Iris in themselves are one of the easiest plants to grow. Some are moisture loving, but many are rather drought tolerant once established. Most will also grow in poor soil and even clay with little to no fertilizer. The one thing they all need is full sun. Iris are poisonous.
The problem with Iris? Iris borers! Odds are, Iris will be attacked sooner or later. A few years ago I lost nearly all of my Iris. I did manage to save some of most by digging, cleaning and replanting them elsewhere. Because of the rotting rhizomes caused by the borers, it was not a pleasant smelling job and I killed many borers along the way. I now check often and spray occasionally to prevent losing them again. A long time gardener told me that when most gardeners start to downsize, Iris are one of the first things to go because of the care needed to prevent borers. Another gardener told me she considers Iris to be short lived or temporary, simply getting rid of those attacked by borers. |
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Aside from borers, Iris are mostly care free. Unless you are collecting seed, deadhead them after the blooms are spent. Cut back the tops in fall, or sooner if they are looking shabby, and keep debris cleaned from around them to help prevent pests and rot. Every few years they do need thinning out. I once saw a bed of Iris that was multiple layers of rhizomes deep! To thin Iris, simply dig them out and remove the large, unproductive and small rhizomes, keeping only those that are medium sized. Amend the soil, cut back the tops, trim older roots and replant, making sure not to cover the rhizomes. The recommended time for this is usually between July and September when they are dormant, but I do not limit myself to then. Water them in and they are ready to go. Iris are easily propagated by division.
Iris ‘Appleblossom Pink’
Intermediate Bearded Iris hardy in zones 3-8 April-May bloom More peachy than pink. |
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Iris ‘Black Gamecock’
Louisiana Iris hardy in zones 5-10 moisture loving May-June bloom |
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Iris ‘Vanity’
Tall Bearded Iris hardy in zones 3-8 May-June bloom |
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Iris barbata nana
common name Dwarf Flag Iris hardy in zones 5-10 March-May bloom I added these to a well known gardening site and was notified they were removed because they are not a recognized variety. They were tagged this from a reputable source, so I will place them here. I am not sure if these are the same as Dutch Iris, and I do have more than one color, so they may very well be different varieties. I am not an Iris expert, so I do not pretend to know for sure. The dwarfs are definitely one of my favorites because they are so cute and do not flop. |
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Iris germanica ‘Before The Storm’
Tall Bearded Iris perennial in zones 3-9 full to partial sun May-June bloom The lighting and camera show more purple than what you actually see. This is nearly black, one of our favorites just for how it stands out. Beautiful! |
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Iris pallida ‘Aurea Variegata’
Sweet Iris, Variegated Sweet Iris, Variegated Orris Root, Zebra Iris hardy in zones 4-8 May bloom Some claim 'Aurea Variegata' and 'Variegata' are the same, but I have both and they are not, as you can see for yourself in the photos. As implied in the name, "aurea" means "yellow," and where 'Variegata' is white, 'Aurea Variegata' is yellow. They have a very fragrant, grape-like scent. |
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Iris pallida ‘Variegata’
Sweet Iris, Variegated Sweet Iris, Variegated Orris Root, Zebra Iris hardy in zones 4-8 May bloom Notice the variegation is white, not yellow. I grow both 'Aurea Variegata' and 'Variegata' more for the foliage than the flower. |
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Iris sibirica
Siberian Iris hardy in zones 4-9 full to partial sun May-June bloom |
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Iris siberica ‘Butter And Sugar’
Siberian Iris
perennial in zones 3-9
full to partial sun
New to our garden in 2019.
Siberian Iris
perennial in zones 3-9
full to partial sun
New to our garden in 2019.
Iris siberica ‘Kabluey’
Siberian Iris
hardy in zones 3-9
full to partial sun
May-June bloom
Siberian Iris
hardy in zones 3-9
full to partial sun
May-June bloom
Iris versicolor
Blue Flag Iris, Dagger Flower, Water Iris, Liver Lily hardy in zones 2-8 moisture loving May-June bloom |
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Updated May 27, 2021.