Iris (I’ris) is a large genus of mostly hardy flowering plants most with perennial rootstocks or bulbs.
Irises grow wild in temperate countries in the Northern Hemisphere. Most Irises bloom in May and June.
The structure of Iris flowers differs from most plants. The three outer perianth segments (petals) known as falls hang down; the other three stand erect and are known as standards.
One of tine most amusing occurrences in my garden each spring is to have one to a dozen admirers of the iris bring a bloom from their garden to compare it with more than 600 named varieties and numbered seedlings that grow there. Nine times out of 10, the iris to be named is an … Read more
Pacific Coast iris enhance the beauty of any rockery or border where they are planted. These lovely species, native only to a strip of our Western coast from lower Washington to California, are becoming increasingly popular with gardeners interested in small irises. Not to be confused with miniature or dwarf types, these Apogon (beardless) family … Read more
For many years, the strain of bulbous iris called “Dutch” iris has been limited to three or four colors in which blue was very dominant. Dutch Iris Varieties WEDGWOOD, a light blue-flowered variety with narrow yellow signals on the falls, was one of the most popular and widely used. Its adaptability for greenhouse forcing made … Read more
Summary: Discover the rich history and unique beauty of aril irises, including Oncocyclus and Regalia species, and how you can grow them in your garden. Have you ever heard about the fascinating world of ancient irises? These exotic flowers, named after Iris, the Greek goddess of the rainbow, have a rich history and stunning color … Read more
There are many different kinds of iris in southern gardens. The Japanese, Siberian, and Louisianas do well in moist soil, and the Dutch iris put on a glorious display in April and May in a well-drained location. The bearded iris—the most popular in America today—needs special care to do well south of Montgomery, Alabama; West … Read more
Some gardeners must just be the contrary! When the wise ones told me it was impossible to grow Japanese irises in Denver, that was all it took! “Our climate is too dry, too hot in summer, too cold in winter; our soil is too alkaline; Japanese irises are just not grown here.” So, I scouted … Read more
Suppose you have been promising yourself a bed of bearded iris. Get started as soon as possible. Iris planting time is now, and orders for the rhizomes (bulb-like roots) should be placed with growers as soon as possible. The bearded iris is one of the easiest flowers to grow and will tolerate various soils and … Read more
Understanding the Ideal Location for Bearded Irises The ideal location for German Irises and other bearded varieties is on a slope or a level at the top of a slope because of the dryness of good drainage. Incorporating Bearded Irises in a Rock Garden In a rock garden, where a clump or two of dwarf … Read more
All good gardeners know that the best time to set out new varieties of German iris or to divide established clumps is in June, immediately after they bloom. However, most of us are usually absorbed in a hundred and one more pressing tasks at that time, and often iris does not get the attention it … Read more
With a bulbous iris, you can create wonderful pictures in living colors in your garden. Moreover, you’ll come to treasure them for the beautiful arrangements which are so easy to achieve with their long-lived flowers. They are known as the florists’ iris, and few flowers are perfect for cutting. Nor do many display their exquisite … Read more