Irises are among the earliest blooming and easiest perennials to grow. Probably the most popular and widely grown iris is the tall bearded type. The true petals are called standards and are upright.
Flowers appear in late spring to early summer on stalks above the foliage.
Despite size differences, all bearded irises thrive in full sun and well-drained soil. When dividing, cut back leaves to one-third their length to keep newly planted divisions from being whipped by the wind and pulled from the soil. Otherwise, cut back foliage in fall as it begins to brown. The planting procedure is the same whether planting a new plant or division. Cultivate the soil 12 to 18 inches deep and mix in composted organic material.