Iris 'Summer Olympics' (Re-Blooming)Iris germanicaBearded Iris

A sunny position in well drained soil is ideal for growing iris. Bearded iris prefer an open position where the rhizomes can bake in the summer sun, without being shaded by other plants. These perennials require a very free draining soil, so amend heavy clay soils with plenty of grit and well rotted manure prior to planting. When planting Iris, ensure that the rhizome sits just at the soil surface as they are prone to rot if planted too deeply.

These plants are lifted from the nursery field when dormant, and sent to you in late autumn or spring for planting. They often look dead on arrival, but they are just resting in the dormant period and will establish quickly for a strong start in the garden come spring. Set out in prepared soil in holes wide enough and deep enough to lay out the roots. Tread down the planting soil to knock out air pockets. Water well to settle. Apply a mulch to protect roots from cold temperatures. If conditions prevent immediate planting, set roughly into loose soil or a pot of compost (‘heeling in’) to protect the roots. The growth points of most bare root perennials should be set about an inch below the soil surface. New growth will appear in spring.

Overcrowded clumps of bearded Iris plants can be divided in late summer after flowering. Avoid mulching the rhizomes to prevent them from rotting over winter. Caution: irritant to skin and eyes, harmful if eaten.

Seeds and garden supplies will normally be delivered within the time period stated against each product as detailed above. Plants, bulbs, corms, tubers, shrubs, trees, potatoes, etc. are delivered at the appropriate time for planting or potting on. Delivery times will be stated on the product page above, or in your order acknowledgement page and email.

Orders for packets of seed incur a delivery charge of £2.99.

Orders which include any other products will incur a delivery charge of £6.99.

Where an order includes both packets of seeds and other products, a maximum delivery charge of £7.99 will apply - regardless of the number of items ordered.

Large items may incur a higher delivery charge - this will be displayed in your shopping basket.

Please see our Delivery page for further details, and more information on different charges that may apply to certain destinations.

For more information on how we send your plants please visit our Helpful Guide on plant sizes.