Ordering irises through the mail?

14 years ago

Is it a bad idea to order irises through the mail? Brent and Becky's Bulbs have a special on Dutch irises (5o for $30) that I really want to try, but I understand that irises aren't really bulbs and so are not as easily shipped as tulips or daffodils would be. Should I go for it, or wait and buy something at my local nursery?

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Comments (5)

booberry85
14 years ago
Brent & Becky's Bulbs, so I've read (I've never ordered from them but read good things about them), is a reliable company to order from. I wouldn't hesitate to order from reliable companies.
hosenemesis
14 years ago
Dutch irises are bulbs. They are easily shipped, just like tulips and daffodils. They will bloom in the spring, then the foliage completely dies back.

Tall bearded irises are rhizomes and are more like perennial plants.

Go for it. Dutch irises are very pretty, and they are great for floral arrangements.

Renee
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ken_adrian Adrian MI cold Z5
14 years ago
bulbs.. . rhizomes.. whatever..

you heard wrong.. there is no problem with mail order.. IN THE PROPER SEASON ... and dormant ..

which is what they will be this time of year.. just after flowering ... [tall bearded anyway] ...

the key.. as with any plant.. is whether they can be planted/mailed in the HIGH HEAT OF SUMMER ... and it is a bit late to be doing such in many areas .... and i mean a large lush vigorously growing plant .. as compared to a rhizome

but one of the things that can be such.. is the TBI which are split.. moved.. and divided right after flower .. and basically just sit there.. until fall.. when they start growing roots.. and all they need is some water thru july/august ...

ken
onederw
14 years ago
I have ordered many times from Brent & Becky's and have always been more than happy with the quality of their bulbs/rhizomes/tubers. . . . and with their knowledgeable customer service. If you are uncertain about whether this is the right time to buy and plant Dutch iris in your particular zone, I would suggest getting on the phone with them and asking about it, rather than placing the order online. They are a reputable company and will give you straight advice. They'd rather keep you as a customer for life than get $30 from you once but never again.

Kay
PollyNY
14 years ago
bulbs.. . rhizomes.. whatever..??????

Big difference here. These will be bulbs, and should be shipped in fall along with tulips, daffs, etc. Dutch iris bulbs (which this offer is) is a totally different plant than tall bearded iris. I wouldn't want to plant them now. Check and see when B and B are shipping these.