Bearded Iris 'Ruby Mine'

Ruby Mine is a tall bearded iris with rich red flowers shot with copper. Its full blooms are classed as midseason to late, and the original 1962 catalog praised their color retention in sun. ## Bloom and form The American Iris Society records Ruby Mine at 40 inches (102 cm), with rich red flowers accented by copper. Schreiner's introduction described ox-blood to garnet-ruby tones and reported that the color resisted fading or bleaching in sun; this is a historical color-retention observation, not a promise about every growing condition. ## Site and soil Choose full sun for flowering, though bearded irises tolerate some shade. Grow Ruby Mine in rich, well-drained soil. Set rhizomes at soil level or cover them only lightly, and avoid mulch over them. These irises prefer drier soil; established plants tolerate dry conditions, while excess water can contribute to rot. ## Garden use Plant it in a sunny perennial border or cutting garden, or repeat it in a naturalized planting. Its deep red-and-copper flowers make a strong accent among spring perennials. Allow the clump room to grow without burying or crowding its rhizomes. ## Maintenance Remove faded blooms and divide crowded clumps in mid- to late summer after flowering. Clear old foliage at season's end and watch for iris borer and rot. Read the [American Iris Society entry for Ruby Mine](https://wiki.irises.org/TbPthruT/TbRubyMine) for its cultivar record and historical color description, and NC State Extension's [bearded-iris guide](https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/iris-x-germanica/) for general culture.