants are not edible. While getting a true blue iris flower is impossible, these are close! This old-fashioned favorite produces ruffled spring blooms that naturalize over time without becoming invasive. Latin Name: Iris germanica ‘Light Blue’ Hardiness Zone: Perennial in zones 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, and 10. Planting Depth: 0-1 inches. Dig a 4-inch deep trench and position bulbs to peak through at surface level. Plant Spacing: 12-24 inches Plant Height: 30-36 inches Plant Width: 12-24 inches Plant Spread: 12-24 inches Growth Habit: Upright Soil Preference: Well-draining soil with a slightly acidic pH of 6.8. Temperature Preference: 60-75 F Light Preference: Full Sun Pests and Diseases: Bearded irises can be susceptible to iris borders, slugs, snails, and aphids. However, they are generally low-maintenance. Light Blue Bearded Iris Color: Purple, Blue Bloom Time: Spring Easy/Hard: Easy Direct Sow: Yes, direct sow. Start Indoors: No. Landscape Use: Background, borders, mass planting, and containers (12 inches wide and deep minimum). Tolerance: Drought, Heat, Deer and Rabbit Resistant Growing Non-GMO Light Blue Bearded Iris Flower Bulbs Plant your irises at least six weeks before the first hard frost of your area. This allows the rhizomes to establish before the winter sets in. Irises need a spot with full sun and well-draining soil. To improve drainage, amend the soil with coarse sand and/or compost. Irises also prefer a lightly acidic environment (pH 6.8). Bury the irises lightly in a 4-inch deep trench. The tops of the rhizomes should be exposed, and the roots should spread out and face downward. Complete coverage, no more than 1 inch, is only necessary in very hot climates where the rhizomes may become scorched. Space them 12-24 inches apart to reduce thinning requirements in subsequent years. Watering in the rhizomes settles the soil and encourages prompt root action. Water the irises infrequently but deeply. Many irises will not need supplemental watering beyond local rainfall except in the case of drought. Growing Light Blue Bearded Irises in Containers For containers, use a roomy pot ( minimum of 12 inches wide and deep) and a medium with good drainage. Fill the pot to 1 inch below the top of the rim. Plant as described above. Water only when the top 2 inches of soil is dry. They will benefit from being overwintered in a garage or shed to protect them from freezing. Light Blue Bearded Iris in the Flower Garden The 'Light Blue' Bearded Iris’s tall, stately blooms make it an excellent choice for background plantings in mixed perennial borders, providing a beautiful backdrop for shorter plants. It can also be a focal point in garden beds, drawing attention with its striking color and elegant form. When mass-planted, these irises create a stunning sea of light blue flowers that can significantly impact the landscape design. Harvesting Light Blue Bearded Iris The 'Light Blue' Bearded Iris is excellent as a cut flower, bringing its beauty indoors. The tall, ruffled blooms add elegance to floral arrangements, and their relatively long vase life makes them a favorite among gardeners and florists. To ensure the longest vase life, harvest the irises when the flower buds are just starting to open and show color. Use a clean, sharp knife or garden shears to avoid crushing the stems. Cut the stems early in the morning when they are fully hydrated. Make a clean cut at a 45-degree angle about 1-2 inches above the rhizome, which helps the plant to recover and encourages new growth. Immediately place the cut stems in a bucket of lukewarm water to prevent wilting. About Light Blue Bearded Iris Garden Bulbs Irises are not edible. They cause stomach upset if ingested by humans and are considered toxic to dogs, cats, and horses. Those with sensitive skin are also advised to wear gloves when handling this plant. Also known as German irises, bearded irises attract bees and butterflies but deter deer and rabbits. The blooming period lasts up to three weeks in the late spring to early summer. In various cultures, the iris symbolizes royalty, wisdom, and hope. It has been used in heraldry and as a national or regional emblem. Bearded irises continue to win awards year after year as they wow spring gardeners with their flashy display of blooms thrust heavenward. These bearded irises are a great choice for indoor containers due to their light scent. They are not highly fragrant and won’t overwhelm guests, but they are strikingly gorgeous and will certainly impress! Make Planting Bulbs Easy with a Bulb Planter Hand Tool! Stories From Our Gardeners "Irises need at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. I planted some irises in my backyard two falls ago, and they bloomed beautifully last spring. However, we made some changes to our backyard layout during that summer, and we didn’t realize it, but the changes cast the irises in shade! They did not bloom this year. I plan to dig them up and replant them somewhere else soon." - Lara Wadsworth, True Leaf Market Writer Light Blue Bearded Iris Flower Bulbs Per Package: 1 Bulb Bag 3 Bulb Bag Non-GMO Light Blue Bearded Iris Bulbs are available for Fast Free Shipping on qualifying orders.