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.
Here’s an iris that tells time! At three o’clock every day from late July to frost, the 2″ inch flowers open into colorful gems of blue, lavender, or wine color, some enhanced by orange, mahogany, or tyrian markings on the attractive falls. Bigger And Better By careful crossing and selection, the height of the vesper … Read more
Deep in the swamps of south Louisiana grows a horticultural treasure that has all the brilliance of precious jewels. Whence this fabulous Louisiana iris came, or when, no one knows. It was in the late 1920s that Dr. John K. Small of The New York Botanical Garden first brought these swamp beauties to the attention … Read more
Irises are easy, hardy perennials that thrive under difficult conditions and seldom cause much trouble. Far more than that, they present you in May and June with an all-out blooming spree that makes everything else took pale by comparison. Here are the methods I use to get irises off to a good start. They have … Read more
Summary: Bearded iris provides gardens with a rainbow of color from late May and early June. What color combinations will you use? If you want a rainbow in the garden in late May and early June, plant plenty of tall bearded iris. There was a time when the tall bearded iris found its place in … Read more
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