Best Plants, Great Packaging, Real Value

Code Black Bearded Iris Plant

11.99
  • - Tall Bearded Iris, German Iris, Rhizomatous Iris, Germanica Iris
  • - Height: 22-24 inches
  • - Hardiness Zone: 3-8
  • - Exposure: Full Sun
  • - Bloom Time: Spring-Summer
  • - Every order comes complete with a large, Grade #1 bulb, premium fertilizer for rapid growth, and comprehensive planting instructions to ensure your success.
Plant Features

Iris germanica 'Code Black Border' plants produce velvet-looking flowers that fade from a dark, dark purple to light purple as you work your way up. The beard on this Iris has brown hairs that have "burnt" tips. Compared to a tall variety, a border plant will be shorter in height, although not as short as a dwarf variety. Iris plants grow best in sunny locations with well-drained soils. They make spectacular additions to rock gardens and early summer beds and borders. Rhizomes should be divided every 3-4 years. Deer tend to overlook irises.

Planting Instructions:

  • - Can be planted anytime soil temperatures are above 45°F
  • - Plant rhizomes just below the surface of the soil, ensuring the tops are exposed or barely covered
  • - Space plants 12-24 inches apart to allow proper air circulation
  • - Choose a sunny location with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day

Soil Preparation:

  • - Ideal soil pH: 6.0-7.5, prefers slightly acidic to neutral, well-drained soil
  • - Enrich soil with compost or aged manure to improve fertility and drainage
  • - Avoid heavy clay soil unless amended with organic matter to improve drainage

Watering Specifics:

  • - Water deeply at planting to establish roots
  • - Bearded Iris prefers dry conditions once established; water sparingly to prevent rot
  • - Avoid watering directly on the rhizomes to prevent fungal issues

Fertilizer Type:

  • - Apply a low-nitrogen fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-10) in early spring and after blooming
  • - Avoid over-fertilizing, as excessive nitrogen can encourage foliage growth at the expense of flowers

Pruning and Training:

  • - Remove spent blooms (deadhead) to encourage further blooming and prevent seed formation
  • - Trim foliage to 6-8 inches in late fall to reduce the risk of pests and diseases
  • - Divide rhizomes every 3-4 years in late summer to prevent overcrowding and maintain vigorous growth

Additional Pest Management:

  • - Monitor for iris borers; remove and destroy any affected rhizomes immediately
  • - Prevent fungal diseases by ensuring proper air circulation and avoiding overhead watering
  • - Watch for slugs and snails, especially in wet conditions

Temperature Tolerance:

  • - Hardy and tolerates a wide range of temperatures
  • - In colder climates, apply mulch in winter to protect the rhizomes, but ensure it is removed in spring to prevent rot
Attribute name Attribute value
Plant Needs
Sunlight 6+ hours
Soil Moisture Moist to Dry
Soil Properties Well-drained
Attribute name Attribute value
Plant Characteristics
Height Category Medium
Mature Spread 16-18 inches
Habit Upright
Flower Color Black, Purple
Foliage Color Green
Attracts Bees, Butterflies
Features Cut Flowers, Heat tolerant
Garden Styles Cottage Garden, English Garden, Japanese Garden, Pollinator Garden, Therapeutic Garden, Tropical Garden
Plant Used for Aesthetic Appeal, Borders and Edging, Focal Point, Texture
Critter Resistance Deer Resistance: High, Rabbit
Pet Friendly Yes
Tolerates Clay soil, Sandy soil
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