Iris 'Baby Blessed'

Common Name: Standard Dwarf Bearded Iris, Lilliputs

This adorable little iris produces sweetly perfumed, light lemon yellow blossoms with a white beard on short stems atop its sword-like, celadon green foliage very early in the season.

‘Baby Blessed’ is a wonderful accent to spring bulbs and other spring blooming perennials like primroses. It is one of the very best reblooming dwarf irises, flowering reliably again in early to mid-fall.

Winner of the highest award bestowed on Standard Dwarf Bearded Irises, the Cook-Douglas Medal!

No garden would be complete without Irises. Though they have been grown for decades, new and improved hybrids continue to be developed every year and fabulous color combinations have been achieved. Dwarf Irises bloom before the Tall Bearded, Japanese, and Siberian Irises. They are wonderful accent plants for spring gardens.

Height:

10.0 Inches

Spread:

6.0-8.0 Inches

Hardiness Zones:

3,4,5,6,7,8,9,10

Flower Color:

Yellow/Gold Shades

Foliage Color:

Green shades

Sunlight:

Full Sun (> 6 hrs. Direct Sun) Part Shade (4-6 hrs. Direct Sun)

Water Requirements:

Low Water Needs Average Water Needs

Soil Quality:

Average Soil Quality

Soil Chemistry:

Neutral Soil (pH = 7.0) Alkaline Soil (pH > 7.0)

Bloomtime:

Mid Spring Late Spring

Critter Resistant:

Deer Resistant Rabbit Resistant

Seasonal Interest:

Dried Seed Heads

Growth Rate:

Medium

Garden Style:

Cottage Eclectic

Other Features:

Border Plant Cut Flower Dried Flower Drought Tolerant Edging Fragrant Flowers Mass Planting Salt Tolerant Small Miniature

Origin:

Not Native to North America

Standard Dwarf Bearded Irises will produce the most flowers if they receive a full day of sun, but will also perform reasonably well with a half day of sun. The most critical growing factor is the moisture level of the soil and drainage. Bearded Irises will absolutely not tolerate "wet feet" and require very well-drained soil at all times of the year. They will grow in any good garden soil as long as this drainage is provided.

Irises are generally heavy feeders, and should be fertilized 3 times per year: first in early spring when new growth appears, second right after bloom, and third in the fall. When planting them for the first time or when transplanting, use a no-nirtrogen fertilizer such as 0-10-10 worked into the soil.

Division is recommended every 3-4 years to maintain healthy plants and achieve the maximum bloom. The best time of year to plant irises is in late summer or early fall. Dig up the entire clump and use a sharp knife to cut apart the rhizomes. Keep only the newer ones around the outer edge of the clump and discard the old, woody center. Replant the new divisions 10-14 in. apart to allow ample room for new growth and good air circulation. Planting at the correct level is critical to the plant's health and flower production. Rhizomes should be planted so the soil barely covers the top of them, or 1-2 in. deep in light, sandy soil. Doing so will help to prevent soft rot.

Awards

American Iris Society Award of Merit -- 1986

American Iris Society Cook-Douglas Medal (Best Dwarf Bearded Iris) -- 1989

American Iris Society Honorable Mention -- 1981

Characteristics