Bearded iris like drier soil conditions. The main issue of bearded types is iris border, which is aggrevated by too moist conditions and dead plant material not cleaned up. Photo credit Chris Eirschele.
A simple garden strategy, which saves time and money but is often ignored, is to grow plants in the right place the first time planted. No plant demonstrates this more easily than the iris.
Bearded iris stalks are available from the cutting garden in early summer. Photo by Chris Eirschele.
Crested iris is a beardless form. Iris cristata 'Eco Bluebird' likes it near water. Photo by Chuck Eirschele.
Dwarf bearded iris can be under 12" tall. They can easily be divided every few years and used as pass-along plants. Photo by Chuck Eirschele.
Dark purple iris flowers might be considered the traditional color. But, there are even darker purple iris, almost black, to satisfy gardeners who have an interest in black flowers. Photo by Chris Eirschele.
