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.
The “Language of Flowers” is a sentimental phrase that crops up here and there, often to promote Valentine’s Day or Mother’s Day. However, apart from sentiment or promotion is the distinct vocabulary used by fanciers or specialists for a particular flower like the Iris. Iris Popular Garden Favorites Because the Iris is one of the … Read more
Summary: Bearded Iris put on a colorful show in the landscape. But to enjoy the show bearded Iris needs some attention during the year. Below you’ll find tips on when to trim, feed, plant, divide, and other more to make iris grow and bloom their best! April Clean up around the base of Iris clumps … Read more
Summary: The bearded Iris comes in many different colors and breathtaking forms, filling our gardens with color from May to June, but the wide variety we have today was not always the case. Question: I have become fascinated with the Bearded Iris. Do you have any history of the plant? Are the hybrids we see … Read more
Summary: Siberian iris bulbs produce dramatic colors, have undemanding cultural requirements, provide a generous splash of color wherever used with a minimum of effort, and are virtually insect and disease-proof. What more could you ask from in a landscape flower! Question: I’ve heard that Siberian Iris are easy to grow and have minor problems with … Read more
Summary: The native Louisiana swamp Iris is a brilliant star of the floral world, admired for its airy grace and beauty but too often unappreciated as a suitable garden subject. One of the most brilliant stars to blaze across the floral horizon over the years is the native Louisiana swamp iris. For centuries this native … Read more
Of the hundreds of species of iris, one of the most interesting is the lovely Iris dichotoma or Vesper Iris (also called Pardanthopsis). Vesper flowers last longer, and the plants produce more blooms than any other I know, and has many other endearing characteristics. Its delicate blossoms come in lavender tints, pale blue, and rose … Read more
Bearded Iris flowers capture the color symphony of the universe – the blue of sea and sky. The deep turquoise of clear mountain pools, the shining yellow of sunlight, the pure white of snow, the red, gold, and bronze of autumn leaves. The purple merging into the black of the night sky. The jewel tones … Read more
Have you been troubled with your prize iris buds turning brown and mysteriously dying? The chances are that Iris crown rot may be the culprit. Unfortunately, some iris hybrids are more severely attacked than older varieties. Iris Crown Rot Above-ground symptoms of crown rot vary somewhat depending on the particular organism causing the trouble. Wilting, iris leaves … Read more
When it comes to flowers, none can more adequately fill this need than tall bearded iris. Only a few clumps of Iris in the landscape design strategically placed are required to put on a “show” in a small garden in late May and early June. It is not without reason that tall bearded iris have … Read more
Question: Should Iris Plants Be Mulched? Amy J, Miss. Answer: Bearded irises like the heat and “baked soil” of midsummer. They need no mulch in winter unless there is a danger that freezing and thawing will heave newly set plants from the soil. In Mississippi, mulching should be unnecessary in winter and even harmful in summer. During … Read more