Overwintering guide
How to overwinter bokhara iris
Winter watering
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
The mistake that kills bokhara iris in winter
Cutting bokhara iris hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.
More bokhara iris care
Overwintering bokhara iris — FAQ
Does bokhara iris need to come indoors for winter?
Bokhara Iris is hardy to roughly USDA zone 5 — winter lows around -29°C. That means it can stay outside all winter in most temperate gardens. Bokhara Iris is properly hardy and overwinters outside without fuss. Tidy away anything dead or diseased, apply a mulch over the crown to steady soil temperatures, and otherwise leave it alone — many hardy plants actually need a cold period to flower and grow well the following year. Save hard pruning for the right season rather than doing it in autumn.
When should I move bokhara iris for winter?
Tidy and mulch in late autumn; leave the plant undisturbed until spring.
How often should I water bokhara iris in winter?
No winter watering needed in open ground. Containers only need water in long dry, frost-free spells.
What kills bokhara iris over winter?
Cutting bokhara iris hard back in autumn "to tidy up". That removes the growth that shelters the crown, and on some plants removes next season's flower buds entirely.