Leonine Iris - Beardless Iris Culture

Vintage Year

Missouri Rainbows

Redwood Supreme

Spuria Iris (SPU) Tall grow 2 to 5 feet in height with elegant with attractive foliage. Bloom shape suggests orchids and the colors range from white and yellow through blue, wine and brown, often with bright yellow signals. Spuria iris display their open, delicate blooms atop tall, rugged plants about 1-2 weeks after the Tall Bearded iris. Spurias grow well in all types of garden soil, preferring neutral to slightly alkaline soils. Full sun and good drainage are imperative. They do not like wet feet.

When planting, cover the rhizomes with 2 inches of soil. Space plants at least 2 feet apart. After planting, water in well and water regularly until plants are established. In future years, the plants need water before bloom, but there is no need to water after blooming, although doing so won't hurt them. An application of composted manure or commercial fertilizer will enhance growth. Do not expect peak performance until the second or third year. Spurias should be left alone for years, allowing the plants to grow into the large clumps for which they are noted.