What is the best soil for bearded irises?

Most of us work with the soil we have. Those who are participating here have a wide variety of soil types and grow nice iris. One thing I would recommend no matter what your soil type is the addition of generous amounts of organic matter.

should i dig out 8-10 inches of soil and then will it in with compost?

I would just add a couple of inches of compost on the surface and then work it into the top several inches of the existing soil. Over time the soil will "eat" the compost and you will need to add more.

sounds good thanks

My "New" favorite addition for my iris is Alfalfa pellets. I put a hand full around my iris and let the rain settle it in
They really like it

i have some alfalfa meal i will have to look for pellets

Oh the meal will work the same. I just can't find the meal here

i recently starting adding it to my compost tea

Alfalfa meal is OK. Here are some pictures of my beds with alfalfa pellets that I need to work in.

That is an amazing iris bed

this is all we have so far the 2 rows with littles i split up about a month ago

They look great....if you hang out here be ready to be tempted. When bloom season starts you will see pictures of amazing iris. If you look back at some of the threads you'll see more.

Thanks for the reminder, I need to pick some up when the dogs and I are running errands tomorrow. ~Jan

What would bbe the best soil for growing them in containers?

Add humus even there. I consider containers a very temporary situation for irises.

Thank you very much

Paul: those beds look wonderful.Sturdy leaves.It seems mine are taking forever to really get going.Of course we are having snow showers and cold wind today.

Thanks JO....I just hope that they don't get to far along and that we have a cold snap and frost damage.

Our turn is coming, JoAnn. Just a few warm days (and nights) will make a big change!...Arlyn