How to Grow Bearded Iris 'Stepping Out'
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Bearded Iris 'Stepping Out'
Iris germanica 'Stepping Out'
flowerA stunning tall bearded iris cultivar featuring deep purple standards with white edges and white falls heavily veined in deep purple, creating a striking bicolor pattern. This award-winning variety is known for its vigorous growth, reliable blooming, and elegant form. It thrives in sunny garden settings and is an excellent choice for borders, cut flowers, and landscape displays.
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Example Bearded Iris 'Stepping Out' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Bearded Iris 'Stepping Out'
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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First Bearded Iris 'Stepping Out' blooms
Mid-to-late summerBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 3-9; excellent hardiness and reliable performer across most of North America
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Get my Bearded Iris 'Stepping Out' timeline →Growth Stages
Dormancy
October-FebruaryRhizome lies dormant underground with no visible foliage; occurs in late fall through early winter
Ensure good drainage to prevent rot. Mulch lightly if in cold zones. Avoid watering.
Spring Growth & Foliage Development
March-AprilSword-like green leaves emerge from rhizome in early spring; plant develops vigor and height
Water regularly as growth begins. Apply balanced fertilizer (low nitrogen) in early spring. Ensure good air circulation.
Budding & Pre-Bloom
Late April-early MayTall flowering stems develop with visible buds forming; plant reaches 28-36 inches in height
Stake tall stems if needed in windy locations. Maintain moderate moisture. Avoid overhead watering to prevent fungal issues.
Flowering & Bloom
May-early June (2-3 weeks)Spectacular purple and white bicolor flowers open with ruffled petals; multiple blooms per stem lasting several days
Deadhead spent blooms to encourage additional flowers on side branches. Keep soil consistently but not excessively moist. Support tall stems.
Post-Bloom & Summer Rest
June-OctoberFoliage remains but gradually yellows; plant enters dormancy period; seed pods may form
Remove seedpods to direct energy to rhizome growth. Allow foliage to yellow naturally (photosynthesis feeds rhizome). Reduce watering. Cut back dead foliage in fall.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove and destroy affected leaves and rhizomes. Cut back foliage in fall and remove debris. Use pheromone traps. Systemic insecticides applied in early spring when leaves are 6 inches tall.
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Remove affected foliage promptly. Improve air circulation. Avoid overhead watering. Remove and destroy plant debris.
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Improve drainage immediately. Reduce watering. Remove infected rhizome portions with sterile tools. Avoid planting too deeply. Repot in fresh, well-draining soil.
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and
Hand-pick at night. Remove garden debris. Use copper tape or baits. Encourage beneficial predators.
Uses
Edible Flowers for Garnish
CulinaryIris petals are technically edible and can be used as elegant garnishes for gourmet dishes and cocktails, though flavor is subtle and mainly for visual impact. [source]
Cut Flower Arrangements
CraftA premier cut flower with excellent vase life (7-10 days); its striking bicolor pattern and tall stature make it ideal for floral design, wedding bouquets, and sophisticated arrangements. [source]
Iris Fragrance & Orris Root
HouseholdWhile 'Stepping Out' is not highly fragrant, bearded irises have historically been used in perfumery; orris root (dried rhizome) has been employed in fragrance production for centuries. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeIris flowers attract bees and other pollinators; provides important early-season nectar and pollen source when few other flowers are blooming. [source]
Garden Landscape Design
HouseholdAn award-winning cultivar prized for creating dramatic focal points in perennial borders, cottage gardens, and landscape beds with its bold color contrast and reliable performance. [source]
Harvest Tips
Cut stems for bouquets in early morning when first flowers are opening. Cut at the base of the stem. Flowers will continue opening indoors over several days. Recut stems and change water daily. Avoid touching petals as oils from skin can leave marks.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 'Stepping Out' won the Dykes Medal in 1982, the highest honor in iris breeding, recognizing it as an outstanding tall bearded iris of its era.
- 🌱 Bearded irises have been cultivated for over 3,000 years and hold cultural significance across Europe and the Middle East; the iris is the national flower of France.
- 🌱 The distinctive 'beard' on the falls (lower petals) of German irises is thought to guide pollinators to the flower's center, acting as a visual runway for insects.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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