a collection built over years of growing and curating.

Shop Irises

Our iris collection is one of the most diverse aspects of the garden. We grow bearded irises in dozens of colors and sizes, Siberian irises for their elegant form and reliability, Louisiana irises for their love of moisture, and a signature Japanese Iris garden that stops visitors in their tracks every spring. Available plants vary by season — contact us to ask what's currently available or to plan a visit during bloom time

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Group of purple irises in a garden setting with rocks and greenery.

A Guide to Growing Bearded, Japanese, Louisiana, Siberian & Dutch Iris

The Magnificent World of Iris

Few perennials can match the iris for sheer beauty, diversity, and garden presence. The genus Iris is one of the most celebrated in all of horticulture — a vast and enchanting family that includes over 300 species and tens of thousands of named cultivars spanning nearly every color, form, and growing condition imaginable. To read our Iris Growing Guide, click below.

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IRIS FAQs & SHIPPING INFO

What type of Iris do you sell?

We grow and sell several types of iris, including Bearded Iris (tall & dwarf), Japanese Iris, Louisiana Iris, Siberian Iris, and Dutch Iris. Each type has its own unique beauty, growth habit, and cultural requirements. Note that Iris shipping is in the Fall only. Not every cultivar is
available each years so please browse our listings to see what's currently available — our inventory changes with the seasons as we divide and propagate from our gardens here in Kernersville, NC.

What form do your Iris ship in?

Most of our iris are sold as bare-root rhizomes — one rhizome per order unless otherwise noted. Rhizomes are the thick, fleshy root structures from which iris grow. Foliage is trimmed before shipping to reduce stress during transit and help the plant focus its energy on establishing new roots. Dutch Iris are the exception — they grow from bulbs rather than rhizomes and are shipped as dormant bulbs. Whether rhizome or bulb, each plant is carefully inspected, labeled, and packaged for safe delivery.

What does a healthy Iris Rhizome look like?

Healthy rhizomes come in different sizes and shapes depending on the iris type:

  • Bearded Iris rhizomes are typically thick, firm, and somewhat flattened —
    resembling a small potato or finger. They should feel solid and have visible roots attached.
  • Japanese, Louisiana, and Siberian Iris rhizomes tend to be slimmer and more
    elongated with fibrous root systems.
  • Dutch Iris bulbs should be firm and dry with a papery outer skin, similar to a small onion.

What matters most is that the rhizome (or bulb) is firm, not soft or mushy, and shows no signs of rot. Some surface drying or minor blemishes are normal and do not affect viability.

How many rhizomes will I receive?

Each order is for one (1) rhizome, 1 division, (or one bulb for Dutch Iris) unless otherwise noted in the listing.

Japanese iris are sold as mature fans. You will receive at least 2 mature fans with your order. 

We send healthy, well-rooted divisions that are ready to establish in your garden. Rhizome size varies naturally by iris type and cultivar — size is not an indicator of
bloom quality or garden performance.

What can I expect when I receive my order?

You can expect:

  • Healthy, firm rhizomes (or bulbs for Dutch Iris)
  • Trimmed foliage for safe shipping
  • Correctly labeled varieties
  • Secure packaging for safe transit

Some trimming, minor surface drying, or slight discoloration of cut leaf tips is completely normal and does not affect the plant's health or performance.

When do you ship Irises?

We ship iris at the optimal planting time for each type:

  • Bearded Iris — Late summer through early fall (typically July through
    September), after bloom season when rhizomes are freshly divided
  • Japanese, Louisiana, and Siberian Iris —Early fall (September through
    October)
  • Dutch Iris bulbs — Fall (September through November) for spring bloom

If you need a different shipping time, please contact us before placing your order to see if we can accommodate your request.

Do you offer combined shipping?

Yes! We offer combined shipping at a reduced rate of $3.00 for each additional plant added to your order. This applies when multiple iris (or other plants) are shipped together in the same
package.

Shipping & handling: 
$15.00 for first plant, $3.00 for each additional plant added.  

Orders can be combined.  To reduce cost.  Use coupon code “COMBINE” when placing additional orders (after your first) to save $10. This only applies to additional orders.

What if my rhizome looks dry or has trimmed foliage?

For Bearded Iris, this is completely normal and expected. Foliage is intentionally trimmed before shipping to reduce transplant stress — this is standard practice among iris growers. Some surface drying of the rhizome is also normal, especially for Bearded Iris, which are often cured briefly before shipping. As long as the rhizome is firm and not soft or mushy, it is healthy and viable.

Louisiana and Japanese iris are shipped wrapped in a moist paper towel to keep the roots damp, and should not be allowed to dry.

All should be planted and watered with a day or two of arrival. Once planted, they will quickly begin producing new roots and foliage.

Are there any special instructions to follow prior to receiving my Irises?

Japanese iris roots must remain moist, please unpack your iris immediately upon receiving and plant as soon as possible. Do not let the roots dry out.  Keep well watered until established. 

Are your Iris true to name?

Yes. Every iris we sell is guaranteed to be true to the variety listed. Our stock is carefully maintained, labeled, and tracked throughout the growing, dividing, and shipping process. If you ever have a question about a variety you received, please contact us and we will make it right.

What is your guarantee?

We guarantee:

  • The iris is true to the variety ordered
  • The rhizome (or bulb) is healthy at the time of shipping
  • The plant is capable of growing when planted under proper conditions

If you have concerns about any part of your order, you must contact us within 3
days of receipt.
Failure to contact us within this window means we may not be able to offerreplacements or adjustments.

Do you replace Iris that fail to grow?

Because growing success depends on many factors outside our control — soil conditions, planting depth, watering, weather, pests, and drainage — we cannot guarantee performance after planting. We do, however, stand behind the health and viability of every plant we ship. If
a rhizome arrives in poor condition, contact us immediately with photos and we will work with you to make it right. If your iris fails to grow, please don’t hesitate to reach out for advice or to share any concerns.

Should I be concerned if I receive a small rhizome?

Not at all. Small rhizomes grow into beautiful, full-sized plants. Rhizome size varies naturally among iris types and cultivars — a smaller rhizome does not mean a smaller plant or fewer blooms. We work hard to ensure we don’t ship anything we wouldn't be happy to receive ourselves.

Do I need to plant right away?

Yes — we recommend planting your iris as soon as possible after receiving them.
If you cannot plant immediately:

  • Bearded Iris rhizomes can be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area for a few days — do not store in sealed plastic or keep them wet
  • Japanese, Louisiana, and Siberian Iris rhizomes should be kept moist (not
    soaking wet) in a cool, shaded area and planted within a few days
  • Dutch Iris bulbs can be stored in a cool, dry place until you're ready to plant, but should be planted before they begin to soften

The sooner you plant, the sooner your iris will establish and begin growing.

How should I plant my iris?

Planting method varies by iris type:

Bearded Iris:

  1. Dig a shallow hole wide enough to spread the roots
  2. Create a small ridge of soil in the center
  3. Place the rhizome on the ridge so the roots drape down on either side
  4. The top of the rhizome should be at or just above the soil surface — bearded
    iris rhizomes need sun exposure. Do not bury them.
  5. Firm the soil around the roots, leaving the top of the rhizome visible
  6. Water lightly to settle the soil

Japanese, Louisiana & Siberian Iris:
1. Dig a hole deep enough to accommodate the roots
2. Plant the rhizome 1 to 2 inches below the soil surface — these types prefer to
be planted deeper than bearded iris
3. Spread the roots and backfill with amended soil
4. Water deeply and keep consistently moist during establishment

Louisiana Iris especially love moisture — they can even grow at the edge of
ponds or in shallow water

Dutch Iris (Bulbs):
1. Plant bulbs 4 to 5 inches deep with the pointed end facing up
2. Space bulbs 3 to 4 inches apart
3. Plant in well-drained soil in full sun
4. Water after planting and then rely on natural rainfall through winter

The most common mistake with Bearded Iris is planting too deep. The rhizome must be at or slightly above the soil surface to receive sunlight. Buried rhizomes are prone to rot.

When and how should I divide my Iris?

Division keeps iris vigorous and blooming their best:

  • Bearded Iris — Divide every 3 to 4 years in late summer (July–September), about 6–8 weeks after bloom season ends. Lift the clump, discard old center rhizomes, and any with soft / mushy areas, and replant healthy outer divisions with good fans and firm roots.
  • Japanese Iris — Divide every 3 to 4 years in early spring or ideally in early
    fall. These resent disturbance, so divide only when clumps become crowded and bloom declines.
  • Louisiana Iris — Divide in late summer or early fall every 3 to 4 years. They spread vigorously and benefit from regular thinning.
  • Siberian Iris — Divide every 3 to 5 years in early spring or late summer.
    Established clumps can become very dense — a sharp spade or knife may be needed to separate divisions.
  • Dutch Iris — Bulbs can be lifted and separated when they become crowded, typically every 3 to 4 years, in late summer after foliage has died back.

What about pests and diseases?

Iris are generally tough, low-maintenance plants, but here are a few things to watch for:

  • Iris Borer — The most serious pest for Bearded Iris. Larvae tunnel into rhizomes causing soft rot. Remove and destroy affected foliage in fall, and inspect rhizomes when dividing. Clean garden hygiene is your best defense. Treating in the early spring and mid Spring with Spinosad or a Pyrethrin product can help.
  • Soft Rot — Often follows borer damage or results from poor drainage and planting too deep (especially Bearded Iris). Ensure proper planting depth and good soil drainage.
  • Leaf Spot — Brown spots on foliage. Remove affected leaves, improve air
    circulation, and clean up debris in fall.
  • Aphids & Thrips — Treat with insecticidal soap or a strong spray of water.
  • Slugs & Snails — Can damage new growth, especially in moist conditions. Use iron phosphate baits.
  • Deer — Deer generally avoid most iris, though they may occasionally browse
    foliage. Bearded Iris are considered deer-resistant.

Your Reference Resource — The American Iris Society

The American Iris Society (AIS) — at irises.org — is the premier resource for iris enthusiasts worldwide. Founded in 1927, the AIS is officially recognized as the international registration authority for non-bulbous iris cultivars. Their website and membership offer:

  • The Iris Encyclopedia — a comprehensive, searchable database of registered iris cultivars with photos, descriptions, and parentage
  • IRISES: The Bulletin of the American Iris Society — a quarterly publication
    packed with growing tips, hybridizer profiles, and show results
  • A network of regional clubs, chapters, and sections dedicated to specific iris
    types (Bearded, Siberian, Japanese, Louisiana, Species, and more)
  • Annual conventions, garden tours, and accredited flower shows
  • Resources for beginning and advanced hybridizers, including cultivar registration
  • A growing Digital Library with publications dating back to 1920

We encourage every iris lover to visit irises.org and consider joining the AIS. Whether you're growing your first iris or your five-hundredth, the AIS connects you with a passionate, knowledgeable community and a wealth of resources. It's the single best investment an iris
enthusiast can make.

Still have questions?

We're always happy to help! Reach out to us through our website or social media, and we'll do our best to get you growing with confidence. Thank you for choosing CreativEdge Perennial Gardens — we appreciate your support and can't wait to see these iris blooming in your garden!

For questions, message me at deb115cash@me.com with the subject Iris order, or text me at 336-655-5883 with your name, and note it is regarding your Iris order. 

Ask About Availability

Our iris selection varies by season and sells out fast. Get in touch to find out what's currently available or to plan a visit during peak bloom.