====== Crepe Myrtle Flower Bed Design (2026 Plan) ======

This page documents the full planting plan for the **9‑foot circular front-yard bed** with the crepe myrtle at the center. It includes **what plants go where**, **how to plant them**, and **when to plant them** for Sanford, NC (Zone 7b).

===== 📏 Bed Overview =====

* Diameter: **9 ft** (radius ~4.5 ft)
* Centerpiece: **Crepe Myrtle**
* Rings:

  1. **Inner Ring – Siberian Iris** (perennial)
  2. **Middle Ring – Bearded Iris + Gladiolus**
  3. **Outer Ring – Creeping Phlox** (border)

===== 🗺 Layout Diagram =====

```
[Crepe Myrtle - center tree]

     (Inner Ring – Siberian Iris)
         I     I
           \ /
           / \
         I     I

   (Middle Ring – Bearded Iris clusters)
       B     B     B     B

 (Middle Ring – Gladiolus clusters)
       G     G     G     G

    (Outer Ring – Creeping Phlox border)
   P P P P P P P P P P P P
```

===== 🌿 Plant-by-Plant Placement =====

==== 🟣 Siberian Iris (Inner Ring) ====

* Plant **20–24 inches** out from the trunk.
* Use 4 plants at **North / East / South / West**.
* Plant in well-amended soil; these like slightly moist soil.

**Purpose:** Early-season height + structure.

==== 🌺 Bearded Iris (Middle Ring – Inner Side) ====
Varieties in bed:

* Cherub's Smile (pink)
* Dangerous Mood (purple/white)
* Superstition (black-purple)

**Placement:**

* Plant **between** the Siberian iris positions.
* Space **12–18 inches** apart.
* Rhizomes must be **half-exposed** (don’t bury fully).
* Group in 3s for best visual impact.

==== 🔥 Gladiolus (Middle Ring – Outer Side) ====

* Plant **just outside the bearded iris**, forming a second middle ring.
* Use **4 clusters**, spaced evenly.
* Each cluster = **5–7 bulbs**.
* Plant **6–7 inches deep**.
* Mulch over winter to help them perennialize.

These bloom later, adding mid–late season color.

==== 💜 Creeping Phlox (Outer Ring) ====

* Full circular border around the bed.
* Space plants **8–10 inches** apart.
* Plant on slight outward slope for best trailing effect.

**Purpose:** Finishes the bed, hides mulch/edge, early-spring color.

===== 🕒 When to Plant (Sanford, NC – Zone 7b) =====

**Siberian Iris**

* Plant rhizomes as soon as soil can be worked: **March**.

**Bearded Iris**

* Plant rhizomes in **March–April**.
* Must sit partly above soil.

**Gladiolus**

* Plant after last frost: **April 10–20**.
* Optional: stagger every 2 weeks for longer bloom.

**Creeping Phlox**

* Plant in **March–April**.
* Water well the first two weeks.

===== 💧 Watering Plan =====

* Week 1–3: Keep soil slightly moist while bulbs establish.
* After establishment:

  * Iris: low water needs.
  * Gladiolus: moderate water, especially during bloom.
  * Phlox: low water.

Mulch lightly (2–3”) but **keep bearded iris rhizomes exposed**.

===== 🌱 Soil & Prep =====

* Add compost and a small amount of bone meal.
* Till 4–6 inches deep.
* Ensure good drainage around the edges.

===== 🎨 Bloom Timeline =====

* **March–April** – Creeping Phlox
* **April–May** – Bearded Iris
* **May–June** – Siberian Iris
* **June–August** – Gladiolus
* **Summer** – Crepe Myrtle canopy

This ensures **continuous color from early spring through late summer**.

===== 🔄 Maintenance Tips =====

* Deadhead gladiolus for cleaner summer look.
* Cut back iris leaves only after yellowing.
* Add fresh mulch yearly.
* Every 3–4 years, lift and divide iris for better growth.

===== 📸 Visual Mockups =====
Mockups generated show the intended layout with:

* Inner Siberian iris
* Middle bearded iris + gladiolus
* Outer creeping phlox

(See images in the ChatGPT conversation for reference.)

====== ✅ Summary ======
This bed is designed for:

* Maximum bloom coverage across seasons
* Low maintenance year-to-year
* Strong color layering
* Long-term perennial structure around the crepe myrtle

Let me know if you want alternate color schemes, spacing diagrams, or printable planting guides!