Beverly Sills Reblooming Bearded Iris Bulbs

Light Needs

Part Sun to Full Sun

(5+ Hours Direct Sun)

Mature Height

35 in.

Mature Spread

18-24 in.

Growing Zones

4 to 9

Beverly Sills Reblooming Bearded Iris showcases lacy coral-pink flowers with broad ruffled petals and light apricot beards. This Iris germanica has a two-season flowering pattern, with the main display in late spring followed by another possible round from late summer into early fall. The upright 35-inch flower stalks rise above blue-green, sword-shaped foliage and provide excellent stems for cutting. 

Named for American opera soprano Beverly Sills, this celebrated tall bearded iris received the American Iris Society's Dykes Memorial Medal, the society's highest award. Hardy in USDA zones 4-9, it gradually develops wider clumps as new rhizomes form around the original planting. Its height suits the middle or back portion of a perennial border, while repeated groups can also line a sunny walkway or supply a dedicated cutting bed. Deer and rabbits generally avoid bearded iris, and mature plants handle moderate periods of dry weather.

Beverly Sills Reblooming Bearded Iris Bulbs Care

Plant Beverly Sills Reblooming Bearded Iris Bulbs in late summer or early fall so new roots can develop before winter. Position the rhizome horizontally with its upper surface exposed or barely covered. Full sun, ideally six or more hours daily, is preferred for the strongest flowering and rebloom, although light afternoon shade can be helpful in hotter climates. Plant in well-drained garden soil with a pH from about 6.5 to 8.0, loosening dense clay or raising the planting area if drainage is slow.

Water newly planted rhizomes deeply, then wait until the surrounding soil begins to dry before watering again so roots establish in aerated soil. Established clumps require less frequent irrigation, but steady moisture during prolonged late-summer dryness can help support development of a second flower cycle. Apply a low-nitrogen fertilizer as spring growth begins, then give a second light feeding after the first flowering period to support the rhizomes and potential rebloom. Leave the crown uncovered by mulch and keep heavy organic material away from the exposed rhizome surface.

Remove individual faded blossoms during the flowering period, and cut finished stalks close to the base once all buds on that stem are spent. Keep healthy leaves through summer, trimming foliage to about 6 inches after frost or once it begins declining in late fall. Divide mature clumps every three to four years in late summer, promptly replanting firm younger rhizomes from the outside of the colony.

Beverly Sills Reblooming Bearded Iris Bulbs Spacing

Set rhizomes about 18 to 24 inches apart in garden beds so developing clumps have space for expansion and good air circulation. For containers, choose a broad pot at least 12 inches deep with several drainage holes and a coarse potting mix, keeping the rhizome tops close to the surface. Container-grown plants may need dividing sooner than those in the ground and benefit from a sheltered winter position that remains cold but reduces repeated hard freezes.

Beverly Sills Reblooming Bearded Iris Bulbs Companion Plants

Blanket flowers make a useful perennial companion because they favor the same sunny, freely drained conditions and begin flowering as the spring iris display is winding down. St. John's wort can provide a low shrub layer nearby, extending seasonal interest after the coral-pink iris flowers finish; both appreciate sun and reasonably well-drained soil. Fan flower suits large patio containers, filling the lower edge with flowers from late spring straight through to the first autumn frost. 

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