Irises are many faceted just like our theme. You might no know about the diversity because attention always focuses on just a few of the large blooming varieties, but in fact there are 200 species of this herbaceous perennial. They live in a great variety of habitats from dry to wet. Irises have a wide variety of single colors but also hybridized combinations. However, the most common colors are blue, yellow and white. They are named after the Greek goddess of love and mean "rainbow." In the languages of flowers, the iris symbolizes eloquence.
Types
German and Japanese irises are the two most common. Bearded Iris are also referred to as German Iris which adds to confusion. There are six classifications of bearded German iris based on their height. In addition to to bearded German irises, there are Japanese, Dutch, Siberian, and Louisiana irises. Louisiana irises have five of their own subspecies: Iris brevicaulis, Iris fulva, Iris giganticaerulea, Iris hexagona, and Iris nelsonii. While I. brevicaulis and I. fulva are native to the Mississippi valley from Louisiana to Ohio, I. hexagona is native from the southern East Coast to Texas, and I. giganticaerulea is found along the Gulf Coast from Mississippi to Texas. Only in south Louisiana do all five species occur together. I. nelsonii is found only in south Louisiana.
Note: Some Louisiana irises may not be hardy in our zone. Another caution, Iris pseudacorus (yellow flag) can help with water purification, but it is considered an invasive noxious weed in some states.
Note: Some Louisiana irises may not be hardy in our zone. Another caution, Iris pseudacorus (yellow flag) can help with water purification, but it is considered an invasive noxious weed in some states.
Irises can be grown from a rhizome, bulb or root. A bulb form iris is smaller flowering and works well in rock gardens or front of the border. Dutch irises work well in spring flower design. Siberian, Louisiana and Japanese irises come in root form. Consider your intention when selecting one.
Because irises are such complex flowers, there are many identifiable parts. See the diagram on the right for identification. |
The Dykes Medal is given annually to an outstanding iris. The most frequent winners of this medal is the tall bearded iris. Receipt of this award is also a good guide when trying to select a plant.
How to Plant and Maintain
Fall is the best time for planting irises in a location where they can enjoy full sun to part shade. They benefit from soil amendments or compost before planting and can be grown near black walnut trees. Those that grow from a rhizome should be half buried. Eventually the rhizome will for a mat. It may be best to divide the plant, or there will be fewer blooms. Divide bearded irises every 4-5 years in late summer.
Iris foliage can look a little ratty as the season goes on. When the flowers fade and there are no more buds, cut the stem back to the ground. In fall, trim leaves back to about 4-5 inches. Add additional mulch when ground freezes to cover rhizomes and prevent frost heaving, but leave rhizomes slightly peaking from soil during the rest of the year.
Recommended flowering companion plants include: pansy, daffodil, allium, peony, violet, columbine, lupine, phlox, dianthus, poppy, sedums, chamomile, and yarrow. They are versatile players and their spiky sculptural leaves are great contrast to other leaf types in the garden.
Iris foliage can look a little ratty as the season goes on. When the flowers fade and there are no more buds, cut the stem back to the ground. In fall, trim leaves back to about 4-5 inches. Add additional mulch when ground freezes to cover rhizomes and prevent frost heaving, but leave rhizomes slightly peaking from soil during the rest of the year.
Recommended flowering companion plants include: pansy, daffodil, allium, peony, violet, columbine, lupine, phlox, dianthus, poppy, sedums, chamomile, and yarrow. They are versatile players and their spiky sculptural leaves are great contrast to other leaf types in the garden.
Traditional Uses
Starting in the Middle Ages, reports exist of medicinal use, including for liver purging. Irises are also used to make perfumes. Iris germanica and Iris pallida produce orris root, which is common as a fixative in potpourri. The component is also used in Bombay Sapphire Gin. However, it takes about 5 years of aging for the root to produce a product and is best left to professionals.
Long associated with the French monarchy, the flower has also been adopted as a symbol by many other countries, provinces, and states, including Tennessee. Irises are second to roses in terms of their depiction in the arts. Durer, da Vinci, van Gogh, Renoir, Cezanne, Gauguin, and Monet have all made them a subject of their works. They also appear in many Asian artworks.
Long associated with the French monarchy, the flower has also been adopted as a symbol by many other countries, provinces, and states, including Tennessee. Irises are second to roses in terms of their depiction in the arts. Durer, da Vinci, van Gogh, Renoir, Cezanne, Gauguin, and Monet have all made them a subject of their works. They also appear in many Asian artworks.
Iris Sources
Iris Gardens and Events
- Backus Garden in Landsdowne, VA has a collection of over 250. The home was built around 1755 by James Mercer, a delegate to the Continental Congress in 1779. Their iris garden was established in 2013.
- Presby Iris Garden in Montclair, NJ has 10,000 plants meticulously labelled by volunteers.
- Giardino dell'Iris in Florence, Italy was created in 1954. It is open April 25-May 20 and is listed as #93 of 639 things to do in Florence.
Links to Further Information
- The American Iris Society
- Shenandoah and Potomac Iris Society has been active in Virginia for more than 60 years.
- Society for Louisiana Irises
- Historic Iris Preservation Society