War Chief Bearded Iris
Iris germanica 'War Chief'
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Perennial
Height
37 inches
Width
24 inches
Light
Full Sun, Partial Sun
Zones
4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9
Water
Dry to medium
Humidity
Average
Lifespan
10+ years
Native To
Mediterranean region
Toxicity
Toxic if ingested
The Story
Plant Bio
Rhizomatous perennial with sword-like, gray-green leaves. Flowers have three upright petals (standards) and three drooping petals (falls), with a fuzzy 'beard' on the falls. Features large, velvety, garnet-red flowers with a slight fragrance. Known for its rich, non-fading color and strong, well-branched stems.
Bloom Period:
Uses & Benefits:
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Tuck bulbs 4 inches deep in well-draining soil in fall.
- Water thoroughly after planting to settle soil.
- Mist foliage during dry spells in spring for healthy blooms.
- Divide clumps every 3-4 years in late summer to rejuvenate.
- Apply a light mulch in early spring to conserve moisture.
- Remove spent flowers to encourage reblooming.
Pro Tip
Plant in full sun with slightly acidic to neutral soil for best results.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Plant in well-draining soil 🌱
- Water regularly during growing season
- Fertilize in early spring with a balanced fertilizer
- Remove spent blooms to promote reblooming
Don't
- Avoid overwatering to prevent bulb rot ❌
- Don’t plant too deeply, keep bulbs near soil surface
- Avoid heavy, clay soils without amendment
- Don’t forget to divide every few years
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Deadhead | ||||||||||||
| 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
War Chief Bearded Iris questions
What zones can War Chief Bearded Iris grow in?
War Chief 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 War Chief Bearded Iris deer resistant?
Yes — War Chief Bearded Iris is rated deer-resistant. Deer typically pass it over, though extreme hunger can override any plant's defenses.
When does War Chief Bearded Iris bloom?
War Chief Bearded Iris typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does War Chief Bearded Iris need full sun?
War Chief Bearded Iris does best in full sun to part shade. In hot climates, afternoon shade keeps blooms fresher longer.
Is War Chief Bearded Iris drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), War Chief Bearded Iris handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
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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
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Grow War Chief 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.
