How to Grow Bearded Iris 'Stepping Out'
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Bearded Iris 'Stepping Out'
Iris germanica 'Stepping Out'
flowerBearded Iris 'Stepping Out' is a stunning tall bearded iris cultivar known for its distinctive bicolor blooms with white standards (upper petals) and deep purple falls (lower petals) with white edges and picotee markings. This award-winning variety produces elegant, ruffled flowers on tall stems and is prized by iris enthusiasts for its striking contrast and reliable performance. It blooms in mid-spring and is an excellent choice for borders, specimen plantings, and cut flower arrangements.
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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; ideal in zones 4-8
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Dormancy & Establishment
2-3 monthsNewly planted rhizomes develop roots and foliage fans. Minimal above-ground growth the first season.
Plant in late summer or early fall (zones 3-6) or fall-winter (zones 7-9). Keep soil slightly moist but not wet. Do not fertilize heavily; apply only light fertilizer.
Vegetative Growth
4-6 weeks before bloomFoliage fans expand and multiply. Sword-like leaves emerge, creating clumps of grey-green growth.
Apply balanced fertilizer in early spring as growth resumes. Ensure excellent drainage. Watch for iris borer activity in spring. Remove any dead or diseased foliage.
Blooming
2-3 weeks peak bloomTall flower stems emerge, typically 28-32 inches high, with 3-5 ruffled blooms per stem. White standards contrast with deep purple falls edged in white.
Stake tall stems if in windy location. Deadhead spent flowers but leave stem attached until it dries. Do not overwater during bloom. Appreciate the cut flowers indoors.
Post-Bloom
4-8 weeksFlowers fade and develop seedpods. Foliage remains green; rhizome enters dormancy preparation.
Remove entire spent flower stem at base. Reduce watering significantly. Apply low-nitrogen fertilizer (high potash) to harden rhizomes. Stop fertilizing by mid-summer.
Summer Dormancy
2-3 months (June-August in northern zones)Foliage may yellow and decline in summer heat. Rhizome is dormant and inactive below ground.
Withhold water except during drought. Do not cut back green foliage until completely brown. Provide good air circulation. Avoid fertilizer.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove and destroy affected foliage in spring; apply beneficial nematodes to soil; clean up plant debris in fall; avoid overhead watering
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Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil during bloom; remove affected flowers; ensure good air circulation
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Spray with water to dislodge; use insecticidal soap; encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs
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and
Handpick; use copper barriers; apply slug bait; encourage natural predators; reduce moisture
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Improve drainage immediately; remove and destroy infected rhizomes; sterilize tools; avoid overhead watering; ensure rhizome is not planted too deeply
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Remove infected leaves; improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering; apply fungicide if severe; clean up debris
Uses
Ornamental Flower Garnish
CulinaryBearded iris petals can be used as an elegant garnish for gourmet desserts and salads, provided they have not been treated with pesticides or fungicides. The flowers are purely ornamental and not food-quality, but their striking appearance makes them visually striking for special plated dishes. [source]
Cut Flowers & Floral Arrangements
CraftBearded iris 'Stepping Out' is an exceptional cut flower with lasting vase life and dramatic bicolor appeal. The tall stems and ruffled blooms make striking focal flowers in spring arrangements and are especially prized by florists and home arrangers for sophisticated, high-impact displays. [source]
Garden Specimen & Border Plant
HouseholdThis cultivar excels as a feature plant in perennial borders, rock gardens, and formal landscape designs. Its reliable blooming, disease resistance, and long-term lifespan make it a cornerstone of low-maintenance spring gardens that return year after year with minimal intervention. [source]
Dried Flower & Dried Arrangements
CraftMature iris seed pods develop attractive papery brown texture; entire stems can be dried for dried floral arrangements and dried bouquets that last for years. The architectural quality of dried iris adds structural interest to craft projects and permanent arrangements. [source]
Pollinator Support
WildlifeBearded iris flowers attract and support native bees, particularly bumblebees, which use the beards and ruffled petals as landing platforms. The plant provides early spring nectar and pollen when few other flowers are available, supporting pollinator populations. [source]
Harvest Tips
Cut flowers for arrangements in early morning when fully open. Cut stem at a 45-degree angle; remove lower leaves. Blooms last 5-7 days in a vase with fresh water. For dried arrangements, allow entire stem to dry on plant, then cut and hang upside down. Do not harvest foliage; allow plant to photosynthesize for rhizome strength. Iris flowers do not re-bloom once cut.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 'Stepping Out' received the prestigious Dykes Medal award from the American Iris Society in 1985, recognizing it as one of the finest iris cultivars. This award is the iris world's equivalent of the Pulitzer Prize for plants.
- 🌱 The distinctive 'beard' found on the falls of bearded iris flowers is actually a dense tuft of modified hairs that serves as a landing platform and nectar guide for bee pollinators, helping them locate the flower's reproductive parts.
- 🌱 Iris rhizomes can live and bloom for 15-25 years or longer with proper care, making them one of the longest-lived perennial plants. A single plant may produce dozens of stems by year 5-7, creating a spectacular spring display.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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