What to Plant with Bearded Iris: A Guide to Beautiful Combinations

What to Plant with Bearded Iris

Bearded irises are a popular choice for gardeners of all levels, thanks to their beautiful flowers, easy care, and long bloom season. But what should you plant with bearded irises to create a stunning and well-rounded garden?

In this article, we’ll discuss some of the best companion plants for bearded irises, as well as some tips for creating a beautiful and harmonious garden. We’ll also cover some of the common mistakes that gardeners make when planting bearded irises, so you can avoid them and have a successful garden.

So whether you’re a new gardener or you’re just looking for some new ideas for your bearded iris garden, read on for all the information you need!

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Plant	Benefits	Tips
Daylilies	Provide a similar bloom time as bearded irises. Add height and structure to the garden. Attract butterflies and hummingbirds.	Plant daylilies in full sun to partial shade. Space them 12-18 inches apart. Water regularly during dry spells.
Hostas	Provide a lush, green backdrop for bearded irises. Add interest to the garden throughout the growing season. Attract beneficial insects.	Plant hostas in full shade. Space them 12-18 inches apart. Water regularly during dry spells.
Crocosmia	Provide a pop of color in the garden. Bloom at the same time as bearded irises. Attract butterflies and hummingbirds.	Plant crocosmia in full sun to partial shade. Space them 12-18 inches apart. Water regularly during dry spells.

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Bearded irises (Iris x germanica) are a popular choice for gardens because of their beautiful flowers and long blooming season. They come in a wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, so there is sure to be a bearded iris that is perfect for your garden.

One of the best ways to enhance the beauty of your bearded iris is to plant companion plants. Companion plants are plants that are chosen to grow near each other because they benefit each other in some way. For example, some companion plants can help to deter pests from the bearded iris, while others can help to improve the soil conditions.

In this article, we will discuss some of the best companion plants for bearded iris. We will also discuss when to plant companion plants with bearded iris and how to care for them.

Companion Plants for Bearded Iris

There are many different plants that can be grown as companion plants for bearded iris. Some of the best options include:

• Plants that complement the bearded iris’s color and shape

Some good choices for companion plants that complement the bearded iris’s color and shape include:

• Daylilies (Hemerocallis spp.)
• Peonies (Paeonia spp.)
• Roses (Rosa spp.)
• Salvia (Salvia spp.)
• Verbena (Verbena spp.)

These plants all have similar flower shapes and colors to bearded irises, so they will help to create a cohesive and attractive look in your garden.

• Plants that provide contrast to the bearded iris’s color and shape

If you want to create a more dramatic look in your garden, you can plant companion plants that provide contrast to the bearded iris’s color and shape. Some good choices for companion plants that provide contrast include:

• Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non-scripta)
• Foxgloves (Digitalis purpurea)
• Lilies (Lilium spp.)
• Poppies (Papaver spp.)
• Shasta daisies (Leucanthemum x superbum)

These plants all have different flower shapes and colors than bearded irises, so they will help to create a more visually interesting garden.

• Plants that help to support the bearded iris’s growth

Some plants can help to support the bearded iris’s growth by providing nutrients, water, or shelter. Some good choices for companion plants that help to support the bearded iris’s growth include:

• Hostas (Hosta spp.)
• Iris (Iris spp.)
• Peonies (Paeonia spp.)
• Roses (Rosa spp.)
• Yarrow (Achillea millefolium)

These plants all help to improve the soil conditions, provide shade, or attract beneficial insects, all of which can help to improve the health and growth of bearded irises.

• Plants that deter pests from the bearded iris

Some plants can help to deter pests from the bearded iris. Some good choices for companion plants that deter pests include:

• Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
• Chives (Allium schoenoprasum)
• Garlic (Allium sativum)
• Marigolds (Tagetes spp.)
• Nasturtiums (Tropaeolum majus)

These plants all release chemicals that are toxic to pests, so they can help to keep your bearded irises safe from damage.

When to Plant Companion Plants with Bearded Iris

The best time to plant companion plants with bearded iris is in the spring, after the last frost. This will give the plants time to establish themselves before the bearded iris starts to grow.

When planting companion plants with bearded iris, it is important to choose plants that have similar water and sunlight requirements. This will help to ensure that both plants get the nutrients and water they need to thrive.

It is also important to plant companion plants at the same depth as the bearded iris. This will help to prevent the plants from competing for water and nutrients.

How to Care for Companion Plants with Bearded Iris

Once your companion plants have been established, it is important to care for them properly. This includes providing them with the right amount of water, sunlight, and nutrients.

• Watering

Bearded irises and their companion plants need regular watering, especially during dry periods. Be sure to water the plants deeply, so that the water reaches the roots.

• Sunlight

Bearded irises and their companion plants need full sun to partial shade. Make sure to plant them in a location that gets plenty of sunlight.

3. How to Plant Companion Plants with Bearded Iris

When planting companion plants with bearded iris, it is important to consider the following factors:

• Proper spacing between plants. Bearded iris should be spaced 12 to 18 inches apart to allow for proper air circulation and to prevent the spread of diseases.
• Deep planting. Bearded iris should be planted so that the rhizome is covered with 2 to 3 inches of soil. This will help to protect the rhizome from frost damage and will also help to keep the plant hydrated.
• Watering and fertilizing. Bearded iris requires regular watering, especially during dry periods. The plants should also be fertilized once a month with a balanced fertilizer.

Here are some tips for planting companion plants with bearded iris:

• Choose companion plants that have similar water and sunlight requirements.
• Plant companion plants that will help to deter pests and diseases.
• Plant companion plants that will complement the appearance of bearded iris.

Some good companion plants for bearded iris include:

• Daylilies
• Peonies
• Roses
• Shasta daisies
• Yarrow

4. Caring for Companion Plants with Bearded Iris

Once your companion plants have been established, it is important to care for them properly to ensure that they continue to thrive.

• Deadheading. Deadheading is the process of removing spent flowers from the plant. This will help to encourage new blooms and prevent the spread of diseases.
• Pest control. Bearded iris can be susceptible to a variety of pests, including aphids, borers, and mites. To control pests, you can use a variety of methods, including:
• Handpicking pests. This is the most effective way to control pests, but it can be time-consuming.
• Using insecticidal soaps or sprays. These products can be effective at killing pests, but they should be used with caution, as they can also harm beneficial insects.
• Attracting natural predators. There are a number of insects that prey on pests, such as ladybugs and lacewings. You can attract these predators to your garden by planting flowers that they like to eat.
• Dividing and replanting. Bearded iris should be divided and replanted every 3 to 5 years. This will help to keep the plants healthy and vigorous.

Here are some tips for caring for companion plants with bearded iris:

• Water your plants regularly, especially during dry periods.
• Fertilize your plants once a month with a balanced fertilizer.
• Deadhead your plants regularly to encourage new blooms.
• Monitor your plants for pests and diseases and take action to control them as needed.
• Divide and replant your plants every 3 to 5 years.

By following these tips, you can help your companion plants to thrive and add beauty and interest to your garden.

What To Plant With Bearded Iris?

Q: What are some good companion plants for bearded iris?

A: Bearded iris are a popular choice for gardens, and there are many different companion plants that can be used to create a beautiful and interesting display. Some good options include:

• Daylilies: Daylilies are a great choice for companion plants for bearded iris because they bloom at the same time and have similar water and soil requirements. They also come in a wide variety of colors, so you can create a beautiful and colorful combination.
• Peonies: Peonies are another good option for companion plants for bearded iris. They bloom just after bearded iris, so they help to extend the season of interest in your garden. Peonies also come in a wide variety of colors, so you can create a beautiful and coordinated display.
• Hostas: Hostas are a great choice for companion plants for bearded iris because they provide a lush, green backdrop for the iris flowers. They also help to shade the roots of the iris, which can help to prevent them from drying out.
• Ferns: Ferns are a great choice for companion plants for bearded iris because they add a touch of delicate beauty to the garden. They also help to improve the soil quality and drainage, which can benefit the bearded iris.

Q: How far apart should bearded iris be planted?

A: Bearded iris should be planted about 12-18 inches apart. This will give them enough space to grow and spread without overcrowding each other.

Q: When should bearded iris be planted?

A: Bearded iris can be planted in the spring or fall. Spring planting is recommended for colder climates, as it gives the plants time to establish roots before the weather gets too hot. Fall planting is recommended for warmer climates, as it allows the plants to get a head start on growth before the weather gets too cold.

Q: How do I care for bearded iris?

A: Bearded iris are relatively easy to care for, but there are a few things you can do to help them thrive.

• Water them regularly, especially during dry periods.
• Fertilize them once a year in the spring with a balanced fertilizer.
• Divide them every few years to keep them from getting overcrowded.
• Protect them from pests and diseases.

Q: What are some common problems with bearded iris?

A: Bearded iris can be affected by a number of pests and diseases, including:

• Iris borer: Iris borers are a type of moth that can damage the roots of bearded iris. They can be treated with insecticides.
• Iris leaf spot: Iris leaf spot is a fungal disease that can cause brown spots on the leaves of bearded iris. It can be treated with fungicides.
• Iris rust: Iris rust is a fungal disease that can cause yellow or orange spots on the leaves of bearded iris. It can be treated with fungicides.

Q: How can I propagate bearded iris?

There are two main ways to propagate bearded iris:

• Division: Bearded iris can be divided by dividing the rhizomes in the spring or fall.
• Seed: Bearded iris can also be propagated by seed, but this is not as common.

Q: What are some tips for choosing bearded iris?

When choosing bearded iris, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• The size of the iris: Bearded iris come in a variety of sizes, from miniature to giant. Choose a size that will fit in your garden.
• The color of the iris: Bearded iris come in a wide variety of colors, from white to purple to blue. Choose a color that will complement the other plants in your garden.
• The bloom time of the iris: Bearded iris bloom at different times of the year, so choose a variety that will bloom when you want it to.
• The hardiness of the iris: Bearded iris come in a variety of hardiness zones, so choose a variety that is hardy in your area.

  there are many different plants that can be planted with bearded iris. The best plants to choose will depend on the specific conditions of your garden, such as the amount of sun and shade, the soil type, and the climate. By considering these factors, you can create a beautiful and harmonious garden that features bearded iris and other complementary plants.

Here are some key takeaways from this article:

• Bearded iris are a popular perennial flower that come in a variety of colors, shapes, and sizes.
• They are relatively easy to grow and can be planted in most gardens.
• The best plants to pair with bearded iris include those that have similar growing conditions and bloom at the same time.
• By carefully choosing the right plants to accompany your bearded iris, you can create a beautiful and harmonious garden that will add color and interest to your landscape for many years to come.