Victoria Falls Reblooming Bearded Iris Bulbs

Light Needs

Part Sun to Full Sun

(5+ Hours Direct Sun)

Mature Height

40 in.

Mature Spread

18-24 in.

Growing Zones

4 to 9

Pale blue flowers with crisp white beards give Victoria Falls Reblooming Bearded Iris a cool, luminous presence on 40-inch stems. Each broad, ruffled bloom carries a white signal patch at the center of the falls, sharpening the contrast within the light blue petals. Iris germanica ‘Victoria Falls’ flowers in late spring to early summer and can produce a second flush in late summer or early fall once plants are established. This is one of our favorite irises for adding a stately layer behind shorter perennials.

Introduced in 1977 by Schreiner’s and awarded the Dykes Medal in 1984, Victoria Falls has remained a respected tall bearded iris for decades. It is also fragrant and capable of producing multiple buds along branched stems, which can extend the flowering period during a good season. Plant it through sunny borders, cutting gardens, mixed perennial beds, or along fences where its upright foliage and tall flower stems can contribute vertical structure.

Victoria Falls Reblooming Bearded Iris Bulbs Care

Grow Victoria Falls in full sun for the strongest flowering, although partial sun is suitable if plants receive at least 5 hours of direct sun. Plant in well-drained loamy, sandy, or amended clay soil with the rhizome positioned shallowly so its upper surface remains exposed or barely covered. A near-neutral soil pH around 6.5 to 7.0 is preferred.

Water thoroughly after planting, then irrigate during the first growing season when the soil has dried about an inch below the surface. Established plants tolerate dry spells, but plants are more likely to rebloom with consistent moisture through summer without saturated soil around the rhizomes. Feed in early spring with a low-nitrogen fertilizer and make a second light application after the first flowering period to support development of later flower stalks. Keep mulch away from the rhizomes, since trapped moisture can encourage rot.

Deadhead faded individual flowers and remove each stalk near the base after all buds on it have finished. Trim declining foliage to about 4 to 6 inches after frost and remove old leaves that may shelter iris borers. Divide crowded clumps every two to three years in mid to late summer, selecting firm outer rhizomes for replanting.

Victoria Falls Reblooming Bearded Iris Bulbs Spacing

Space rhizomes about 18 to 24 inches apart so mature clumps have adequate room and air circulation. For containers, use a pot at least 14 inches wide for one rhizome and a substantially wider planter for several, with drainage holes that remain unobstructed. Container soil should dry somewhat between waterings, and crowded rhizomes should be divided before flowering begins to decline.

Victoria Falls Reblooming Bearded Iris Bulbs Companion Plants

Yarrow is a good perennial partner in full sun because it appreciates the same freely drained soil and continues flowering after the main iris display has passed. Ninebark can provide a taller shrub backdrop in sunny beds, with its broader foliage offering a strong visual counterpoint to the narrow iris fans. In large containers, dianthus shares a preference for sun and sharp drainage while staying low enough to leave the iris rhizomes exposed and the flower stems unobstructed.

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