Spring might be the perfect time for blooming flowers, but how about getting a little splash of color all year round? For people who love gardening, getting your flower bed to stay vibrant all year round can be a challenging task. However, there’s one particular genus of flowers that will solve that problem for you – the reblooming irises!
There are various kinds of irises, but not all of them can give you regular blooms. If you’re hoping for continuous bloom cycles, then you need to get your hands on a reblooming iris. This variety of irises performs exceptionally well at producing flowers twice or thrice in a year. Imagine having a vibrant flowerbed at the start of spring, a lovely bouquet in summer and a soft cascade of color in fall – all thanks to a single type of flower.
Reblooming irises are a fantastic choice for those who are looking for low maintenance plants. These irises not only add a pop of color to your garden, but they also require minimal care. All they need is some sunlight, moisture, and a little bit of pruning. Reblooming irises, such as the Platinum Class and Immortality, ensure you get more bang for your buck by giving you multiple blooms each year without putting a massive dent in your wallet.
Characteristics of Reblooming Irises
Reblooming irises, also known as remontant irises, are a popular choice for gardeners as they provide a longer blooming period compared to regular irises. These irises have unique characteristics that set them apart from other irises. Here are some of the key characteristics of reblooming irises:
- Reblooming irises bloom twice in a single growing season. The first bloom appears at the regular time for that specific iris variety, usually in spring. The second bloom occurs in late summer or early fall.
- Reblooming irises have a longer blooming period. These irises bloom for up to four weeks, which is longer compared to regular irises that bloom for only two weeks.
- Reblooming irises come in various colors and sizes, including dwarf varieties suitable for rock gardens or window boxes, and tall varieties that can grow up to 4 feet tall.
- Reblooming irises require low maintenance. These irises don’t require special care. All they need is well-draining soil, full sun exposure, and regular watering.
How to Identify Reblooming Irises
Identifying reblooming irises can be a challenging task since many varieties of irises look similar. However, there are a few unique features that distinguish reblooming irises from regular irises. Here are some characteristics to look out for:
- Reblooming irises have a rhizome that produces new leaves and flowers in alternating seasons. This rhizome is thicker and more fleshy compared to that of regular irises.
- Reblooming irises have longer stems, which support more flowers during the blooming period. These iris stems can reach up to four feet long compared to regular irises’ two-feet-long stems.
- Reblooming irises tend to have more leaves than regular irises. These leaves can grow up to 2 feet long and are thicker and wider compared to regular irises’ leaves.
Popular Varieties of Reblooming Irises
Reblooming irises come in various colors, sizes, and shapes. Here are some popular varieties:
| Variety | Description |
|---|---|
| ‘Immortality’ | A popular reblooming iris that features white blooms with yellow beards. This variety is fragrant and can reach up to 28 inches tall. |
| ‘Stairway to Heaven’ | This variety produces lavender-blue blooms with cream-colored beards. It reaches up to 38 inches tall and blooms from mid-spring to late summer. |
| ‘Pink Attraction’ | A dwarf reblooming iris that features pink blooms with yellow beards. This variety grows up to 16 inches tall and blooms from late spring to early fall. |
Reblooming irises are a beautiful addition to any garden, providing color and interest throughout the growing season. With proper care and maintenance, these irises can bloom for years, giving you the enjoyment of their beauty twice in one season.
Best Practices for Growing Reblooming Irises: How to Ensure Repeat Blooms
When it comes to growing reblooming irises, there are several things you can do to ensure that your irises produce a second or even third set of blooms. Below are some best practices to keep in mind when growing reblooming irises:
- Plant reblooming irises in full sun: Reblooming irises require full sun to produce multiple sets of blooms, so make sure to plant them in an area that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day.
- Provide well-drained soil: Reblooming irises prefer well-drained soil to prevent the bulbs from rotting. If your soil isn’t well-drained, consider adding compost or vermiculite to improve drainage.
- Fertilize regularly: Apply a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10, in early spring and again after the first set of blooms fade to encourage reblooming.
In addition to these general best practices, there are specific techniques you can use to encourage your irises to rebloom:
First, deadhead your irises after the initial set of blooms fade. This means cutting off the spent flowers to encourage the plant to focus its energy on producing more blooms.
You can also trim the leaves of your irises to about one-third of their original height after the first set of blooms fade. This will encourage new growth and, in turn, reblooming.
| Technique | Description |
|---|---|
| Division | Divide your irises every three to five years to promote reblooming and prevent overcrowding. |
| Watering | Water your irises regularly during the growing season, but avoid overwatering as too much moisture can lead to bulb rot. |
| Winter Protection | Protect your irises from harsh winter weather by applying a layer of mulch around the base of the plants. This will help insulate the bulbs and prevent frost damage. |
By following these best practices and techniques, you can help ensure that your reblooming irises produce multiple sets of beautiful blooms each year.
Benefits of Planting Reblooming Irises in Your Garden
Planning a garden that looks beautiful throughout the growing season is a challenge that every gardener faces. Irises are a perfect addition to any garden, as they come in a wide range of colors and sizes, and are generally low maintenance. But what if you could have irises that bloom not only once, but twice in the same year, extending their bloom time and adding excitement to your garden long after other perennials have finished blooming? That’s where reblooming irises come in.
Reblooming irises are those that can produce a second set of flowers in the same growing season. The benefits of planting these amazing plants in your garden are many:
- Extended Bloom Time: Reblooming irises provide color and interest to the garden at times when other plants may have already finished blooming.
- Cost Effective: Since reblooming irises produce two blooms per season, you get twice the bang for your buck.
- Low Maintenance: Like other irises, reblooming irises thrive in sunny locations with well-drained soil. Once established, they require very little maintenance.
Types of Reblooming Irises
There are several categories of reblooming irises, including:
- Standard Reblooming Irises: These irises bloom in the spring and then again in late summer or early fall. They are the most common type of reblooming iris.
- Historic Reblooming Irises: This group includes older irises that have been bred to rebloom.
- Space Age Reblooming Irises: This class of irises features unique blooms with unusual shapes and colors. They bloom in the spring and then again in late summer or fall.
Planting and Care of Reblooming Irises
Planting and caring for reblooming irises is similar to growing any other type of iris. They require well-drained soil and at least six hours of sunlight per day. The best time to plant them is in the late summer or early fall. Be sure to plant the rhizome just beneath the soil surface and water well.
Reblooming irises do benefit from a spring feeding of a low-nitrogen fertilizer. Additionally, you should remove spent blooms to encourage the plant to rebloom. In early fall, once the second set of blooms has faded, you can cut the foliage back to just a few inches above the ground, helping the plant to survive the winter and encouraging it to produce more blooms the following year.
| Type of Reblooming Iris | Colors | Bloom Time | Height |
|---|---|---|---|
| Immortality | White | Spring and fall | 28″ |
| Autumn Tryst | Red and yellow | Spring and fall | 34″ |
| Rustler | Purple | Spring and fall | 27″ |
By adding reblooming irises to your garden, you’ll extend the bloom time and provide interest and color that lasts throughout the growing season. They require minimal maintenance and can be appreciated year after year. So why not give them a try in your garden?
Popular Varieties of Reblooming Irises
One of the most sought-after features in irises is their ability to rebloom, bringing a second wave of stunning blooms later in the season. Here are some of the most popular varieties of reblooming irises:
- Immortality: This tall, white iris is a rebloomer, producing blooms in early summer and again in late summer/early fall.
- Beverly Sills: Known for its beautiful pink blooms and sweet fragrance, Beverly Sills reblooms in the fall after its initial summer blooming period.
- Autumn Circus: A unique iris with reddish-purple blooms with a yellow stripe down the center. Autumn Circus reblooms in late summer through early fall.
- Double Your Fun: This iris produces striking deep purple, ruffled petals with white edges. It is a prolific rebloomer, producing flowers in both spring and fall.
The Benefits of Reblooming Irises
Aside from the obvious benefit of double the blooms, reblooming irises have a multitude of advantages:
- They extend the iris blooming season, adding color and interest to the garden later in the year.
- Reblooming irises can also help to disguise dying foliage from earlier in the year.
- Many rebloomers are fragrant, adding an extra sensory dimension to your garden.
How to Choose the Right Reblooming Iris for Your Garden
When selecting reblooming irises for your garden, consider the following factors:
- Bloom time: Different varieties of reblooming irises rebloom at different times, so choose ones that will extend your blooming season as long as possible.
- Size: Pay attention to the height and spread of the plant so you can work them into your existing garden layout.
- Color: Choose reblooming irises that will complement the existing color scheme of your garden.
Reblooming Iris Varieties and Bloom Times
If you’re looking for a specific bloom time for your reblooming iris, this handy chart can help:
| Variety | Spring Bloom Time | Fall Bloom Time |
|---|---|---|
| Autumn Circus | Early to mid-spring | Late summer to early fall |
| Beverly Sills | Early to mid-summer | Early to mid-fall |
| Double Your Fun | Late spring | Early fall |
| Immortality | Early to mid-summer | Late summer to early fall |
No matter which variety of reblooming iris you choose, they are sure to bring beauty to your garden twice a year.
How to Extend the Blooming Season of Reblooming Irises
If you want to enjoy the stunning beauty of Irises for a longer period of time, it is important to consider the options available to extend the blooming season. Here are some tips to ensure that you have continuous blooms from your reblooming irises:
- Choose the right varieties: Not all Irises are reblooming varieties, so it is important to do some research before you make a selection. Choose those varieties that are known to be reblooming irises, such as ‘Immortality,’ ‘Stairway to Heaven,’ and ‘Chasing Rainbows.’
- Provide optimal growing conditions: Reblooming irises need good soil, proper sunlight, and the right amount of water to flower repeatedly. Proper soil preparation should begin in the fall prior to planting. The soil should be nutrient-rich and well-draining. The plants should receive at least six hours of sunlight every day, but afternoon shade can help in hot areas. During the summer, water the plants deeply once a week to keep them well hydrated.
- Deadhead regularly: To encourage your reblooming irises to produce more blooms, you will need to deadhead those blooms that have faded. Deadheading involves cutting off the spent flowers before they have a chance to form seeds. This process signals the plant to focus energy on creating more blooms instead of seed production. Deadhead the stalks after they are done blooming.
- Fertilize regularly: Regular fertilization helps to ensure that your reblooming irises have enough nutrients to produce more blooms. Fertilize them with a balanced 10-10-10 fertilizer in the early spring as soon as growth appears, and then again after the first blooms have faded. Be careful not to over fertilize, or you may stimulate too much foliage growth at the expense of blooms.
- Consider dividing: As the clumps of iris gets larger, the blooms may become smaller and less frequent over time. Dividing your clumps every three to five years can help rejuvenate the plant and encourage it to produce more blooms. Divide your irises at the end of the blooming season (late summer/fall) or early spring. (see chart below for recommended spacing between plants)
Recommended Iris Plant Spacing According to Size
| Iris Type | Spacing |
|---|---|
| Miniature Dwarf Bearded | 6-8 inches apart |
| Standard Dwarf Bearded | 8-10 inches apart |
| Intermediate Bearded | 12-18 inches apart |
| Tall Bearded | 18-24 inches apart |
By following these guidelines, you can help ensure that your reblooming irises continue to produce blooms throughout the growing season.
Caring for Reblooming Irises During Dormancy
Reblooming irises, also known as remontant irises, are a special type of iris that produce two or more blooms per season. Unlike regular irises that bloom once a year, reblooming irises require proper care during their dormancy period to ensure healthy and vibrant blooms. Below are some essential tips for caring for reblooming irises during dormancy.
- Cut back foliage: Once the leaves of the reblooming irises have turned yellow or brown, it’s time to cut them back to about 6 inches above the ground. This will prevent any fungal diseases from developing and ensure healthy regrowth in the spring.
- Remove dead material: During dormancy, it’s essential to remove any dead or decaying material such as spent blooms, leaves, or debris around the base of the plants. This will help prevent any pest infestations and diseases from developing.
- Divide plants: Every two to three years, divide the reblooming iris plants to prevent overcrowding and promote healthier growth. Gently dig up the clump, separate the rhizomes with a sharp knife, and replant each section about 12-18 inches apart
Additionally, it’s essential to keep the area around the irises clean and free of weeds and debris. Covering the soil with a layer of mulch can help insulate the roots from extreme temperature changes during winter and keep the soil moist. Adequate watering is necessary for reblooming irises, even during their dormant stage. Water the plants thoroughly once every few weeks to keep the soil moist, but not waterlogged.
Finally, it is crucial to understand the specific requirements of the reblooming iris cultivars you have planted. Some reblooming irises may require more or less watering during dormancy, or they may have different pruning requirements. Always consult with a gardening expert or refer to the cultivar’s instructions before performing any maintenance tasks.
| Task | Timing |
|---|---|
| Cut back foliage | After the leaves have turned yellow or brown |
| Remove dead material | During dormancy |
| Divide plants | Every two to three years |
| Watering | Every few weeks |
| Mulching | Before winter |
By following these tips and understanding the specific requirements of your reblooming irises, you can enjoy healthy and vigorous blooms season after season.
Tips for Propagating Reblooming Irises
Reblooming irises are a great addition to any garden or landscape. These irises bloom twice a year, giving you twice the enjoyment and twice the value for your investment. Propagating reblooming irises can be a rewarding experience, and here are seven tips to help you get started:
- Divide your existing plants: Reblooming irises often produce many offsets that can be divided and planted elsewhere. Wait until the plants have finished blooming and the foliage begins to die back before dividing.
- Cut the rhizome into sections: Use a sharp knife to cut the rhizome into sections. Make sure each section has at least one fan of leaves and some healthy roots attached.
- Plant the sections: Plant the sections in well-draining soil and water thoroughly. Make sure to space the sections out so that each plant has enough room to grow.
- Fertilize: Reblooming irises respond well to fertilization. Use a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in the spring and fall to encourage growth and blooming.
- Water regularly: Reblooming irises need consistent moisture during their growing season. Water deeply once a week, or more frequently if the weather is hot and dry.
- Remove spent blooms: Deadhead the spent blooms to encourage more blooming. This will also make the plant look neat and tidy.
- Protect from pests and diseases: Reblooming irises are susceptible to pests and diseases like iris borers and fungal leaf spots. Keep an eye out for any signs of trouble and take action promptly.
With these tips, you can successfully propagate and care for your reblooming irises. They will reward you with beautiful blooms twice a year and add color and interest to your garden or landscape.
Conclusion
Reblooming irises are a great investment for any gardener. With proper care and propagation techniques, you can have these beautiful plants blooming in your garden year after year. Follow these tips and enjoy the rewards of your efforts.
Remember to always monitor your plants for any signs of trouble and take action promptly to ensure their continued health and vitality.
| Benefits of Reblooming Irises | Challenges of Reblooming Irises |
|---|---|
| -Blooms twice a year | -Can be susceptible to pests and diseases |
| -Adds color and interest to garden | -May require more frequent watering |
| -Provides value for investment | -Dividing and propagating can be labor-intensive |
Overall, the benefits of reblooming irises far outweigh the challenges. With a little effort and attention, you can enjoy these beautiful plants for years to come.
FAQs: Which Irises are Reblooming?
Q1: What are reblooming irises?
A1: Reblooming irises are iris varieties that bloom twice, once in the spring and again in the fall. They are popular among gardeners because they extend the blooming season and provide more color to the landscape.
Q2: How do reblooming irises differ from regular irises?
A2: Regular irises bloom once a year, usually in late spring or early summer. Reblooming irises, as the name suggests, will bloom twice a year, extending the blooming season and providing more color to the garden.
Q3: What are some examples of reblooming irises?
A3: Some popular varieties of reblooming irises include ‘Immortality’, ‘Harvest of Memories’, ‘Clarence’, ‘Again and Again’, and ‘Stepping Out’.
Q4: Do reblooming irises require special care?
A4: Reblooming irises do not require any special care, but like all irises, they prefer well-draining soil and full sun. Adequate water and fertilizer will ensure healthy growth and blooms.
Q5: Can all irises be reblooming irises?
A5: No, not all irises are reblooming irises. Only certain varieties have the genetic trait that allows them to bloom twice a year.
Q6: When is the best time to plant reblooming irises?
A6: The ideal time to plant reblooming irises is in late summer or early fall, about 6-8 weeks before the first frost. This gives the plant enough time to establish its roots before winter.
Q7: Can reblooming irises be propagated?
A7: Yes, reblooming irises can be propagated through division. Divide the plant after it has finished blooming in the fall, and plant the divisions in a well-draining soil.
Closing Thoughts: Thanks for Reading!
Now that you know all about reblooming irises, you can add them to your garden and enjoy their extended blooming season. Whether you’re a beginner or experienced gardener, there is a reblooming iris variety that will fit perfectly in your landscape. Thanks for reading, and don’t forget to visit us again for more gardening tips and tricks!