Bearded Iris 'Best Bet'

'Best Bet' is a tall bearded iris introduced by Schreiner in 1988. It blooms early and can rebloom, with light wisteria-blue standards, moorish-blue falls, an old-gold beard, and lightly ruffled petals. ## Growing Conditions Provide at least half a day of sun; six hours or more of full sun supports flowering in most climates, while some shade can help in very hot areas. Plant the rhizome shallowly in well-drained garden soil, with its top exposed and roots directed down. Established plants tolerate dry conditions but do not suit swampy soil. The [American Iris Society cultivar record](https://wiki.irises.org/TbAthruE/TbBestBet) records rebloom reports across USDA zones 3–10; this is a record of observed rebloom, not a promise that every site will rebloom. ## Seasonal Interest The cultivar was registered by Schreiner and is classified as a 36-inch tall bearded iris. Its lightly ruffled blue flowers have a contrasting old-gold beard. The American Iris Society records Honorable Mention in 1990 and Award of Merit in 1993; climate affects the timing of both the first bloom and any later rebloom. ## Maintenance After all buds finish, cut bloom stalks close to the base. Leave healthy leaves through summer, remove diseased or brown leaves, and trim foliage to about six inches in fall. Keep the bed free of weeds and debris so rhizomes receive sun. Divide crowded clumps every three to five years. Schreiner's [bearded iris planting guide](https://www.schreinersgardens.com/pages/how-do-i-plant-bearded-iris), [iris-bed care guide](https://www.schreinersgardens.com/pages/how-do-i-care-for-my-iris-beds), and [division guide](https://www.schreinersgardens.com/pages/how-do-i-divide-and-transplant-bearded-iris) give practical directions.