Bearded Irises from Breck’s Bulbs: Featuring Toucan Tango
Disclosure: This post is sponsored by Breck’s Bulbs.
Are you already dreaming of planting and growing irises in your garden for next year? One of my favorite bearded irises I planted this season from Breck’s Bulbs was the Toucan Tango which brought the most amazing color and interest to my cottage garden.
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I’m so excited to share the bearded irises I planted from Breck’s Bulbs last fall and how beautifully they bloomed in my garden this season.
You wouldn’t believe all the flowers I have in my garden from Breck’s Bulbs. Here are some of the flowers I’ve planted in the past couple of years…
What is Unique About the Toucan Tango Variety?
When it comes to adding a pop of vibrant color and unique interest to your garden, few flowers can top the beauty of Toucan Tango Bearded Irises (Iris germanica).
With their stunning bi-color blooms and distinctive bearded petals, these irises are a popular choice among gardeners.
Toucan Tango Bearded Irises have gently ruffled petals that are creamy white with streaks of violet-purple. The blooms’ edges and beards are mustard yellow with the hairs being purple-tipped.
What is a Rhizome?
The rhizome of a bearded iris is an underground stem that grows horizontally just beneath the soil surface.
It serves several important functions…
A Guide to Growing and Caring for Toucan Tango Bearded Irises
This bearded iris grows in hardiness zones 4-9.
Toucan Tango irises bloom in late spring and can grow to 37 inches in height. My favorite thing about bearded irises is that they are deer-resistant!
Here are some of the essential steps to successfully grow and care for Toucan Tango Bearded Irises in your garden.
Choosing the Right Location
Toucan Tango Bearded Irises can thrive in areas with light sun to partial shade. Select a location that gets at least five hours of direct sunlight each day.
Well-drained soil is preferred to prevent waterlogging and rot. These irises do tolerate other soils, however, such as acidic, clay, loamy, and sandy soil.
When to Plant Irises
The best time to plant Toucan Tango Bearded Irises is in late summer or early fall, about six to eight weeks before the first frost.
How to Plant Bearded Irises
Watering Your Bearded Irises
Toucan Tango Bearded Irises prefer moist soil but are susceptible to rot if overwatered. Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.
During hot and dry periods, provide supplemental watering to ensure the plants receive adequate moisture.
Mulching and Weed Control
Apply a layer of organic mulch around the plants to suppress weeds, conserve moisture, and regulate soil temperature.
Avoid mulching directly against the rhizomes to prevent rot. Remove weeds from the garden beds regularly to prevent competition for nutrients and water.
Fertilizing and Nutrient Requirements
Toucan Tango Bearded Irises benefit from a balanced fertilizer application in early spring and after flowering.
Use a slow-release granular fertilizer or a well-balanced liquid fertilizer, following the product instructions for proper application. Avoid excessive nitrogen, as it can lead to lush foliage at the expense of flower production.
Staking and Support
As the irises grow and develop flower stalks, provide support by staking them to prevent bending or breaking.
Use stakes or plant supports, placing them close to the base of the plant and gently tying the stalks for stability.
Pest and Disease Control
Bearded irises are generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, occasional pests such as aphids or iris borers may appear.
Inspect your plants regularly and take appropriate action if pests are detected. Remove and destroy any infected or damaged parts of the plant to prevent the spread of diseases.
Dividing Your Rhizomes
After a few years, Toucan Tango Bearded Irises may become overcrowded, leading to reduced blooming.
To rejuvenate the plants and keep them healthy, divide the clumps every three to four years. Carefully lift the rhizomes, separating them, and replanting the healthy divisions.
End-of-Season Maintenance
Remove any spent flower stems after blooming. In late fall, cut back foliage to 6″ fans. Clean plant debris before winter to prevent borers from overwintering.
Bearded Iris Collections
Be sure to visit the Breck’s Bloom website to see the stunning collections they offer as well. Here are some of them.
Breck’s Bulb’s Toucan Tango Bearded Irises are a gorgeous addition to any garden with their unique colors and blooms.
By providing the right conditions, proper care, and maintenance, you will enjoy these stunning flowers for years to come.
If you have any questions or want to share a message, I’d love to hear from you. Leave a comment below. And be sure to share this blog post link with anyone who may find these gardening tips useful.
Until next time,
Happy Gardening!
Disclosure: This post was sponsored by Breck’s Bulbs. All opinions are my own.
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