Victoria Falls Bearded Iris

Light Needs

Full Sun

(At Least 6 Hours Of Direct Sunlight)

Mature Height

3-4 Feet

Mature Spread

1-2 Feet

Growing Zones

3 to 8

Bearded irises are tried and true favorites for gardeners, flower arrangers, and pollinators alike. Victoria Falls has large, true blue fluffy flower heads that stand well above other perennials in the early summer garden. The long-lasting flowers rebloom and attract local beneficial pollinators to your yard. Iris germanica has many cultivars in just about every color of the rainbow. Victoria Falls instantly became a bestseller when it was introduced in 1977 and continues to remain a hardy and dependable bulb in a wide range of growing zones. 

Victoria Falls establishes quickly in the garden, making it perfect for naturalizing in large areas near ponds, streams, or woodlands. Deer rarely are brave enough to browse the large flower buds, although slugs and snails can be a problem early in the spring. Although bearded iris tolerates and even thrives in wetter soils, they are reliably drought tolerant after establishing. 

Victoria Falls Bearded Iris Care

Bearded iris is a rhizome (similar to a bulb) that tolerates both extreme cold and hot conditions. Plant the rhizome in a sunny location with at least 6 hours of direct sun exposure. Plant the rhizome so the top half is above the soil level, in the direction of the sun. Irises planted too deep in the soil will fail to bloom over time. Well-draining soil is a must to prevent the risk of root rot. 

Although irises are not hungry plants, an annual top dressing with either a bulb or blooming perennial formulation will support vigorous growth and flowering for the whole growing season. Apply according to the manufacturer's recommendation early in the spring as the new season's growth begins. Watering deeply once or twice a week will help iris develop a strong and deep root system that tolerates drought well.

Deadhead Victoria Falls to encourage another round of blooming late in the summer or early fall. After the final round of flowers has died back, remove the stems as close to the ground as possible. Let the foliage die back naturally over late fall and winter. The yellowing foliage will continue to photosynthesize and feed the rhizomes so they can store energy for next season's flowering. Mulching with shredded leaves or fine arborist chips adds insulation around the rhizome over the winter in cold climates. Move the mulch aside as soon as the weather warms in the spring. 

Victoria Falls Bearded Iris Spacing

Allow plenty of room between irises when planting in large numbers. Spacing each plant 16 inches apart provides room for them to multiply; clumps won't need to be divided until 3 or more years. Grow an individual iris in at least a 3-gallon pot with a diameter of 10 or more inches.

SKU:

1231002178-pc