How to Care for a Reblooming Iris

Irises are one of the most popular spring bloomers in gardens today. Flowering in the spring, they put on a four-week show before the petals fall for the season. Reblooming irises, though, can set a show of flowers a month after other irises have faded. Also called remontants, rebloomers are usually of the bearded iris variety. While the second blooming is never guaranteed, you can care for a reblooming iris in ways to encourage the second show of the season.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Sand
• Compost
• Fertilizer
• Trowel

1. Plant the iris is well drained, rich soil to encourage reblooming. Use compost to keep the soil rich. Check for drainage by soaking the area thoroughly with a hose. If the water drains completely within four or five hours, it is fine, otherwise mix 1 to 2 handfuls of sand with the soil.

2. Position the iris so it receives plenty of sunshine with a minimum of four hours direct sun a day.

3. Water regularly throughout the entire summer. Do not allow the soil to dry out after spring blooming as you would with single blooming iris. Continue to water through summer and into the fall.

4. Fertilize rebloomers six weeks prior to spring blooming with an iris formulated fertilizer and again after spring blooming to encourage the second bloom. Fertilize a third time with a liquid foliar fertilizer in mid to late August.

5. Divide the irises every two to three years to prevent overcrowding. Dig up the rhizomes after the second blooming is over in the fall.

Tips & Warnings

• Late season reblooming stalks can be cut near the base and brought inside to bloom once they have set buds. Look for varieties of iris that are advertised as rebloomers. Rebloomers will begin setting their second blooms two to three years after being planted in your garden.
• Cover the irises if a fall freeze is expected to protect the second set of flower buds.

References

• Iris Club