I've grown TB before, but got rid of them. I don't grow any Irises right now.

I'm wondering if the SDB's are easier to maintain and grow.

The TB took too much of my time and I was hoping & thinking that the shorties would be easier.

Do they grow faster than the TB and have to be divided sooner?

How much spacing would they have to have?

Are the rhizomes smaller or the small size as the TB?

Does the topic of making sure the bed(s) are free of debris still hold for the SDB? And if so, is it easier for them?

If this subject has been brought up before, please forgive me.

Can y'all help?

Thanks!

You can plant a little closer, of course, because the plants are smaller, as are the rhizomes. I give all the bearded the same "culture", and, in fact, grow them in the same beds, with the "shorties" in front. They seem to be about the same in increase as the TBs. If Lucy chimes in, she's the "median" guru, and can give you more specific info....Arlyn

They can take colder temperatures. May blooming here 7 then we move to the intermediates & then that talls. they are happy in KY if not too hot during the season when they open & close quickly.

Thanks Arlyn and Lucy!

I'm thinking that since they they have the same growing requirements and culture as TB, that I'd be better off not growing them.

The bearded Irises are so beautiful and tempting to grow, that I'll just look and drool at pics of the flowers instead. (and lurk in the Iris Forum )

Thank you very much for your info!

I know what you mean! But I am too far gone into Irises to get rid of them, so I just keep on suffering... Daylilies are SO much easier, by the way. I like the median type of Iris; they seem to be easier to maintain than the shorties, which you need to keep dividing and deadheading umpteen blooms...

Thanks Caitlin for letting me know!

SDBs are the shortest median irises. Try Winterberry Iris Garden in northern VA. winterberryirises.com. Only the new introductions are on the website, but they have a catalog which you can send for. Also techniques of growing are on the website. If it gets cold in the winter the SDBs are happy. The intermediate size grow especially well.

Thanks, I've ordered from them before, but I'm thinking I pass on growing any type of Irises now. Don't have the time and devotion to give them.

Appreciate all the help!