Re-Blooming Bearded Iris - Superstition

Re-Blooming Bearded Iris - Superstition

The Re-Blooming Bearded Iris - Superstition is a stunning and resilient variety known for its dramatic, deep purple flowers with rich, velvety tones. These irises are prized for their ability to bloom multiple times throughout the growing season, offering a prolonged burst of color in your garden. With its striking appearance and low-maintenance care, the Superstition iris is perfect for both beginner and experienced gardeners alike.

Key Benefits

• Multiple Blooming Cycles: This re-blooming variety offers two or more periods of blooming during the growing season, ensuring long-lasting beauty.
• Rich Color: Features large, velvety deep purple flowers with gold and white accents, creating a dramatic focal point in the garden.
• Hardy and Resilient: Well-suited to a variety of climates, Superstition irises thrive in full sun and can withstand drought once established.
• Low Maintenance: Requires minimal care while providing maximum visual impact, making it an excellent choice for busy gardeners.
• Attracts Pollinators: Known to attract bees and butterflies, adding life and movement to your garden.

Variety Features

• Plant Characteristics: Tall, sturdy stems that support large, elegant flowers with a strong, pleasant fragrance.
• Flowering Season: Re-blooms from spring to early summer, with a secondary bloom in late summer or early fall.
• Growth Habit: The Superstition iris grows in clumps with arching, sword-shaped foliage that remains attractive even when not in bloom.
• Size: Typically grows to about 30–36 inches tall, with blooms reaching up to 5 inches in diameter.

Planting Instructions

Planting Season

• Ideal for planting in early spring or fall.
• Thrives in USDA hardiness zones 3–9, making it adaptable to a wide range of climates.

Planting Details

• Plant Depth: Plant rhizomes 2–3 inches deep with the top of the rhizome exposed above the soil line.
• Spacing: Space plants 12–18 inches apart to allow for spreading and air circulation.
• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0–7.0) that is rich in organic matter.
• Sunlight: Requires full sun for optimal growth and blooming.

Care Instructions

Watering

• Keep the soil moist during the growing season, but avoid overwatering as irises prefer well-drained soil.
• Once established, water deeply but infrequently to encourage strong root development.

Fertilization

• Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring when new growth begins, and again after the first bloom cycle for a secondary bloom.
• Avoid high-nitrogen fertilizers, as they can encourage excessive leaf growth at the expense of flowers.

Weeding and Mulching

• Regularly weed around the iris plants to prevent competition for nutrients.
• Mulch around the base to retain moisture, but avoid covering the rhizomes, as they prefer to be exposed to the air.

Pest and Disease Control

• Pests: Iris borer and aphids are common pests that can affect the health of the iris. Regular inspection and the use of insecticidal soap or natural predators can help control infestations.
• Diseases: Bearded irises can be susceptible to fungal diseases like Iris rust and botrytis. Ensure good air circulation and practice crop rotation to minimize the risk of disease.

Harvesting

• While irises are mainly grown for ornamental purposes, you can cut their flowers when they’re fully open for use in floral arrangements.
• Cut stems at an angle and place them in water immediately to extend vase life.

Storage

• Short-Term: Fresh blooms can be stored in a vase for up to a week with proper care.
• Long-Term: For storage, dig up rhizomes in the fall after blooming has ended. Clean, dry, and store them in a cool, dry location until replanting in the spring.

Culinary Uses

• Though not typically used in cooking, the rhizomes of irises have medicinal properties in some cultures, though caution should be taken when handling them as they can be toxic if consumed improperly.

Conclusion

The Re-Blooming Bearded Iris - Superstition is a spectacular addition to any garden, offering striking purple flowers and multiple blooming periods throughout the season. With its low maintenance, hardy nature, and ability to attract pollinators, it is a perfect choice for gardeners who want long-lasting beauty with minimal effort. Whether grown in borders, containers, or as part of a cutting garden, the Superstition iris will stand out as a dramatic focal point and add vibrant color to your landscape.