🌸 Planting Iris in Fall: Your Guide to Strong Spring Blooms

☀️ Sunlight + Location

Iris love the sun. For best blooms, give them at least 6 hours of direct light per day.

• Northern zones: Full sun is ideal.
• Southern zones: Some afternoon shade helps protect them from intense heat.

Avoid planting too close to other tall perennials that may shade them out next season.

🕳️ Soil + Drainage

These aren’t thirsty plants—they hate soggy feet.

• Mix in compost or organic matter if you’re planting in heavy clay.
• Raised beds or sloped spots are great for preventing water from pooling.
• Avoid rich, wet soil that can cause rhizomes to rot.

🌱 How to Plant Iris Rhizomes

Here’s the golden rule: Don’t bury the rhizome.

• Dig a shallow hole and make a mound in the center.
• Spread the roots down around the mound.
• Leave the top of the rhizome just barely covered (or even slightly exposed if you're in the north).
• Water once deeply to help settle the soil.

Avoid daily watering! Overwatering is the #1 reason iris fail to thrive. After the first deep soak, water only if the soil becomes very dry.

🌿 Dividing + Transplanting Iris

Have older iris that need a refresh? Fall is the time to dig, divide, and replant.

• Cut foliage down to 4–6 inches.
• Discard any mushy or bore-damaged rhizomes.
• Replant firm, healthy pieces with fresh soil and compost.