Discover everything you need to know about bearded iris from expert grower and owner of Woottens of Wenhaston Michael Loftus. Words Michael Loftus, photographs Jane Sebire

By Daisy Bowie-Sell

Published: Tuesday, 13 June 2023 at 12:00 am

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The Iris genus comprises approximately 270 species – all of which are native to the Northern Hemisphere. All have six petals, technically called tepals. The three upper petals are known as ‘the standards’ and the three lower as ‘the falls’. Although a number of iris (such as Iris reticulata) are bulbous, most species (including all the bearded) are rhizomatous. Bearded irises are so called from the often decorative beards which sit at the back of each of the falls.

Jump to

• How to care for bearded irises
• When to plant bearded irises
• When to cut back bearded irises 
• Where to plant bearded irises
• The best soil for bearded irises 
• Bearded iris diseases
• Where to see and buy bearded irises
• Classic bearded irises to grow

The greatest British bearded iris breeder from this classic period was artist Cedric Morris (1889–1982). I still remember as a child visiting his garden at Benton End near Hadleigh in Suffolk and my first sight of his impeccably elegant iris cultivars. Iris ‘Benton Ankaret’ and Iris ‘Storrington’ both bear witness to his painterly eye; perhaps the RHS should recruit artists as plant breeders.

How to care for bearded irises

When to plant bearded irises

Irises should be planted between July and October, as all their new root development is done in late autumn and early winter. Never transplant bearded irises in spring.

When to cut back bearded irises