Blooming
When do Iris bloom?
Tall Bearded Iris bloom in North East Ohio in the spring for 3-4 weeks. Our bloom season, in general, runs from mid-May to the first week in June, depending on the weather. Our peak bloom is normally May 20th to the 30th. The standard Dwarf Iris bloom earlier, May 1st to mid-May. Tall Bearded Iris bloom 1-2 weeks earlier in the Columbus area, and another week earlier in the Cincinnati area.
Do Iris bloom only in the spring?
Several varieties have been known to rebloom after the initial spring bloom season (usually 4-8 weeks after initial bloom). Subsequent blooms are not as reliable as the initial bloom, depending on the quality of the soil, climate, and geographic location.
How can I extend the life of my blooms as cut flowers?
For longer lasting flowers cut your Iris early in the day with the buds just opening. Place them in a bucket of tepid water and recut the stem end underwater at an angle one inch up. Display your Iris in a cool niche away from direct sun and drafts. Pinch off and remove wilted flowers immediately. Check the water level every other day and replenish as needed.
I love Iris, but their bloom season is just too short. Any ideas?
An Iris clump should bloom for about two weeks. There are some Tall Bearded Iris that bloom early and some that bloom late, so try some of each to lengthen your season by a week or two. Consider some of the smaller bearded Iris, such as the Intermediate and Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris, as you can add a month to the beginning of your bloom season using these. And finally, consider the reblooming Iris, which can give bloom in the summer and fall.