In my garden, I always try to find lovely flowers that will last all season because I love gardening. The iris is a flower that often comes to mind for its long bloom time. Irises come in hundreds of different types, and with the right care and choice, they can bloom from early spring to late fall.
In this article, I’ll provide an in-depth look at selecting, growing, and caring for iris that bloom all summer. Whether you’re new to irises or looking to expand your collection, you’ll find everything you need to know to have a rainbow of colors gracing your garden when other flowers have faded.
An Overview of Iris Seasonal Blooming Habits
While many iris bloom in spring or early summer, there are types that bloom outside of this typical season. Here’s a quick overview of when different iris bloom:
- Bearded iris – Mid to late spring bloom time, some rebloom in summer/fall
- Siberian iris – Spring to early summer bloom
- Japanese iris – Mid to late spring bloom
- Louisiana iris – Blooms late spring into summer
- Pacific Coast Hybrids – Bloom spring to summer
- Spuria iris – Midsummer blooming varieties available
- Reticulata iris – Very early spring bloomers
- Dutch iris – Blooms in late spring
It is possible to have iris blooms for months if you choose the right plants. Let’s look at some of the best choices for long blooms.
Iris Varieties That Bloom All Summer
Here are some top picks for iris that will give you flowers from spring through fall
Reblooming Bearded Iris
Bearded iris are loved for their multicolored, ruffled blooms in spring. However, certain modern reblooming varieties will bloom again in late summer or fall. Some top choices include:
- Immortality – Lavender standards and white falls, reblooms reliably
- Autumn Echo – Yellow standards and red-violet falls, reblooms well
- Carnival Times – Standards of pinkish tan, copper falls, good rebloomer
- Reprise – Pale blue standards, darker blue falls, strong repeat bloomer
Louisiana Iris
Louisiana iris is native to the southern United States. From late spring to summer, it blooms with beautiful, orchid-like flowers. They thrive in hot, humid climates. Some recommended varieties include:
- Black Gamecock – Velvety purple-black blooms
- Cajun Sunrise – Sunset shades of orange, yellow, and pink
- Bold and Brassy – Brilliant golden yellow blooms
Pacific Coast Hybrids
Bred specifically for mild West Coast climates, these hybrids bloom vigorously from spring through summer. Some top choices are:
- Raspberry Ruffles – Ruffled blooms in raspberry-pink with tangerine beards
- Ocean Breeze – Silver-blue flowers with bright orange beards
- Point Cabrillo – Vibrant violet-blue blooms with orange beards
Growing Conditions for All-Summer Blooming Iris
Pay attention to what your iris likes to grow in order to get the most out of its bloom time and performance:
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Sunlight – All iris need at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. Morning sun is ideal, with some afternoon shade where possible.
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Soil – Well-drained soil enriched with compost is essential. Avoid overly wet soil.
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pH – Target a neutral to slightly acidic pH between 6.0-7.0. Irises don’t do well in very acidic or alkaline soils.
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Fertilizer – Use a balanced fertilizer in early spring. Too much nitrogen can inhibit flowering.
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Watering – Consistent moisture is important, but take care not to overwater.
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Hardiness Zones – Check zone ratings and choose varieties suited to your local climate.
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Location – Plant in an area protected from strong winds, which can damage stems and blooms.
Iris Care Tips for Optimal Blooming
Ongoing care and maintenance is vital to have your irises putting on their best floral display throughout the season. Here are some key tips:
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Deadhead spent blooms to encourage reblooming. Leave foliage intact until it browns.
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Divide congested clumps every 3-4 years to maintain vigor. Replant healthy rhizomes promptly.
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Watch for signs of diseases and pests like iris borers. Treat promptly to avoid spread.
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Remove any diseased or pest-damaged foliage. Keep beds free of weeds and debris.
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In very hot climates, mulch around iris to retain moisture and cool roots.
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Stake tall bearded iris varieties if needed to prevent flopping from wind/rain.
Designing With All-Summer Blooming Iris
With their sword-like foliage and bold blooms in a rainbow of hues, iris offer terrific visual impact in gardens. Here are some ideas for showcasing their beauty:
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Plant groups or drifts of the same variety for a cohesive look.
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Mix early and late bloomers together for ongoing color.
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Use taller bearded iris as background to shorter varieties in front.
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Contrast rich purple iris with bright yellows or whites for dramatic effect.
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Pair them with roses, peonies, daylilies, and other perennials that flower at different times.
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Mass plant Louisiana iris near ponds or water features for a lush, tropical feel.
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Use reblooming iris in containers for moveable color in fall.
Wrapping Up
With a strategic selection of different iris types and reblooming varieties suited to your climate, you can have a spectacular display of color in your garden from spring through fall. Pay attention to each variety’s growing needs, provide consistent care and maintenance, and you’ll be rewarded with months of exotic blooms and graceful foliage. A garden planted with diverse all-summer iris is a showstopper!
Iris fulva ‘Lois Yellow’ (copper iris)
A cultivar of our southern native copper iris, Lois Yellow is hardy from Zones 5 to 9 and grows two to three feet tall. It offers bright green, swordlike foliage and boasts showy yellow flowers from May to June. While best grown in full sun, it will tolerate partial shade, especially in the southern part of its range. The soil should be fertile, slightly acidic, and consistently moist to wet. It is another good choice for water gardens.
Growing over two feet tall, this Xiphium iris blooms from late spring to early summer. The graceful single flowers are a rich golden yellow. Hardy from Zones 5 to 8, Golden Harvest needs full sun and well-draining soil. If yellows not your color, choose a different cultivar. Modern Xiphium cultivars come in white, blue, and purple but otherwise look the same. Excellent in borders and containers, they also make great cut flowers.
This border bearded reblooming iris (border bearded irises are in a group known as Medians) is hardy in Zones 3 to 10 and grows 1½ to 2 feet tall. It blooms from May to June, producing intensely white standards overlaid with yellow, and yellow-edged white falls. Grow the plant in full sun and well-draining, medium-moist, humus-rich soil.
This tall bearded remontant iris is hardy from Zones 3 to 10 and typically grows three feet tall. The showy flowers have golden-tan standards and falls. The falls have cinnamon spots on them, and the beards have white edges around them. It grows best in full sun and organic, medium-wet, well-drained soil. It looks good in sunny beds and borders.
Iris siberica ‘Butter and Sugar’ (Siberian iris)
Hardy from Zones 3 to 8, this Siberian iris grows about 2¼ feet tall. Flowers appear from late spring to early summer sporting white standards and brilliant yellow falls. The plants thin, arching leaves add an ornamental grass–like texture to mixed borders. Butter and Sugar thrives in full sun to partial shade and medium-to-wet soil.
This variety of bearded iris blooms again and again and is hardy in Zones 3 to 10. It can grow up to three feet tall. Its heavily ruffled standards and falls are brilliant white with a very slight tinge of violet. The falls have greenish-white centers, and the beards are pale lavender. St. Petersburg makes a bright accent in beds and borders of contrasting colors. Its best grown in full sun and fairly organic, well-draining, medium-moist soil.
Probably the best source of information on irises is the American Iris Society (AIS). For membership information, call 636-274-6149. The AISs website (www.irises.org) provides links to local and regional iris societies in the U.S., as well as specialty organizations, such as the Reblooming Iris Society (www.rebloomingiris.com; 903-463-4084). These societies can recommend local growers, but if you are unable to get your irises locally, following are a few mail-order sources.
Barbara Perry Lawton has served as editor and manager of publications for the Missouri Botanical Garden, president of the Garden Writers Association of America, and weekly garden columnist for the St. Louis Post-Dispatch. Her latest book is Hibiscus: Hardy and Tropical Plants for the Garden (Timber Press, 2004).
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FAQ
Are there irises that bloom all summer?
Iris Sibirica and Iris Germanica are superb summer iris species, flowering for months on end. A couple of Dutch Iris varieties can also flower in June and July. Feb 28, 2023.
What is the most reliable reblooming iris?
Iris ‘Best Bet’ (Reblooming Bearded Iris) ‘Best Bet’ is a reliable, sturdy and vigorous grower – and understandably, a very popular reblooming iris. This early bearded iris usually produces 2 to 3 stems per plant early in the bloom season and then rewards us with new blooms in the fall.
How do I keep my iris blooming all summer?
Deadhead the iris frequently to encourage new flowering from buds growing further down on the stem. Let as much of the foliage remain on the plant as possible because it will continue to absorb the sun and feed the stems. Once flowering is over, cut the stalk down to the soil level but not into the rhizome or bulb.
How do you get reblooming iris to rebloom?
In climates with cold winters, you may see limited fall blooming. Reblooming Bearded Iris are heavy feeders, requiring more water and fertilizer for the extra boost to flower again. After the first bloom, make sure to remove the spent flowers from the stems right away so the plants have time to make more flowers.
Do irises bloom in shade?
Many irises will grow in total shade, but they most likely won’t flower. The majority of irises will bloom in spring or summer. Dwarf varieties tend to bloom earlier in spring, with intermediate sizes blooming later spring, and taller bearded varieties blooming late spring and summer.
When do bearded irises rebloom?
However, some bearded iris varieties, like “Immortality,” can flower again in the early fall. Most irises flower in the spring. To add splashes of color to my garden during the summer, I opt for a palette of purple, blue, yellow, white, and pink.
When do irises rebloom?
Summer: Dutch irises and English irises, types of bulbous irises in the Xiphium group, flower mid summer into early fall. They make great companions to summer perennials. Fall: Some reblooming bearded iris varieties will flower again in fall if conditions are right. This second bloom often occurs 8-10 weeks after the initial spring bloom time.
When do Dutch irises Bloom?
Details: Dutch irises are bulbous irises that flower mid summer into fall. Their strap-like leaves and elegant uniform blooms make them great cut flowers. Plant en masse for a bold summer display. Bloom Time: Mid summer to early fall.
Do irises bloom in the summer?
Irises have beautiful flowers that make a backyard look great. Some bloom in the summer, while others shine in the late winter. When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. Here’s how it works. Irises are beautiful perennials that, depending on the type, can bloom between late winter and early fall.
How long do English irises Bloom?
English irises are known for their sweet fragrance. Irises can be in bloom for up to six months, from early spring to fall, thanks to the many species and cultivars that are available. For the first burst of spring color, plant early bloomers like dwarf iris and reticulata iris.