HOW TO GROW BEARDED IRISES
There are around 200 varieties to choose from and they flower from April through to June. Bearded irises require little maintenance. Plant the rhizomes around 45 to 60 cm apart in late summer to early autumn, in full sun with the tops just above the ground. Ensure the site has good drainage (a handful of grit when planting won't go amiss) as waterlogged ground will cause the rhizome's roots to rot.

Click here to visit our beautiful bearded irises gallery.

For impact, plant irises in groups of three and feed sparingly with high-phosphate fertilizer, taking care to avoid high-nitrogen feeds, humus and manure. In autumn, remove any faded blooms and stalks and cut the leaves back to around 15 cm. The plants should be lifted and divided every three to four years in their dormant period (August to September). Cut healthy growth from the outside of the clump, discarding the older inner section, then trim the foliage and roots before replanting in fresh soil.

WHERE TO SEE AND BUY BEARDED IRISES
• The British Iris Society at RHS Wisley, Woking, Surrey GU23 6QB.
• Claire Austin Hardy Plants. The Stone House, Cramp Pool, Shifnal, Shropshire TF11 8PE.
• Myddleton House Gardens, Bulls Cross, Enfield, Middlesex EN2 9HG.
• Seagate Irises, Long Sutton bypass, Long Sutton, Lincolnshire PE12 9RX.
• Woottens of Wenhaston.

Want to see more? Visit our beautiful bearded irises gallery.

WORDS AND STYLING JACKY HOBBS
PHOTOGRAPHS MICHELLE GARRETT
MAY 2005