Correct me if I'm wrong, but isn't GA a hot, humid climate in summer? If so, you definitely do NOT want to mulch bearded irises. Mulch holds moisture around the rhizomes and will promote rot. There really is no mulch you can use over bearded irises that will not cause the soil to retain moisture. If you feel you must mulch, make sure you push the mulch well away from any bearded rhizomes so that they and their surrounding soil can dry out.

If you're talking about some type of beardless iris, however, pine needle mulch is ideal.

Laurie

Yes Laurie it does get extremely hot and humid which is why I was reluctant to put any mulch on them. They are the bearded iris. I guess I will just mulch close to them and not put any directly on top of the rhizomes. Their newly planted and I wanted something to cover up the exposed dirt. Much prettier beds that way but I don't want to sacrafice the lilies for mulch. Thanks, Judy