Intermediate Bearded Iris Iris 'Eardisland' (IB)

Water

Intermediate Bearded Irises like 'Eardisland' require consistent moisture during the growing season, especially when they are blooming. It's crucial to water deeply and thoroughly, which means providing enough water to soak the soil to a depth of about 8 inches approximately every 7 to 10 days. However, be mindful of weather conditions, as you will need to water more frequently during periods of drought or less often when there is ample rainfall. On average, apply about 1 gallon of water per plant during each watering session, ensuring the soil around the rhizome is moist but not waterlogged as this can cause rot.

Light

Intermediate Bearded Irises, including 'Eardisland', thrive in full sun, which means they need at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. The best spot for your Iris 'Eardisland' would be a sunny border where it can receive unfiltered sunlight. However, if you live in an extremely hot climate, providing some afternoon shade can help protect the flowers from heat stress.

Temperature

Intermediate Bearded Iris 'Eardisland' prefers temperate climates and is hardy in areas with winter temperatures not dropping below -20°F and summer temperatures not exceeding 100°F. Ideally, the plant thrives when daytime temperatures are between 68°F and 86°F. Iversatility enables them to adapt to various temperature ranges as long as the soil is well-draining and they are not exposed to prolonged wet conditions.

Pruning

Pruning, or more accurately, deadheading, your Intermediate Bearded Iris 'Eardisland' encourages additional blooms and prevents seed formation, which can sap energy from the rhizome. Prune the flower stalks down to the base after blooms fade to maintain a tidy appearance. In late fall, trim back the foliage to 4-6 inches above the ground to minimize overwintering pests and diseases. Every 3-5 years, divide the clumps in late summer to promote good health and prevent overcrowding.

Cleaning

As needed

Soil

Intermediate Bearded Iris require well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH range of 6.5 to 7. The best soil mix for Iris 'Eardisland' would include loamy garden soil, compost, and coarse sand to improve drainage. A balanced slow-release fertilizer may be added at planting time to encourage growth.

Repotting

Intermediate Bearded Iris, like Iris 'Eardisland', generally do not require frequent repotting and should only be divided and transplanted every 3 to 5 years to prevent overcrowding and to maintain plant vigor. The best time to repot is shortly after flowering, in late summer.

Humidity & Misting

Intermediate Bearded Iris, including Iris 'Eardisland', are tolerant of a range of humidity levels and do not have specific humidity requirements. They thrive in the outdoor garden environment where the natural air movement contributes to their health.

Suitable locations

• Indoor

  Place in well-lit area, ensure pot has adequate drainage.

• Outdoor

  Full sun, well-drained soil, space 12-24 inches apart.

• Hardiness zone

  3-9 USDA

Life cycle

Iris 'Eardisland', also known as Intermediate Bearded (IB) Iris, begins its life cycle as a dormant rhizome that sprouts new growth in early spring. As temperatures warm, foliage emerges followed by the development of flower stalks and the blooming of distinctive, colorful flowers, generally in mid to late spring depending on the climate. After flowering, the plant focuses on photosynthesis and energy storage, with leaves remaining green throughout the summer. In the following autumn or early winter, the plant enters a period of dormancy where above-ground foliage dies back, although the rhizome remains alive underground. During this dormant phase, the rhizome may be divided and replanted to propagate new plants. With the return of spring, the life cycle repeats with the rhizome sprouting anew for another season of growth and display.

Propogation

• Propogation time

  Spring-Early Summer

• Iris 'Eardisland', commonly known as an Intermediate Bearded Iris, is most effectively propagated through division of its rhizomes. This is best done after flowering, typically late summer to early fall. To propagate by division, carefully dig up the Iris clump and wash off the soil from the rhizomes. Look for sections of rhizomes with a fan of leaves and cut these sections apart using a clean, sharp knife, ensuring that each division has at least one healthy fan of leaves and a portion of the root system. Trim the leaves to about one-third of their height to reduce transpiration and replant the divisions promptly, setting the rhizome just at or slightly below the surface of the ground, spacing them about 12 to 24 inches apart (30 to 61 centimeters). Water the new plantings well to help establish them. This method allows the gardener to rejuvenate older clumps, control the size and spread of the plants, and share or transplant the excess rhizomes.