Iris Stairway to Heaven is a magnificent tall bearded iris that reaches just over 3 feet in height, blooming brilliantly from late spring to early summer. This profuse bloomer boasts 8 to 10 buds per stem, each unfurling into large, billowy flowers. The blooms feature perfectly white standards and lavender-blue falls, creating a stunning visual contrast that catches the eye. Ideal for creating breathtaking bouquets, these flowers also add a picturesque touch to your garden with their beauty, complemented by sword-shaped blue-green foliage. This iris attracts a variety of pollinators, including beloved butterflies, enhancing the charm of your outdoor space.
As an Iris germanica cultivar, Stairway to Heaven is a rhizomatous semievergreen perennial with an upright, spreading habit. Over time, it multiplies to form large, impressive clumps. This bearded iris excels in adding color and structure to mixed beds, borders, and foundation plantings. They truly shine when grouped, massed, or planted in sweeping drifts in naturalized areas, offering a striking visual impact that transforms any landscape.
Naturally hardy and low-maintenance, bearded irises like Stairway to Heaven thrive in sunny to partially shady locations that receive 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. They adapt well to various garden soils as long as they are well-draining, preferring a neutral to slightly acidic pH between 6.1 and 7.2. While consistent moisture is essential, it is important to avoid soggy conditions to prevent rhizome rot. An annual application of fertilizer, such as Espoma Organic® Flower-tone® Blossom Booster, about 6 weeks before the expected bloom cycle, will enhance their performance. Once established, these irises are drought and heat tolerant, as well as deer and rabbit resistant, making them a resilient and beautiful addition to your garden.
