Gardeners value irises for their reliable spring performance and hardy vigor in the landscape.
even in hot and dry conditions.
The lifespan of irises ranges between five and 20 years depending on the variety.
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The iris is also a beautiful bloom to incorporate into yourcut flower arrangements.
Here are iris types popular for North American gardens.
Iris Care Tips
Most iris varieties require periodicdivision of the roots.
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Bearded irises are prone to iris borer worms.
Dwarf Bearded Iris
The dwarf bearded iris group includes those cultivars ofI.
germanicathat grow 815 inches high.
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Another subdivision, the miniature dwarfs, grows less than 8 inches high.
What’s not to love about these little powerhouses that illuminate your border garden androck garden?
Some growers think these irises tolerate shade better than their standard cousins.
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The 6-inch-high flowers appear from March to May and willattract hummingbirdsand bees to the garden.
Provide acidic soil to mirror the conditions of the pine groves where these plants grow in the wild.
Like the bearded iris, this species spreads through rhizomes that can be divided to propagate new plants.
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Don’t collect wild irises, which may be endangered in their native habitats.
If you struggle to grow plants in an area with wet spring soils following the winter thaw, tryI.
missouriensis.Gardeners in the South should tryI.
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confusa, also known as the bamboo iris, which prefers frost-free climates and growing conditions similar to azaleas.
Dutch Iris
Dutch irises were developed in the Netherlands from parent species native to Spain and Morocco.
Rather than growing from rhizomes, these are bulbous irises.Plant the bulbs deeplyin the fall.
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Some varieties, like ‘Amethyst’s Sister’ and ‘Freckled Peacock,’ routinely exceed four feet in height.
sanguinea.They bloom slightly later than the bearded iris, providing a color bridge to summer perennials.
Siberian iris is fairly drought tolerant and may succumb to crown rot if the soil is too wet.
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This iris pop in spreads aggressively by rhizomes and may be best controlled in acontainer garden.
Some varieties are hardy as far north as Zone 4.
They bloom early, between March and May depending on your climate.
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Dwarf bearded iris tend to spread fast, forming dense mats of foliage.
Most beardless irises bloom in June, much later than the bearded iris.
Their foliage is thin and grass-like.
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TheAmerican Iris Societyalso includes several other divisions and subdivisions of irises in addition to the ones described here.
With over 300 species available, the iris family are perennials and that come back every year.
Once the blooms are finished, you should deadhead them.
The iris flower is not only beautiful, but they attract butterflies and hummingbirds, too.
Bearded (or German) irises are the most common punch in of iris.
The orchid-like flowers are commonly found in gardens.
Does your iris have a beard?Montana State University Extension
