When to Plant Irises in Southland

Duncan Eader of the Southern California Iris Society has been an iris grower and exhibitor since the early 196Os and a show judge for 17 years.

Eader says the time to plant iris rhizomes in most regions of Southern California is from July through October.

Although he grows many different species, his favorite varieties of bearded irises include:

* Beverly Sills: Produces large, coral-pink blooms with ruffled falls that have orange beards. The most popular iris variety, according to the American Iris Society.

* Titan’s Glory: Produces deep violet-blue, ruffled flowers. The blooms often measure six inches high and five inches across.

* White Lightning: A pure white bloom with a dramatic yellow throat and beard.

* Victoria Falls: Light blue flowers that feature a patch of white in the center. After a spring bloom, it will usually bloom again in the fall.

* Superstition: Exotic, ruffled blooms that appear to be black but are actually deep maroon.