Iris ‘Stepping Out’ (Bearded Iris)

Highly popular since its introduction in 1964, multiple award-winning Iris ‘Stepping Out’ still ranks in the Top 10 of the American Iris Society’s ‘100 Most Popular Bearded Iris’ list year after year. Why? Look at the rich violet and white plicata of its beautifully ruffled flowers. Snow-white falls impeccably edged with a ribbon of violet-blue, standards almost deep violet-blue, the flowers are truly of great beauty. Rising up to 38 inches high (95 cm) atop the lovely sword-shaped foliage, the blooms of this late midseason iris have garnered all the attention of onlookers for decades, and they still do.

• Easy to grow, it is deer and rabbit resistant, and quite drought tolerant once established.
• Won many major awards including the Honorable Mention (1965), Award of Merit (1967) as well as the prestigious Dykes Medal (1968)
• A profuse bloomer, it will bring its glorious and glamorous blooms in late spring or early summer over a long blooming period. Please note that bloom times depend very much on the weather.
• Performs best in full sun in humus-rich, medium moisture, well-drained soils. Tolerates light shade but best flowering and disease resistance occur in full sun. Good soil drainage is essential to prevent rot issues.
• Grows from creeping rhizomes which store food produced by the sword-shaped, semi-evergreen leaves and form large clumps over time
• A welcomed addition to herbaceous borders, sunny courtyards, or urban gardens where the sword-like foliage and vibrant color will combine harmoniously with the stones and angular hardscaping. Roses also provide a lovely backdrop to this tall variety.
• The best time to plant bearded irises is July through September. Container-grown iris can be planted in the spring.
• All parts may cause discomfort if ingested. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.

Bearded irises are classified by height and flower size into 6 groups. Since these groups bloom at slightly different times, combining specimens from different groups will extend your color display for a couple of weeks.