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).

* 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)

``` [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 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.

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.

* 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.

* 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.

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.

* 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.

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

* 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.

* 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.

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.)

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!