All the bearded iris we offer require the same conditions for growth. They are fully hardy in the UK, but because their ancestors come from the middle east, they do require as much sun as they can get, because (all together)

"IT IS THIS YEAR'S SUN THAT RIPENS THE RHIZOMES TO GIVE NEXT YEAR'S BLOOM".

Therefore they should not be planted in a mixed border, but rather be considered as specimen plants, or be planted in a border of their own. Ideally, they should be planted on a north-south axis, with the rhizome pointing to the south, and the fan of leaves to the north.

To plant them, take out the top spit (spade depth) of soil, and set it aside. Loosen the next spit of soil with a fork, and then fill the hole with the compost of your choice. (Bearded iris do best on slightly alkaline soil, and the correct compost can help adjust the pH.) Thoroughly mix the loose soil and the compost, and then tamp it down well. Return most of the top spit of soil to the hole, which should now form a mound. With a trowel, make a slit in the soil, and drop in 1x75mg tablet of dispersable aspirin, which are available from Boots at about £1.20 for a tub of 100. (PLEASE - no comments about headaches - I have already heard them all!) Lay the iris rhizome on top of the mound, spreading the roots out in the direction they seem to be growing, and then cover them with the remaining soil, firming it down well to anchor them firmly in place.

Give the iris a good watering to settle the soil around the roots, and then, unless there is a drought, they should not need any more,  as autumn rains should be sufficient. As the old leaves die, pull them away, but only if they will come off easily, as you do not want to create a wound which will allow infection into the plant. Over the winter, keep an eye out for slugs and snails, removing them as found. In the spring, look out for grey aphid infection, and treat accordingly. Beware of rabbits and deer.