Tall Bearded Iris
Iris germanica 'Breakers'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
36 inches
Width
18 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Average
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
Perennial
Native To
Garden origin
Toxicity
Toxic if ingested, skin irritant
The Story
Plant Bio
A rhizomatous perennial with erect, sword-shaped, gray-green leaves. In late spring, it produces large, fragrant flowers on tall stalks. The flowers have three upright petals (standards) and three drooping petals (falls), with a distinctive fuzzy 'beard' on the falls. Introduced in 1966, 'Breakers' is a tall bearded iris famed for its very large, fragrant, and heavily ruffled flowers in a rich shade of lavender-blue. It is a vigorous grower and a reliable bloomer.
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
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Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck rhizomes 2 inches deep into well-draining soil.
- Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil.
- Place in full sun for optimal flowering.
- Mulch lightly to retain moisture and control weeds.
- Divide every 3-4 years in early spring or fall.
- Remove spent flowers to encourage rebloom.
Pro Tip
Ensure good drainage to prevent rhizome rot and promote healthy growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water regularly during active growth 🌱
- Apply a balanced fertilizer in early spring
- Remove dead or diseased foliage
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent rot ❌
- Don’t plant in heavy clay soil without amendments
- Skip fertilizing during dormancy
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Divide | ||||||||||||
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Spring Cleanup |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Tall Bearded Iris questions
What zones can Tall Bearded Iris grow in?
Tall Bearded Iris is hardy in USDA Zones 4–9. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Tall Bearded Iris deer resistant?
Yes — Tall Bearded Iris is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does Tall Bearded Iris bloom?
Tall Bearded Iris typically blooms in late spring to early summer through late spring. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Tall Bearded Iris need full sun?
Tall Bearded Iris does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Tall Bearded Iris drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Tall Bearded Iris handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Iris to compare
German Iris Bearded Iris
Iris germanica 'Mix'
Celebration Song Iris
Iris tenuissima 'Celebration Song'
Dutch Iris Mix
Iris hollandica 'Mix'
Siberian Iris 'Paprikash'
Iris x hybrida 'Paprikash'
Poem of Ecstasy German Iris
Iris x germanica 'Poem Of Ecstasy'
Baboon Bottom Bearded Iris
Iris germanica 'Baboon Bottom Bearded'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
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Grow Tall Bearded Iris with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.
