Bernice's Legacy Tall Bearded Iris

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

2 Feet

Mature Spread

1 Foot

Growing Zones

3 to 10

Bearded Iris are the backbone of any well planned drought tolerant garden. Bernice’s Legacy not only has all of the familiar traits of traditional Bearded Iris. but is a rebloomer. This Iris has two seasons of bloom. Late spring and again in the early fall. The deep red color will easily attract bees and hummingbirds and enhance the late season garden. Bearded Iris are best used in those tough, dry areas that other perennials wither from. With a height of almost 36 inches, Bernice’s Legacy Tall Bearded Iris is perfect for the middle to back of a garden bed where they can really show off their form and color. 

Bearded Iris have a range of hardiness zones between 3-10 and are almost evergreen in the warmest zones, The fleshy rhizomes of Iris germanica are native to the areas of Southern Europe and the Mediterranean area. They take almost no care once fully established. Deer resistant and not likely  to have many pests or diseases.

Bernice's Legacy Tall Bearded Iris Care

Bearded Iris have thick, fleshy rhizomes that do not like to be buried deep in the soil. They are best planted so the top third of the rhizome is exposed. They like to feel the sun on their feet. Soil needs to be well draining with a neutral pH of around 6.0.  An annual feeding of a balanced fertilizer after the first bloom cycle of the season will keep it healthy and blooming. Bearded Iris will tolerate and thrive on less watering after it has had a season or so to establish.

Deadheading of the spent blooms will keep this Iris tidy and help reserve energy to produce more blooms.  Iris are hardy perennials that will stay semi-evergreen in the warmer zones. Only cut back foliage when it begins to die back naturally in the fall, usually after a hard freeze. Removing old foliage will help keep pests and diseases away. Bearded Iris generally have few pests or disease and can be a quick spreader if it is in an optimal location.

Bernice's Legacy Tall Bearded Iris Spacing 

Bearded Iris have a very upright habit, but  not a very wide spread. These plants can be planted a bit closer than other perennials. A spacing of 12-16 inches will help Iris to support each other as they grow, while giving their rhizomes the room they need to spread. Bearded Iris are best divided every 2-3 years to encourage vigorous growth and blooming.