The ‘Bountiful Harvest’ iris is a tall bearded iris cultivar, valued for its ability to produce multiple flushes of blooms throughout the growing season. This re-blooming characteristic provides an extended period of color and visual appeal, making it a popular choice for continuous floral displays.
Understanding Bountiful Harvest Iris
‘Bountiful Harvest’ iris is a tall bearded iris, typically reaching 31 to 33 inches (80-85 cm) tall and spreading 12 to 18 inches (30-45 cm) wide. Its large, ruffled blossoms showcase pure violet standards and white falls with a distinct deep violet plicata edge. The pale lilac beards add a subtle contrast to the vibrant petals.
This cultivar is particularly valued for its re-blooming capability, often blooming in the early season and then again in summer and fall. While re-blooming can be influenced by location, sunlight, and weather, ‘Bountiful Harvest’ is known to be a consistent re-bloomer, providing continuous garden interest.
Planting and Ongoing Care
Site Selection
‘Bountiful Harvest’ irises thrive in full sun, requiring at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. In regions with intense heat, some afternoon shade can be beneficial to prevent scorching.
Well-draining soil is crucial, as irises are susceptible to rot in waterlogged conditions. A slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.5 to 6.8) is preferred. For heavy clay, incorporate organic matter like compost to improve drainage. Raised beds or sloped areas also ensure proper water runoff.
Planting Guidelines
The optimal time to plant ‘Bountiful Harvest’ iris rhizomes is late summer to early fall (July to September), allowing roots to establish before winter’s cold. Dig a shallow hole with a small soil mound in the center. Place the rhizome on this mound with roots spread, ensuring the top remains exposed or barely covered.
In hot climates or very light soils, covering the rhizome with up to one inch of soil is acceptable. Space rhizomes 12 to 24 inches apart for adequate air circulation and growth. After planting, firm the soil gently around the rhizome and water thoroughly to settle the soil and eliminate air pockets.
Watering Needs
Newly planted irises need consistent moisture until roots are established. After this initial period, ‘Bountiful Harvest’ iris is relatively drought-tolerant. Overwatering can lead to rhizome rot.
During dry spells, especially in summer, deep watering every three to four weeks can be beneficial. Re-blooming irises may need more water to support additional bloom cycles. Always allow soil to dry somewhat between waterings.
Fertilization Tips
‘Bountiful Harvest’ iris benefits from a balanced fertilization program due to its re-blooming nature. Use a low-nitrogen fertilizer (e.g., 5-10-10 or 6-10-10), as high nitrogen promotes foliage at the expense of flowers and can encourage rot. Fertilize lightly in early spring as new growth begins and again after the first spring bloom.
Sprinkle fertilizer around the iris clump and scratch it into the soil, avoiding direct contact with rhizomes to prevent burning. For new plantings, incorporating bone meal or superphosphate into the soil is beneficial.
Deadheading and Cleanup
Removing spent flower stalks, known as deadheading, keeps the plant tidy and encourages further bloom by redirecting the plant’s energy. Cut stalks to the base after blooms fade, leaving foliage intact.
Regularly remove weeds, fallen leaves, or debris around irises to ensure air circulation. In autumn, after the first hard frost, trim back yellowed or spotted foliage to about six inches above the rhizomes to promote air circulation and remove potential pest sites.
Winter Preparation and Division
In colder climates, ‘Bountiful Harvest’ iris requires minimal winter preparation. Mulching is usually not recommended for bearded irises as it can retain moisture and lead to rot, but in severe winter areas, a light, non-compacting mulch like straw can be used, removed in early spring.
Re-blooming bearded irises benefit from more frequent division. Divide overcrowded clumps every two to three years to maintain vigor and consistent flowering. The best time is July, August, or September, after the main bloom season. Discard older, less productive rhizomes and replant healthy, younger sections, ensuring each has a fan of leaves and firm roots.
Maximizing Re-blooming Performance
To maximize the re-blooming performance of ‘Bountiful Harvest’ iris, specific cultural practices are essential, as re-bloomers expend more energy and thus have higher demands for resources. Consistent moisture during summer dry spells is important, as prolonged drought can hinder re-bloom; deep watering every few weeks can prevent this. A second application of a low-nitrogen fertilizer after the initial spring bloom provides crucial nutrients for subsequent flowering. Prompt deadheading of spent spring flower stalks redirects the plant’s energy from seed production to new flower stems. Adequate sunlight, at least six hours daily, is vital for generating the energy needed for multiple bloom cycles. Avoiding overcrowding by dividing plants every few years ensures optimal air circulation and resource availability, contributing to robust re-blooming.
Addressing Common Challenges
The iris borer is a serious pest, tunneling into leaves and rhizomes, often leading to bacterial soft rot. Signs include water-soaked spots, wilting, and a foul-smelling, mushy rhizome. To manage borers, remove and destroy old plant debris in late fall or early spring, as eggs overwinter on foliage. Infested rhizomes should be dug up, and any soft, rotted tissue removed; healthy sections can be replanted after drying in the sun.
Bacterial soft rot, often following borer damage or excessive moisture, manifests as soft, odorous rhizomes and wilting foliage. Improving drainage, ensuring good air circulation, and avoiding overwatering are preventative measures. If rot occurs, promptly remove infected tissue with a spoon until firm rhizome is reached, then allow the area to dry. A weak bleach solution (1 part bleach to 9 parts water) or powdered sulfur can be applied to the cleaned area.
Lack of blooms can stem from several factors, including insufficient sunlight, planting the rhizomes too deeply, or overcrowding. Ensure irises receive at least six hours of direct sun daily and that the rhizome tops are exposed or barely covered when planted. If clumps become too dense, dividing them every few years can reinvigorate flowering. Yellowing leaves can indicate overwatering, poor drainage, or nutrient deficiencies, necessitating an assessment of watering practices and soil conditions.