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Dutch Iris Planting Guide
With an abundance of dependably pretty and easy-to-use blooms, Dutch Irises are a favorite among florists and home gardeners alike. Their long, strong stems and brilliant colors make them perfect additions to cut arrangements. Plus, they're incredibly easy to plant, grow, and maintain. Learn more about these blooming beauties with this helpful guide!
Success Snapshot

PLANTING
DEPTH
4-5"

WATER
QUANTITY
Moderate

SUNLIGHT
QUANTITY
Full Sun

PLANTING
PROXIMITY
Species Dependent; 18-36"

BLOOM
SEASON
Late Spring to Summer

HARDINESS
ZONES
Zones 6-9
Shop Related Products

Dutch Iris Bronze Beauty
$9.95
Contains: 20 Dutch Iris bulbs
Botanical Name: Iris hollandica 'Bronze Beauty'
Exposure: Full Sun
Hardiness: Zones 6-9

Dutch Iris Casa Blanca
$9.95
Contains: 20 Dutch Iris bulbs
Botanical Name: Iris hollandica 'Casablanca'
Exposure: Full Sun
Hardiness: Zones 6-9

Dutch Iris Mystic Beauty
$9.95
Contains: 20 Dutch Iris bulbs
Botanical Name: Iris hollandica 'Mystic Beauty'
Exposure: Full Sun
Hardiness: Zones 6-9

Dutch Iris Eye of the Tiger
$9.95
Contains: 20 Dutch Iris bulbs
Botanical Name: Iris hollandica 'Eye of the Tiger'
Exposure: Full Sun
Hardiness: Zones 6-9

Dutch Iris Blue Diamond
$9.95
Contains: 20 Dutch Iris bulbs
Botanical Name: Iris hollandica 'Blue Diamond'
Exposure: Full Sun
Hardiness: Zones 6-9

Dutch Iris Rosario
$9.95
Contains: 20 Dutch Iris bulbs
Botanical Name: Iris hollandica 'Rosario'
Exposure: Full Sun
Hardiness: Zones 6-9

Dutch Iris Spring Sparkle Mix
$24.95
Contains: 60 Dutch Iris bulbs mixed
Botanical Name: Iris hollandica 'Spring Sparkle'
Exposure: Full Sun
Hardiness: Zones 6-9

Dutch Iris Telstar
$9.95
Contains: 20 Dutch Iris bulbs
Botanical Name: Iris hollandica 'Telstar'
Exposure: Full Sun
Hardiness: Zones 6-9

Dutch Iris Spring Royalty Mix
$14.95
Contains: 60 Dutch Iris bulbs mixed
Botanical Name: Iris hollandica 'Telstar' & 'Oriental Beauty'
Exposure: Full Sun
Hardiness: Zones 6-9
Where to Plant
While Dutch Irises are incredibly easy to grow, plenty of sunlight and well-drained soil are key to their happiness. If you notice puddles of water 5-6 hours after a hard rain, scout out another site or amend the soil with organic material to raise the level 2-3". Dutch Irises fancy a spot where they will receive sun for all or most of the day.
When to Plant
Plant your Dutch Iris bulbs in the fall at the same time as Tulips and Daffodils. In warmer climates, the foliage will form in the autumn, winter will bring taller growth, and flowers will develop in the spring. In colder climates, foliage and flowers will wait until winter has passed and will grow in the spring.
How to Plant
- Choose a location where the soil drains well, and your Dutch Irises will receive full sun for the best performance.
- Fill containers, if using, with good quality, well-drained soil. Almost any commercially available potting medium will work fine.
- Dig holes and plant your bulbs, which look like small, pointed onions, 4-5" deep and 3" apart with the pointed end facing up.
- Water thoroughly after planting, soaking the soil to settle it around the bulbs.
How to Grow
- Water as needed during active growth periods; about 1" of moisture per week is a good estimate.
- Leave the foliage in place at the end of the blooming season rather than cut it off. The leaves will gather sunlight to create food through photosynthesis, strengthening the bulbs for the future.
- Remove the foliage in the summer when it turns yellow and dies back as the plant slips into dormancy.
- Allow your Dutch Irises to rest for a few months before beginning the next growing cycle.
Dutch Iris Tips & Tricks
- Add other bulbs, perennials, or annuals to large containers to fill out the area around Dutch Irises' tall, slender ankles.
- Amend the soil with compost, finely ground bark, or decomposed manure to improve the drainage as needed.
- Feel free to snip stems for stunning spring bouquets while in bloom, as doing so will not hurt the plants.