How to Grow Bearded Iris 'Stepping Out'

Bearded Iris 'Stepping Out'

Iris germanica 'Stepping Out'

flower

A 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.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum; afternoon shade tolerated in hot climates but may reduce blooming

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Water: Moderate watering; water regularly during growing season but allow soil to dry between waterings. Reduce watering after blooming. Excellent drought tolerance once established. Avoid overwatering which can cause rhizome rot.

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Spacing: 18-24 inches apart inches

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Days to maturity: Peak bloom in year 2-3 after planting; rhizomes establish within first year

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Planting depth: Plant rhizome with top 1/3 exposed above soil surface; never bury completely

Soil

Type: Well-draining loamy soil; tolerates sandy or gravelly soils

pH: 6.0-7.5

Amendments:

Coarse sand or grit for drainage Compost (moderate amounts) Perlite or pumice in heavy clay soils Avoid excessive organic matter which can promote rhizome rot

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 3-9; excellent hardiness and reliable performer across most of North America

3a 3b 4a 4b 5a 5b 6a 6b 7a 7b 8a 8b 9a

Growth Stages

Dormancy

October-February

Rhizome 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-April

Sword-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 May

Tall 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-October

Foliage 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:

Catmint (Nepeta) Salvia Allium Daylily (Hemerocallis) Russian Sage (Perovskia) Coreopsis Lavender (Lavandula) Lamb's Ear (Stachys) Peonies Sedum

Avoid planting near:

Wet-soil loving plants (Hosta, Astilbe in poorly draining sites) Plants requiring frequent overhead watering Areas prone to standing water or poor drainage

Common Pests

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.
Remove affected foliage promptly. Improve air circulation. Avoid overhead watering. Remove and destroy plant debris.
Improve drainage immediately. Reduce watering. Remove infected rhizome portions with sterile tools. Avoid planting too deeply. Repot in fresh, well-draining soil.
and
Hand-pick at night. Remove garden debris. Use copper tape or baits. Encourage beneficial predators.

Uses

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Edible Flowers for Garnish

Culinary

Iris 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]

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Cut Flower Arrangements

Craft

A 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]

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Iris Fragrance & Orris Root

Household

While '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]

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Pollinator Support

Wildlife

Iris flowers attract bees and other pollinators; provides important early-season nectar and pollen source when few other flowers are blooming. [source]

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Garden Landscape Design

Household

An 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.

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