Best Fertilizer, And Fertilizing Schedule For Bearded Iris

Question

Hello Gardening Know-How: Last fall I planted bearded iris bulbs in a well-drained spot in my garden, having first spread a thin layer of sand, in top soil mixed with a light application of bone meal and with store-bought compost. I planted so that the tops of the rhizomes get sun. The flowers were pretty but somewhat washed-out in colour. I watered every three days unless it rained, when I let the soil around the iris plants dry out a bit in-between watering. What is the best fertilizer for bearded iris, and what’s a good schedule? Thank you very much, Melanie

Answer 1

Once they are established, bearded iris don't need a lot of water, in fact, rainwater is usually sufficient.

Fertilize in spring with a 10-10-10 fertilizer then again a month after bloom.

https://pss.uvm.edu/ppp/articles/bearded.html
https://www.irises.org/gardeners/care-classification/care/