How to Grow Reblooming Irises for Spring and Fall Flowers

‘Immortality’ is one of the most popular and reliable reblooming irises. While most irises bloom only in spring, rebloomers flower again in late summer or fall, and in long seasons may produce a third or fourth flush.

Types of Rebloomers

• Rebloomers (remontants): Two or more distinct bloom cycles per year.
• Cycle rebloomers: Spring bloom, summer rest, fall bloom.
• Repeaters: New flowers soon after the first flush, extending bloom 1–2 months.
• All-season rebloomers: Irregular flowering throughout the season.

Most retailers simply label a variety as “reblooming” without specifying type. Performance varies by site and climate, but reliable suppliers’ selections usually deliver far more blooms than standard irises.

Zone Considerations

Rebloom reliability declines northward. Zones 3–4 may see little rebloom (exception: ‘Immortality’ to Zone 3). Cool weather triggers rebloom; tropical climates may not get a second flush. Some varieties need a couple of years to establish reblooming habit.

Planting and Maintenance

• Fertilizer: Low-nitrogen (e.g., 5-10-20); keep off exposed rhizomes to prevent burn.
• Feeding schedule: Light application in spring as growth starts, again in September.
• Water: Every other week to keep soil moist and prevent dormancy. This much water rots regular irises—keep rebloomers separate.
• Division: Every 2–3 years (faster growth). Take only outer rhizomes; leave healthy older portions. Replant 12–18 inches apart.
• Pests/Diseases: Watch for iris borers and diseases; consult your county extension if decline appears.

Reliable Reblooming Bearded Iris Varieties

• ‘Autumn Bugler’ – early, tall (28″), purple
• ‘Autumn Tryst’ – early-mid, tall (34″), violet & white
• ‘Baby Blessed’ – very early, dwarf (10″), light yellow
• ‘Bountiful Harvest’ – early, tall (33″), violet & white
• ‘Clarence’ – midseason, tall (35″), white & violet
• ‘Corn Harvest’ – early-mid, tall (30″), yellow
• ‘Harvest of Memories’ – midseason, tall (40″), yellow
• ‘Immortality’ – midseason, tall (30″), white
• ‘Jennifer Rebecca’ – midseason, tall (34″), rose pink
• ‘Sugar Blues’ – mid-late, tall (36″), blue

Also some Siberian, Japanese, and other species offer reblooming traits.