Jackson & Perkins Stairway to Heaven Bearded Iris

These irises perform best in full sun, meaning at least six to eight hours of direct sunlight daily. While they can tolerate partial sun, you will see the most vigorous growth and the best bloom production when they are planted in a spot with maximum exposure.

Yes, this variety is generally avoided by deer and rabbits. While no plant is 100% immune if local wildlife is particularly hungry, the texture and chemistry of bearded irises make them a low-priority target for common garden pests.

Since these irises have a mature spread of about 24 inches, you should space them roughly 18 to 24 inches apart. This allows for proper air circulation, which is crucial for preventing rhizome rot and keeping the plants healthy.

Stairway to Heaven is hardy in USDA zones 3-9, meaning it is quite cold-tolerant. Once the foliage dies back in late autumn, you can trim the leaves down to a few inches above the ground to keep the garden tidy, but the rhizomes themselves are well-equipped to handle winter dormancy on their own.

You can expect a display from late spring through early summer. While individual flowers have a finite lifespan, the plant is bred to produce multiple buds on each stalk, which helps extend the overall flowering window for several weeks.

Once established, this iris is quite drought-tolerant and handles heat well. However, it is important to provide regular water during the first growing season to help the root system settle in before relying on its natural resilience.