Interesting Facts
Iris, the Greek goddess of the rainbow, gives her name to these flowers. History records their cultivation as far back as 1500 BC in Egypt. 
Bearded Iris
Before the Storm
(Iris germanica)
Iris germanica 'Before The Storm' has dark and mysterious blooms that will enchant your garden with this unique variety. 'Before the Storm' is a mid-late season bloomer and is regarded as one of the best purple-blacks. Sweet fragrance and excellent growth habit are an added bonus. Winner of numerous awards including the prestigious Dykes Medal in '96; Honorable Mention '91; & Award of Merit '95.
| Plant Types: | Perennial |
| Light: | Partial Shade to Full Sun |
| Height: | 3 feet 1 inch |
| Width: | 1 foot 6 inches to 2 feet |
| Zones: | 3a to 10b |
| Bloom Color: | Black, Purple |
| Bloom Seasons: | Late spring, Early summer |
| Leaf Color: | Green |
| Special Features: | Deer resistant, Rabbit resistant |
| Shape: | Upright or erect |
| Type of Soil Preferred: | Acidic, Neutral, Well-Drained |
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Plant Care
Planting:
Varies by type. Beware of planting rhizomes too deeply or covered with too much mulch, as they may rot. Plant bearded irises from mid-summer to early fall.
Varies by type. Beware of planting rhizomes too deeply or covered with too much mulch, as they may rot. Plant bearded irises from mid-summer to early fall.
Plant Growth:
A vast genus or both perennials and bulbs, 300 species and thousands of cultivars. Foliage is sword shaped, strap shaped, or grassy. Some rhizomatous species spread widely, other form clumps.
A vast genus or both perennials and bulbs, 300 species and thousands of cultivars. Foliage is sword shaped, strap shaped, or grassy. Some rhizomatous species spread widely, other form clumps.
Blooming:
All bear flowers with 6 petals. Three, called standards, point up or out. And three, called falls, point out or down. Generally flowers are borne in small clusters and buds open in succession along the stalk.
All bear flowers with 6 petals. Three, called standards, point up or out. And three, called falls, point out or down. Generally flowers are borne in small clusters and buds open in succession along the stalk.
Soil and Irrigation:
Bearded irises prefer average to rich, well-drained soil. Whereas bog irises need permanently damp soil or even to be placed at a pond margin.
Bearded irises prefer average to rich, well-drained soil. Whereas bog irises need permanently damp soil or even to be placed at a pond margin.
Fertilization:
If you fertilize, which may not be needed if your irises have good green foliage, use half a cup of 5-10-10 fertilizer per clump after flowering. Do not apply directly to the rhizomes, as it could burn them.
If you fertilize, which may not be needed if your irises have good green foliage, use half a cup of 5-10-10 fertilizer per clump after flowering. Do not apply directly to the rhizomes, as it could burn them.
Pruning:
To prevent seeding, cut back the stalks to 1-2" above the rhizomes, after the flowers have faded.
To prevent seeding, cut back the stalks to 1-2" above the rhizomes, after the flowers have faded.
Pests:
The most serious problem is bacterial soft rot, which you will recognize from mushy, foul-smelling rhizomes. To prevent, do not use manure or excess nitrogen, especially with poor drainage. If soft rot occurs, dig up and destroy the effected portions of rhizome
The most serious problem is bacterial soft rot, which you will recognize from mushy, foul-smelling rhizomes. To prevent, do not use manure or excess nitrogen, especially with poor drainage. If soft rot occurs, dig up and destroy the effected portions of rhizome