{"product_id":"bearded-iris-stepping-out-pack-of-1-rhizome","title":"Bearded Iris Stepping Out (Pack of 1 Rhizome)","description":"\u003ch2\u003eBearded Iris Stepping Out (Pack of 1 Rhizome)\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin-bottom: 8.0pt;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003ePlease Note: These bulbs cannot be shipped to Western Australia or Tasmania due to biosecurity restrictions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin-bottom: 8.0pt;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eBearded Iris Stepping Out (Iris × germanica 'Stepping Out') is one of the most recognised and celebrated tall bearded irises ever created. This iconic plicata features large blooms with a snowy white ground colour that carries a handsome, glossy sheen, bordered by broad, sharply defined blue-black-violet plicata edges on both standards and falls. The contrast between the pristine white centre and the vivid blue-violet edging is striking and unmistakable. A stylish ruffling across every petal enhances the flower's beauty, while the large blooms are held aloft with regal carriage on well-branched stems with ideal four-way branching. Hybridised by Schreiner and introduced in 1964, Stepping Out earned an Honourable Mention in 1965, an Award of Merit in 1967, the Nelson Award in 1968, and the Dykes Memorial Medal in 1968, with further Nelson Award wins in subsequent years. More than six decades after its introduction, Stepping Out remains a benchmark for plicata irises and continues to thrive in gardens worldwide.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 12.0pt 0cm 6.0pt 0cm;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt;\"\u003eProduct Highlights\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-indent: -18.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; margin: 0cm 0cm 4.0pt 36.0pt;\" class=\"MsoListParagraph\"\u003e\u003c!-- [if !supportLists]--\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\"\u003e•\u003cspan style=\"font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';\"\u003e       \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c!--[endif]--\u003ePack of 1 premium rhizome\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-indent: -18.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; margin: 0cm 0cm 4.0pt 36.0pt;\" class=\"MsoListParagraph\"\u003e\u003c!-- [if !supportLists]--\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\"\u003e•\u003cspan style=\"font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';\"\u003e       \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c!--[endif]--\u003eFlower colour: white ground plicata with broad blue-black-violet edges on standards and falls\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-indent: -18.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; margin: 0cm 0cm 4.0pt 36.0pt;\" class=\"MsoListParagraph\"\u003e\u003c!-- [if !supportLists]--\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\"\u003e•\u003cspan style=\"font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';\"\u003e       \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c!--[endif]--\u003eBloom time: midseason to late (late spring in Australian gardens)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-indent: -18.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; margin: 0cm 0cm 4.0pt 36.0pt;\" class=\"MsoListParagraph\"\u003e\u003c!-- [if !supportLists]--\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\"\u003e•\u003cspan style=\"font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';\"\u003e       \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c!--[endif]--\u003eHeight: approximately 97 cm (38 inches) at maturity\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-indent: -18.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; margin: 0cm 0cm 4.0pt 36.0pt;\" class=\"MsoListParagraph\"\u003e\u003c!-- [if !supportLists]--\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\"\u003e•\u003cspan style=\"font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';\"\u003e       \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c!--[endif]--\u003eDykes Memorial Medal winner 1968 (American Iris Society's highest award)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-indent: -18.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; margin: 0cm 0cm 4.0pt 36.0pt;\" class=\"MsoListParagraph\"\u003e\u003c!-- [if !supportLists]--\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\"\u003e•\u003cspan style=\"font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';\"\u003e       \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c!--[endif]--\u003eIconic plicata pattern with ideal four-way branching and regal carriage\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"text-indent: -18.0pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; margin: 0cm 0cm 4.0pt 36.0pt;\" class=\"MsoListParagraph\"\u003e\u003c!-- [if !supportLists]--\u003e\u003cspan style=\"mso-list: Ignore;\"\u003e•\u003cspan style=\"font: 7.0pt 'Times New Roman';\"\u003e       \u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c!--[endif]--\u003eDrought tolerant and frost hardy once established\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 12.0pt 0cm 6.0pt 0cm;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt;\"\u003eGrowing Guide\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin-bottom: 8.0pt;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003ePlant the rhizome in full sun and free-draining soil, with the top of the rhizome at soil level or just exposed. Space rhizomes 30 to 45 cm apart to allow good air circulation. Avoid planting too deeply and do not cover the rhizome with heavy mulch, as trapped moisture can encourage rot. In acidic soils, incorporate some lime or dolomite before planting. Water in after planting to settle the roots, then allow the soil to dry between waterings once established. Stepping Out is remarkably drought tolerant once established and performs well on natural rainfall across most Australian regions.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 12.0pt 0cm 6.0pt 0cm;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt;\"\u003eClimate Zone Guide\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin-bottom: 8.0pt;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eCool and Alpine: Plant rhizomes from late summer to mid-autumn (February to April). Cold winters provide excellent dormancy conditions, promoting vigorous root development and a prolific spring display.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin-bottom: 8.0pt;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eTemperate: Plant from late summer to mid-autumn (February to April). Temperate regions provide ideal conditions for Stepping Out, producing its signature sharp, high-contrast plicata pattern reliably each spring.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin-bottom: 8.0pt;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eSubtropical: Plant from March to May in a position with full morning sun and excellent drainage. The plicata pattern may show slight colour variation in warmer climates, but an open, well-drained position will produce excellent results.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin-bottom: 8.0pt;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eTropical and Arid: Bearded irises require a cool winter dormancy period and may not perform reliably in tropical regions. In arid zones with cool winters, plant in a sheltered position with afternoon shade and ensure the soil drains freely.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 12.0pt 0cm 6.0pt 0cm;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt;\"\u003eCare and Maintenance\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin-bottom: 8.0pt;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eFeed with a low-nitrogen fertiliser (such as a rose or bulb feed) in late winter and again after flowering finishes. Avoid high-nitrogen fertilisers that encourage leafy growth over blooms. Remove spent flower stalks at the base once blooming is complete. Trim old foliage back in autumn to expose the rhizome to sunlight and improve air circulation. Divide clumps every three to four years after flowering to maintain vigour and flower quality. Lift the rhizome, discard the spent central section, and replant healthy outer divisions. Monitor for slugs and snails, especially during cooler, damp weather.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin: 12.0pt 0cm 6.0pt 0cm;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003cspan style=\"font-size: 12.0pt;\"\u003eToxicity and Warnings\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp style=\"margin-bottom: 8.0pt;\" class=\"MsoNormal\"\u003eIris may cause irritation or illness if eaten by pets or people. The rhizomes contain the highest concentration of irritating compounds. Keep rhizomes away from children, dogs, cats, and horses. Wear gloves when handling rhizomes if you have sensitive skin.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Happy Valley Seeds","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":52357080252728,"sku":"BULB-F-287","price":15.83,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0268\/5416\/2522\/files\/bearded-iris-stepping-out-pack-of-1-rhizome-8075708.jpg?v=1779260047","url":"https:\/\/www.happyvalleyseeds.com.au\/products\/bearded-iris-stepping-out-pack-of-1-rhizome","provider":"Happy Valley Seeds","version":"1.0","type":"link"}