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How to Fertilize Bearded Iris
How to Fertilize Bearded Iris. A spring perennial, bearded iris feature three upright petals interspersed with three downward petals, or falls, topped with fuzzy yellow "beards." The plants grow up to 3 feet tall, though miniature varieties may be no higher than 6 inches. The flowers open in late spring to early summer, but the green, spear-like...
A spring perennial, bearded iris feature three upright petals interspersed with three downward petals, or falls, topped with fuzzy yellow "beards." The plants grow up to 3 feet tall, though miniature varieties may be no higher than 6 inches. The flowers open in late spring to early summer, but the green, spear-like foliage persists for most of the summer months. Irises require minimal soil nutrition to grow and bloom, but some additional fertilizer helps ensure the plants remain healthy and productive. Bearded iris is sensitive to overfertilization, so take care when feeding them.
Things You'll Need
5-10-10 slow-release fertilizer
Apply 1 to 2 lbs. of a general-purpose 5-10-10 fertilizer per every 100 square feet of iris bed prior to planting. Work the fertilizer into the top 6 to 8 inches of soil one week before planting.
Fertilize once the flowers open the first summer after planting with 1 lb. of 5-10-10 fertilizer per every 100 square feet. Work the fertilizer into the top 3 to 4 inches of soil around the perimeter of the plant, taking care not to get fertilizer in contact with the roots or foliage.
Water the iris thoroughly after fertilizing, moistening the top 6 inches of soil. Immediate irrigation washes the fertilizer down into the root zone of the iris.
Feed established iris once a year, either in spring when new growth begins or in summer after the plants bloom. Apply 1 lb. of 5-10-10 fertilizer per every 100 square feet, taking care to keep the fertilizer off the plant's roots.
Tips & Warnings
Use a slow-release fertilizer so the nutrients are released to the iris over a period of months instead of all the nutrients being available immediately.
The numbers on the fertilizer indicate its percentages of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
Iris rhizomes grow horizontally, close to the soil surface. Do not work fertilizer in too close to the base of the plant or you may damage the rhizome.
