— Bearded iris (Iris germanica) are fully hardy to -20C and therefore can be planted directly outside in the spring and won’t need frost protection in the winter.

— Plant directly in a clear space in a sunny border or into patio containers filled with a soil-based compost.

— Plant the rhizomes horizontally with the top half exposed above the soil surface.

— Water-in after planting and continue to water regularly until the roots have anchored into the ground. Once settled in, bearded iris prefer to be in fairly dry soil.

— Space the rhizomes 15-20cm apart

— Remove flower stems after flowering.

— Read further general instructions about planting bare-root perennials