Quick Care Guide

Prune: Trim back old leaves after flowering; remove dead or damaged foliage
Sunlight: Needs 6+ hours of full sun
Water: Water regularly, but ensure the soil is well-drained
Fertilize: Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer
Leaves: Long, sword-like, green or blue-green leaves
Flowers: Fragrant flowers in shades of purple, blue, or white in late spring to early summer

Pruning

After sweet iris blooms, cut back the flower stalks to the base. Once the foliage begins to die back in late fall or early spring, trim the leaves to about 3-4 inches above the ground. Removing old and damaged foliage helps prevent disease and keeps the plant looking tidy. Be cautious not to damage the rhizomes when pruning.

Watering

Water sweet irises regularly, ensuring the soil is moist but not waterlogged. While they are drought-tolerant once established, they perform best with regular watering during dry spells. Make sure the soil is well-drained to prevent the rhizomes from rotting, as they do not like sitting in wet soil.

Leaves

The leaves of sweet iris are long, sword-like, and can vary from green to a bluish-green hue. They are usually upright and form a dense clump that adds vertical interest to the garden. The foliage often remains attractive even when the plant isn’t in bloom.

Sunlight

Sweet irises need full sun to thrive, requiring at least 6 hours of direct sunlight each day. Too little sun will lead to weaker growth and fewer flowers. Plant them in well-lit areas to ensure they get the sun they need for healthy blooms and strong stems.

Fertilization

Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring as new growth begins. Avoid fertilizing too frequently, as excess nutrients can result in weak, floppy growth. Fertilizing once a year in the spring should suffice for healthy growth and abundant blooms.

Flowers

Sweet iris produces fragrant flowers, typically in shades of purple, blue, or white, with distinct petals that are often ruffled or frilled. These blooms appear in late spring to early summer and are often a beautiful contrast to the foliage. The flowers are a favorite of bees and butterflies, making them a great addition to pollinator gardens.