How to Grow Iris 'Stepping Out'
Wikimedia Commons
Iris 'Stepping Out'
Iris × germanica 'Stepping Out'
flowerIris 'Stepping Out' is a bearded iris cultivar known for its striking bicolor blooms featuring white standards with purple-blue edges and violet falls with white margins and beards. This reblooming variety produces elegant flowers on sturdy stems and is prized by iris enthusiasts for its distinctive color pattern and ability to flower twice per season.
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Example Iris 'Stepping Out' timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant 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 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, with best performance in zones 4-8
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Dormancy/Establishment
4-8 weeksRhizomes are planted with minimal foliage. New roots develop and fan growth begins.
Plant in fall (August-September) or early spring. Ensure excellent drainage. Avoid burying rhizomes. Water lightly until established.
Vegetative Growth
12-16 weeksIris fan develops with sword-like green leaves growing upright. Plants establish multiple shoots from rhizome.
Divide established clumps every 3-4 years after blooming. Apply balanced low-nitrogen fertilizer in spring. Remove dead foliage in late winter.
Flower Bud Formation
2-3 weeksFlower stems emerge from the leaf fan. Buds form along the stem in typical bearded iris arrangement.
Apply bloom-boosting fertilizer (higher phosphorus) when flower stems emerge. Ensure adequate sunlight. Stake tall stems in windy areas.
Blooming
3-4 weeks (spring); 2-3 weeks (fall rebloom)Distinctive white and purple-blue flowers open sequentially on stem. Each flower lasts 1-2 days; stem blooms for 2-3 weeks. 'Stepping Out' typically reblooms in late summer/fall.
Deadhead spent flowers to encourage additional blooms. Remove entire flower stems after all blooms fade. Provide afternoon shade in hot climates to extend bloom color.
Post-Bloom Dormancy
4-8 weeks until summer dormancyPlant focuses energy on rhizome development and nutrient storage. Foliage may yellow or die back partially.
Reduce watering significantly. Allow foliage to remain until it naturally dies back (photosynthesize). Clean up debris to prevent pest issues. No fertilizer needed.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Remove and destroy infected leaves and rhizomes. Apply borax to rhizomes in fall. Remove dead foliage in late winter where borers overwinter. May use systemic insecticides in spring as preventive.
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Ensure excellent drainage and never overwater. Remove and destroy infected rhizomes. Sterilize tools between plants. Improve air circulation with proper spacing.
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Remove plant debris where they hide. Use copper barriers around plantings. Hand-pick in early morning. Beer traps or diatomaceous earth may help.
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Improve air circulation. Remove infected leaves. Clean up all plant debris in fall. Fungicide spray if severe, applied in spring as preventive.
Uses
Ornamental culinary garnish
CulinaryIris petals can be candied or used as edible flowers for cake and dessert decoration, though iris flowers are not commonly eaten. The dried rhizome is used in some herbal traditions. [source]
Cut flowers and floral design
CraftIris 'Stepping Out' is excellent for fresh cut arrangements, wedding bouquets, and garden displays. The distinctive bicolor blooms add sophistication to floral designs. [source]
Garden ornamentation
HouseholdThis reblooming iris variety provides spring and fall color in borders, island beds, and cottage gardens. The striking purple and white flowers create dramatic focal points. [source]
Iris root traditional medicine
MedicinalIris rhizomes have been used in traditional herbal medicine systems, though modern medical evidence is limited. Dried iris root was historically used for respiratory and digestive applications. [source]
Pollinator support
WildlifeIris flowers attract bees and other pollinators in spring and fall. The flowers provide nectar and pollen to support beneficial insects in the garden. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Cut iris flowers in early morning when first bloom on stem opens. Place in cool water immediately. Remove lower leaves below waterline. Change water every 2-3 days. Cut flowers last 7-10 days in a vase. For garden display, deadhead spent flowers to encourage rebloom.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 The name 'Iris' comes from the Greek goddess of the rainbow, fitting for this flower's spectrum of colors and the color diversity across iris species.
- 🌱 'Stepping Out' is a reblooming bearded iris, meaning it flowers twice per season—an unusual and valuable trait in iris breeding. This trait was developed through selective breeding in the 20th century.
- 🌱 Bearded irises have fuzzy structures on their falls (lower petals) that look like fuzzy beards and are thought to guide pollinators toward the flower's nectar.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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