How to Plant Dutch and Dwarf Iris Bulbs

Plant Dutch and dwarf iris bulbs in fall, 3–5 inches deep, in full sun and light, well-drained soil. These are true bulbs, not rhizomes like bearded iris, and bloom their first spring.

When to plant
Fall, October or November
Depth
Dutch iris 3–5 inches; dwarf iris 5 inches, measured to the base of the bulb
Spacing
Dutch iris 4–6 inches apart; dwarf iris as close as 1 inch
Sun
Full sun (6+ hours); Dutch iris tolerate light afternoon shade
Water
Moist while growing; drier in summer is fine
Soil
Sandy loam or other light soil with good drainage

Step by step

  1. Check what you have. Dutch iris bulbs grow tall stems for early summer flowers, and dwarf iris (reticulata types) are small bulbs that flower in very early spring.
  2. Choose a spot in full sun with light, well-drained soil. Dutch iris can take a little afternoon shade.
  3. Dig each hole 3–5 inches deep for Dutch iris, or 5 inches, measured to the base of the bulb, for dwarf iris.
  4. Set each bulb with the pointed end up.
  5. Space Dutch iris 4–6 inches apart. Dwarf iris look best in a tight cluster and can go as close as an inch apart.
  6. Cover, firm the soil, and water in. Keep the soil moist while leaves are growing in spring.

After bloom

Leave the foliage until it has yellowed and withered; it feeds next year's bulb. After that, the bed can go fairly dry through summer. Over time the bulbs split into smaller bulblets after flowering. You can lift and replant them, but small ones take a few years to reach flowering size, so a clump may thin a little before it thickens again.
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