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.
Study a few iris catalogs, especially from hybridizers, and you will see that far more remarkable achievements are being made with iris breeding. Once color-crazed, iris hybridizers also concentrate on vigor, disease resistance, and good branching and height variations. All the varieties discussed in this article are vigorous except one or two, which have enough … Read more
No matter where you garden, in the cool North, or humid South, California, Connecticut, or Colorado, there is a native iris that will be happy with you because it is either indigenous to your region or able to adapt itself well enough to it. Native iris fall into either the beardless or crested divisions. Except … Read more
Iris means rainbow, and no other flower deserves this name quite well. You will find masses of all spectrum colors among the tall bearded irises. Add elegant flower form and texture, plus a hardy disposition that lets the plant live almost everywhere, and you have a spectacular garden perennial. It fails only in the deep … Read more
In April and early May, the littlest irises are the loveliest. Their size is in keeping with the spirit of a season of new-hatched chicks, baby rabbits, and even the small fleecy clouds of April. Their charm is enormous, and their array of colors is second only to the tulips. Last spring, in my northern … Read more
Wherever a civilization has flourished, so has the iris. Usually in the very fancy company, indeed! Iris At Karnak Thutmosis III, the greatest of the conquering Pharaohs, brought it to Egypt from Syria in the last half of the 15th century B. C. A witness is an iris in bas-relief on the walls of his … Read more
If you are unfamiliar with them, horned iris are like the tall bearded varieties, but with an important difference. In them, the beards stick out smartly like spurs or horns instead of lying flat. This gives them a provocative look that adds interest to the garden and arrangements. Other than that, they bloom at the … Read more
Too little attention has been given to the number of small iris that can be successfully grown in the garden. The tall bearded class has long dominated the iris family, though rightfully so, as it consists of the most magnificent specimens. However, several little irises should be seen more often. Charming and delicate, dwarf iris … Read more
One would not dream of a well-planned late spring garden without at least a few varieties of iris standing among the aquilegia and peonies. But what was the picture a few weeks earlier? Perhaps a small group of daffodils looked out over the expanse of foliage from later blooming plants, or maybe a smattering of … Read more
Summary: Learn how to grow fine iris plants with these simple tips, including preparing the soil, fertilizing, ensuring proper drainage, and managing diseases and pests to achieve a stunning display of irises in your garden. If you expect iris plants to arrive this month, you’ll want to warmly welcome them. Give them a bed adequately … Read more
Dutch irises provide inexpensive, rich color from late-tulip time until the end of June. They’ve long since proved their dependable hardiness, and even Northern gardeners can forget that the word lender” once applied to Dutch irises. Iris will grow in any reasonably good garden soil that’s well-drained and sunny, and they’re a rewarding source of … Read more