The drooping, outer three segments are known as falls. Bearded irises are available in a wide range of colors including white, yellow, orange, pink, wine-red, blue and purple. The flowers of many varieties possess various combinations, or blends, of these colors. Bearded irises bloom in the spring. A few cultivars actually bloom again in late summer or early fall.
Gardeners can choose from several thousand named varieties.
If not divided, the plants become overcrowded and flower production decreases. Crowded plants also are more prone to disease problems. The best time to dig, divide and transplant bearded irises is in July and August. Irises grow from thick, fleshy, underground stems called rhizomes. Carefully dig up the iris clumps with a spade.