Savannah Sunset Bearded Iris (Iris germanica ‘Savannah Sunset’)
Savannah Sunset Bearded Iris delivers intense orange blooms with matching orange beards on sturdy stems in late spring. Upright, sword-like foliage provides clean structure before and after bloom for a bold accent in sunny borders.
Distinctive Features
Rich, saturated orange standards and falls with vivid beards read clearly from a distance, while gentle ruffling and strong stems enhance garden and vase performance.
Growing Conditions
- Sun Exposure: Full sun for best bud set and stem strength.
- Soil: Sharply drained, neutral to slightly alkaline soil; avoid waterlogged sites.
- Water: Moderate; water to establish and during bud set, then allow soil to dry between soakings.
- USDA Hardiness Zones: 3 to 9.
- Mature Size: About 2 to 3 ft tall and 1 to 2 ft wide.
Ideal Uses
- Focal Point: Intense orange blooms create a standout seasonal centerpiece.
- Mixed Borders: Pairs with blue salvias, nepeta, and ornamental grasses.
- Cottage Gardens: Classic bearded iris form suits traditional plantings.
- Cut Flowers: Long, sturdy stems and showy blooms suit arrangements.
- Mass Plantings: Repeated clumps provide cohesive spring color.
Low Maintenance Care
- Watering: Water deeply during active growth and bud set; reduce afterward to prevent rot.
- Pruning: Remove spent stalks promptly; trim fans to 6 inches after fall cleanup.
- Fertilizing: Apply a light, low nitrogen feed in early spring and again after bloom.
- Mulching: Use a thin mulch only; keep rhizome tops exposed to sun and air.
- Notes: Divide clumps every 3 to 4 years in midsummer to maintain vigor and flowering.
Why Choose Savannah Sunset Bearded Iris?
- Vivid Color: Intense orange petals and beards for high-impact displays.
- Architectural Foliage: Sword-like fans add structure beyond bloom.
- Sun-Loving: Thrives in bright, well drained sites with modest inputs.
- Cut-Flower Ready: Durable stems and striking blooms for indoor display.
- Dependable: Vigorous clumps with strong garden performance.
Plant rhizomes slightly exposed in full sun with sharp drainage, avoid overwatering, and divide periodically to keep clumps vigorous and floriferous.
