The ‘Gypsy Lord’ Iris is a popular variety of Tall Bearded Iris, prized for its striking blooms. Gardeners choose this iris for its vibrant display and robust nature, bringing dramatic color and elegant form to garden spaces.
Key Characteristics of Gypsy Lord Iris
‘Gypsy Lord’ Iris features ruffled, bluish-white standards that stand upright. Its falls, or lower petals, are a marbled blue-violet with a white starburst pattern. A prominent paprika or reddish-orange beard adds a contrasting pop of color.
This Tall Bearded (TB) Iris reaches up to 40 inches (102 cm) when in bloom. It blooms mid-season to late spring. Bearded irises have a fuzzy “beard” on their lower petals, which guides pollinators.
Planting and Growing Gypsy Lord Iris
For successful cultivation, ‘Gypsy Lord’ Iris thrives in full sun, requiring at least six hours of direct sunlight daily. This ensures abundant flowering, stronger growth, and better disease resistance. While light shade is tolerated, full sun is preferred.
Well-draining soil is crucial to prevent rhizome rot. A slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, between 6.0 and 7.0, is suitable. Before planting, loosen the soil to 12-15 inches deep and incorporate compost for drainage and fertility.
Plant rhizomes with the top at or slightly below the soil surface, spreading roots beneath. In hotter climates, a thin soil layer (up to one inch) over the rhizome offers protection. Space rhizomes 8-12 inches apart for growth and air circulation. Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.
Ongoing Care and Maintenance
Once established, ‘Gypsy Lord’ Iris is drought-tolerant, requiring moderate to low watering. Avoid overwatering, particularly in poorly drained areas, to prevent rhizome rot. Water regularly until about six weeks after blooming to support clump development for next season’s flowers.
Apply a low-nitrogen fertilizer (e.g., 6-10-10) in early spring and after flowering for optimal blooms. High-nitrogen fertilizers promote foliage over blooms and increase rot susceptibility. Deadhead spent blooms by cutting the stalk to the base; this conserves energy and may encourage reblooming.
Divide iris clumps every three to five years to maintain vigor and prolific flowering. Perform this in late summer after flowering, allowing rhizomes to establish before winter. Remove brown or floppy leaves in fall to deter iris borers and pests from overwintering.